Healthy Glow: Healthy Eating, La Mode & Ramblings

During one of the long weekends a couple of friends and I (including my lovable poodle Maxi) headed to Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico for a girl’s spa weekend at the Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & Spa. I’ll set the scene for you. Five women, one SUV, one poodle, driving from Mexico to New Mexico.

The spa is located at the base of the Sandia Mountains, with amazing views, modern amenities that is seamlessly blended with the local Tamayame culture.

For more information on how you can stay at this amazing resort click here.

A picture of the resort.

Hiking through the hills as soon as I woke up!

Every afternoon guests were treated to amazingly fresh baked bread with fresh whipped local butter. Yum!

Cliche picture of the beautiful sky.

Guests can hike to the Rio Grande.

Lucky for us, the New Mexico Wine Festival was happening the same weekend!

The quiet pool for guests who wanted to take in the scenery in silence.

For more pictures of my great escape add me on Instagram: HealthyGlowBlog

Last week, I attended the X Rated Liqueur Summer Soiree with some of my friends. It was a great party, free drinks, yummy passed small bites, and great conversation! The summer shindig was held at Vida Fitness at 1612 U Street, NW, WDC.

If you are looking for a gym in the District that pulls out all of the stops, then this gym is for you. While the pool is part of the gym, there is an extra fee that members must pay to use the rooftop pool. I also here from the management that there is a waiting list! 

The cocktails were amazing, but I don’t know if I would buy a whole bottle of this super sweet liqueur. 

You cannot beat this view! It was like stepping out of DC and into Miami!

I wore a dress from Wallis and a purse that I purchased in Accra Art Market in Accra, Ghana. 

The Buffalo Pizza was good, but it had way too much cheese and sauce. 

Each of these shoes has a special meaning to me. They may not be Christian Louboutin’s or some other really expensive brand but these are the shoes always seem brighten my mood because of they are tied to a memory. 

“For women, shoes are the most important. Good shoes take you good places.”
― Seo Min Hyun

“What do women want? Shoes.”
― Mimi Pond

1. Charlotte Russe Ankle-Wrap Metallic Trim Pump

2. ASOS HEXA Color Blocked High Platform Sandal - Black/Chestnut

“A pair of shoes can change your life. Just ask Cinderella.” -Anonymous

3. Wanted Oxfords

“I never wear flats. My shoes are so high that sometimes when I step out of them, people look around in confusion and ask, “Where’d she go?” and I have to say, “I’m down here.”
― Marian Keyes

EXCEPT FOR THESE SHOES!

4. ASOS PATCHI Cylindrical Heel Platform High Shoe

“The fact is, sometimes it’s hard to walk in a single woman’s shoes. That’s why we need really special ones now and then to make the walk a little more fun.” -Jenny Bicks

5. GUESS Marciano CLANCY Black Mary Jane Shoes

6. Beverly Feldman Pumps

“Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way, when you criticize them, you’re a mile away and you have their shoes.”
― Jack Handey

7. Charlotte Russe Color-Block Sueded Peep Wedge

“I want to write a book about shoes that’s full of footnotes.”
― Jarod Kintz

8. Spicy Metallic Wrap Evening Shoes

“Funny that a pair of really nice shoes makes us feel good in our heads — at the extreme opposite end of our bodies.” -Levende Waters

“You put high heels on and you change.” -Manolo Blahnik

Earlier this year, a wonderful little 12 pound poodle was given to me by my cousin in Denver. I didn’t know that such a small, fuzzy, overly excited dog would bring my family, friends, and I so much joy. Everytime I leave home and I am gone for 5 minutes or 6 hours I recieve the same greeting. Maxi jumps on me, makes a high pitch squealing sound, he barks, runs in circles, wiggles in my arms, and wags his tail so hard I think it may fall off. No matter how bad my day he always makes me feel loved.

Also, Maxi is wearing a sweater from the Martha Stewart pet collection that is currently on sale at Petsmart. It says “loyal”.

Don’t worry, Andrew (my boyfriend of three years) I still love you just as much as Maxi :)

Do you have a pet that brings you joy? If not, you should! Happy Friday everyone!

Yesterday afternoon I met a friend who was visiting her family from Chicago and a friend from undergrad in one of my favorite DC neighborhoods, Eastern Market. We headed to a spot for brunch, then perused the market place for jewelry. 

Afternoon snack when I came back home. It was a good day. I also picked up a new cocktail ring. I’m sure the ring will come up in a future post. 

This weekend was jam packed and full of great things to do! I hosted my little sister and friend, Joanna. They took the bus down from New York and I wanted to make sure that their trip was one to remember. On Saturday I wanted to dress comfortably but I didn’t want to look like the typical DC tourist. I also didn’t have time to go home for the whole day so I wanted to be able to transition from sightseeing to a chic lunch with friends. 

Tomfoolery. 

What I Wore:

• Black Dress: H&M
• Pearls: DC Pearl Lady. I love layering pearl necklaces. I am wearing 3 strands of varying lengths.
• Earrings: DC Pearl Lady
• Shoes: Urban Outfitters
• Bag: Michael Kors

What a perfect weekend.

Last month I had a really important work event and I was finally able to wear my favorite fire engine red power suit. I think that every woman and man should own at least one suit that makes you feel like the President of the United States. The first picture is of my mother and I.

What I Wore:

Suit: Isabella

Necklace: DC Pearl Lady

Earrings: Thrifted Shoes: Nine West

A couple weeks ago I attended an event at the National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution called Africa Undeground in Washington DC. Africa Underground is an after hours event at the National Museum of African Art where the public gets to enjoy the museum’s stunning exhibitions and features performances, dancing, light refreshments and drinks.

The inaugural event highlighted the creativities of mixed-media artists Sandile Zulu (South Africa) and Henrique Oliveira (Brazil) presented in the exhibition Artists in Dialogue 2. The event also featured African beer, Brazilian cocktails, performances by Zezeh Brazil Samba and afro-brazilian beats spun by DJs Adrian Loving, DJ Munch and DJ Underdog.

I had my face painted at the event.

My Uncle and I.

Me! I had so much fun.

What I Wore:

• Top: Had my aunt’s seamstress make it for me. It was my own design. 
• Skirt: Express Bandage Skirt
• Shoes: Michael Kors
• Necklace: H&M
• Earrings: From my Aunt’s shop in Ghana

This past Saturday, a couple of friends and I headed to the 2011 Chicago Ghanafest Afterset at Art Revolution. It took awhile to get things started, the bartender was extra wack, and the venue got so hot it was hard to breathe. The DJ did play good music though. It definitely made me excited for my upcoming trip to Ghana in a week.  

Pictured in the white is the fashionista blogger, EffMePumps, me, and Ayana.

I didn’t take many pictures!

I wish we could have gotten a shot of all of our shoes! It was the best part of all of our outfits!

What I Wore:

• Drop Earrings: From my Mom
• Romper: Threads for Thought clothing materials and construction is made from sustainable materials, in factories that pay their employees a living wage, and their clothing is still affordable, unlike American Apparel which I won’t even talk about right now.
• Shoes: Ralph Lauren peep toe pump in tan
• Bracelets: Made from Malachite which I purchased in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo at the Thieves Market. You can click on the link to get a better view of the bracelets which I wore to a benefit party three weeks ago.

Just bear with me. I have an early flight. 

I have a busy weekend ahead!

For the past couple of years I have spent my birthday in a different country or city that is far away from home. Sometimes in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Singapore, Washington, DC, etc. However, this year I am spending it at home! I get to spend it with close family and friends! I am so excited to see what this year will bring me. When I was 9 years old, I always wondered I would be like in my twenties. I am pretty happy with how things have progressed. Today I will probably hang out with my pup, go out to dinner, go to a lounge, and start getting ready my party on Saturday!

25 Random things/thoughts in my 25 years of life. 

1. I have two degrees (full scholarship for my undergraduate and graduate degrees).

2. I have an amazing boyfriend.

3. I have a cute dog.

4. I have traveled a whole lot.

5. I have turned into a  fitness freak.

6. I have a job as a U.S. Diplomat, which I start soon.

7. I have great friends.

8. I am smarter than I realize.

9. I started a blog that I am proud of.

10. I am so proud of my siblings who are doing equally amazing things.

11. I am comfortable in my skin.

12. I feel comfortable with who I am. Bald, black, and lovely! 

13. I am in love with being an American.

14. I recaptured my love with Fashion.

15. I am eating better (it is okay to eat decadent foods sometimes).

16. I’m alive!

17. I love having a summer birthday.

18. I have some great sorority sisters.

19. I’m moving to DC until I find where I am posted!

20. I can’t wait to see where I am headed next. Maybe I will get a PhD in 20 years?!

21. The world is a sad and scary place sometimes and I have a duty in making it less so.

22. Social media has enhanced all parts of my life. I have been able to meet great people, stay in touch with others, and build connections.

23. I still have extreme test anxiety and I need to get over it.

24. Wow, I can’t believe my grammar is so bad, I’m working on it.

25. Cheers to another year!

In my first Sari made in India. My sorority sister purchased it on my behalf in 2009. I can’t believe I walked around with all that hair on my head!

I apologize for not posting earlier, Chicago has been hit with some serious rain and my power and internet connection were both out all day! Anyway…

I used to laugh at those people who were obsessed with their pups but now I understand! I have turned into a crazy dog lady. We take lots of walks together, we take naps together, we go to the dog park, we watch movies together, etc. It may because I am on summer vacation for the month of July…but I am officially in love with this little pup. He is a pure bred miniature apricot colored poodle. His name is Maxi Bob and I adopted him from my cousin in Denver. Her young daughters named him and I told them I would keep his name Maxi. He is great because he doesn’t shed and he is very obedient and friendly!

And you know what? Dogs are great for fitness! I take him on 2 short walks (1 mile each) and 1 long walk that is 2 miles long. All of these walks are in addition to my already crazy fitness regimen! Dogs need exercise too!

Here is Maxi getting his check up at the vet.

Taking a nap after eating too much.

My cousin’s daughters taught Maxi how to sleep under the covers. What dog does that?

I love Indian food with all my heart. It doesn’t matter what part of India the food is from, I love it. Yesterday evening I went out with a old high school mate to catch up. We talked about our dogs and our upcoming trip to Ghana!

This $8.00 King Fisher was so necessary.

My friend picked fish curry, extra spicy.

I purchased the Vegetarian sampler. Complete with naan, a bean dish, yogurt dish, dessert, a salad, a spinach cheese dish, dessert, and it was lovely. I have so many leftovers. I did eat my dessert first. After dinner I took my puppy on a walk to help my food digest. 

My review:

I give Taste of India 5 stars out of 5 stars. The service was impeccable, the decor was lovely and the food was amazing. If you are ever in Merrillville, IN go check out Taste of India! For more information, click here.

What is your favorite restaurant?