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Something Humid this Way Comes

Helllloooooooooooo my fabulous frugal dc lovebirds,

I have been in hibernation the past couple months but baby I’M BACK and better than ever. New job, moving into a new place soon with my even more fabulous friend Jaime. Upward and onward!

This weekend will be full of horse races, food truck festivities, Jessica Alba, and the long-anticipated return of dc’s most legendary pool party. 

Put those smiles on, mama f&f is back in business.

XOXO 

Maranda 

#tbt Throwback to the 2nd Justin Timberlake concert of my life. 3X the charm this summer!

#tbt Throwback to the 2nd Justin Timberlake concert of my life. 3X the charm this summer!

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Fabulous Days

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What a wonderful weekend! I hope everyone had a chance to get outside today. Though windy, it’s actually quite warm in the sunlight…and I don’t know about you, but it’s really felt a long time since I felt the sunlight on my face.

Last weekend, I was in dreary Chicago visiting my grammie and uncles/cousins. No snow the whole weekend though so I consider myself a lucky one. Having alone time with family really makes a difference.

Last night was really fun. Friday, we went to an 80s grunge party at the Corcoran and needless to say, I had to wear the Madonna get-up. Saturday night, we made an appearance at the 15th Annual Heart Ball at the National Building Museum and danced the night away. Today is Purim for the Jewish tribe and I am celebrating by retelling the story of Esther and making dinner, having wine, and eating plenty of hamantashens. Recipes are coming at you this week so get ready! Jaime and I are taking on Atlantic Cod Fish Tacos and pics/recipe tricks will be hot off the press!

Stay warm out there!

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February Chill

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Long winded are the chilling and dreary days of February. It’s enough to make you plead for Spring with all your heart and soul and might. Chief groundhog says we’ll be out of this mess in six short weeks…but why does the shortest month of the year always feel the longest?

I apologize for the brief hiatus as I have been transitioning into another job within the DC area. I’ve learned that my type-A personality actually can be put to good use in the professional world. And I’m not the only one!

Imagining a world without Valentines Day seems a little unrealistic so I suppose I will have to post about some anti- and pro- V Day parties soon. Always welcoming your input so feel free to speak up!

In honor of all that is strength and this world, and due to Audi’s inspiring Superbowl commercial, and finally, because we all need a little bit this time of year, February’s theme is BRAVERY.

Live it, love it…Fabulously.

Maranda

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Indulging in the Good Times

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Inauguration on the National Mall!

I was talking to my friend Jaime today and we both decided that sometimes, a little indulgence is just what you need. Whether it’s a manicure, a grilled cheese sandwich, or some serious R&R on the couch, we all deserve a little break, so don’t give yourself a hard time about it! 

When it’s this cold outside, it’s hard to be out and about. Here’s what I’ve been doing to try and remain as f&F as possible:

1. Do errands in bulk. Plan during the day what you need to get done after work and make a route that’s quick so you don’t have to back-track!

2. Walk there, cab back. Sometimes being frugal and fabulous is not getting frostbite on your nose. Just saying. It was 18 degrees in Dupont at 10pm last night. Not worth the extra $7 in pocket.

3. Make lunch! My friend made this amazing sandwich with avocado, sprouts, sun dried tomatoes and tzadziki. I’m going to have to get her fine chef self to write a guest blog on the art of making healthy lunches!

4. Split the difference. Use the buddy system and save money on food, cabs, reusable items. 

5. Turbotax.com Get that return and don’t leave it to the last second!!

xoxo maranda 

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Spring 2013 Fashion: f&F Style

Alright, ladies, it’s that time of year when we’re told by the pessimists of the world (called forecasters) that we still should expect snow this season. However, if you’re like me, when spring fashion hits the racks, you start to see floral prints and bright colors and decide to mentally check out of winter and pretend that this awful season never even happened.

And live in delusion we shall. Here is what to expect this season and good deals to grab them early.

Stripes

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Spring 2013 Trend Report: Stipes, Elle
http://www.elle.com/fashion/trend-reports/

Stripes are in for the season and sheer and lace are mainstays from fall. This calls for some super sale action. Check out loft.com for some great deals like this. 60% off all sale items for a limited time!

Patchwork Denim/Lace Look

http://www.marieclaire.com/fashion/trends/spring-2013-fashion-trends#slide-46

Top Spring 2013 Fashion Trends Straight from the Runway, Marie Claire
http://www.marieclaire.com/fashion/trends/spring-2013-fashion-trends#slide-46

At New York Fashion week, designers like BCBG Max Azria showed off the amazing blend of girly and denim for a fun spring twist. Urban Outfitters has always been denim lovers and they have got the season’s best out now. Check it out here.

Black and White

Julianne Moore in Tom Ford at Golden Globes 2013http://www.vogue.fr/mode/red-carpet/diaporama/golden-globes-2013-argo-claire-danes-anne-hathaway-jessica-chastain-marion-cotillard/11294/image/664063#julianne-moore-golden-globes-2013-tom-ford

Julianne Moore in Tom Ford
http://www.vogue.fr/mode/red-carpet/

Nothing is classy like a case of the black and whites as evidenced by Julianne Moore’s stunning dress at the Golden Globes. As for us commoners, the sleek, sexy look of tuxedo blazers for spring may be more appropriate. Dress it up for work with cropped black pants and heels or with a sequined blouse for a night out. Macy’s has an amazing sale on these right now.

Holy Sheer

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Top Spring 2013 Fashion Trends Straight from the Runway, Marie Claire

Showing skin has never been this fabulous. Pair a bright sheer top with almost anything this spring. Or a fun dress like Nicole Miller’s design above. Love love LOVE it! Overstock has some very fun dresses for less than $30. Can’t.Go.Wrong.

I hope you girls have your smiles on. Let’s drive this cold weather outta town!