Make Me Over

1.  Aveda Shampure Shampoo ($13.50) - I can't even begin to tell you guys how much I love this shampoo. It's super gentle, and it works with all hair types.  It's infused with 25 pure flower + plant essences so it smells like heaven.  Note: a little goes a long way so don't go too crazy - a dime-sized amount will get the job done.  It lathers nicely and rinses out easily.  Yes, at $13.50 it's pricier than drugstore shampoos, but it's worth the extra cash. Your scalp will feel really clean, and your mane will feel ridiculously soft.  Rating:  5/5 because this item's bomb!

2.  Marc Jacobs Glow Stick ($42) - I find the effect of this luminizer intoxicating.  If you're looking to elevate your look for a special occasion, make sure you try this baby out at your local Sephora.  It gives you a very subtle but sexy glow that seriously wows.  I like to apply it with my finger and blend it with a sponge.  The color's really pretty (think champagne-esque),  and it'll stay on all night.  It contains shimmer, but it's tasteful, not tacky.  I recommend putting it on your cheekbones and décolletage.  It's also super buildable so you can layer all you want! Rating:  4.5/5 - it loses half a point for the price.

3.  Maybelline Lip Color Palette ($13.99) - Obsessed with this palette.  There are eight lippies total, and they're all pretty in their own right.  If you're not a fan of a particular color, no worries - you can mix and match to your heart's desire.  They're soft & super blendable so you can easily create your own custom shade/s.  The included lip brush works really well so application's easy.  I just wish there was a mirror! If you need to reapply, just make sure you have your cell phone handy because your cam conveniently doubles as a makeshift mirror! Rating:  4.3/5 - it gets 5 stars for color + finish, 3.5 stars for lasting power, and 4.5 stars for price.

4.  Supergoop Sunscreen Serum ($42) - If you're looking for a lightweight product that provides serious SPF protection + hydration, make sure to check this baby out.  It goes on a bit "thick," but once you rub it in, your skin eats it up within seconds.  There's no grease or white cast either.  I like to slather this on after washing my face first thing in the morning.  I personally haven't experienced any pilling, but I've heard that others have.  If you're worried, wait 15-20 minutes before applying BB cream/foundation/etc.  Rating:  4.5/5 - like the glow stick featured above, I deducted a half point for the price.

5.  Maybelline Master Contour Stick ($9.99) - This baby glides on smooth and is super easy to use.  Cream contouring seriously couldn't get any simpler - just outline your face with the stick and blend it all in with a sponge.  The effect's subtle so it all looks very natural.  If you want a more dramatic look, simply get your layer on. IMHO, the contouring side's BAMF, but the highlighter's just ok.  I sometimes use the latter on my under eye area + nose, but I prefer powder alternatives.  I own this product in "light," but it's also available in medium and dark.  Rating:  4/5 - minus 1 point for the highlighter.

6.  Pixi by Petra Multibalm ($12) - Available in 5 colors total, these multibalms are made with aloe vera, shea butter and rose hip oil.  These creamy sticks double as lippies & blushes, and they're quite pigmented.  My favorites are as follow: Baby Petal (a pretty medium pink), Wild Rose (a gorgeous mauve rose), and Watermelon Veil (a beautiful light pink).  As always, color's buildable so if you want a more intense look, simply layer and blend with a sponge.  This product gets a 5/5 for practicality, price and quality.

Two-tone Queen

This is going to sound really stupid, but I like to collect dresses.  If I come across a really cool design, I really can't help myself...unless it's ridonkulously expensive, and I literally can't afford it, ha.  I don't really like wearing pants so I live in dresses & skirts.  Honestly, it may have to do with the fact that I'm kind of self-conscious about my back fat.  Call me crazy or whatever, but we all have insecurities. That just happens to be my biggest one!  

So, when I stumbled upon this super cute two-tone piece at Dezzal, I flipped out, especially since it's a design I can wear to work.  Since I'm sensible and all that jazz, functionality always tickles my fancy. I absolutely adore the floral print and the pop of orange.  It's perfect for summer, and I love that I can wear it anywhere I so desire.  Date night? Style it with a pair of killer black stilettos and a eye-catching clutch.  Going to work? Throw on a pair of beige pumps and carry your neutral everyday tote.  A casual hang? Throw on summer sandals and your fave shoulder bag.  The options are endless!  

For those of you interested in copping this dress, it's available here for purchase.  I'm wearing a size small, and it fits me well.  Make sure you pay attention to measurements.  Their sizing varies from product to product so keep that in mind when shopping their site.  They carry a ton of cool designs from Chinese designers!  I wasted a good hour or so browsing their collection last night.  Oh well, it's all "research" for Sensible Stylista so my actions are totally justified...or so I like to tell myself, ha.

I styled my dress with a vintage Bally bag and threw on blush platform sandals to top off my look.  I picked these shoes up recently at the Nine West Factory Outlet in Hagerstown, MD.  They were on sale for $19.99 so I obviously had to purchase them, ha.  They were too cute (and surprisingly comfortable) to pass up!  

Shoes:  Nine West Factory (similar) || Bag:  Vintage Bally || Dress:  c/o Dezzal

SS Eats: George Martin's Grillfire

It's time for more noms, everyone!  For today's post, I'll be telling you guys all about my experience at George Martin's Grillfire in Hanover, MD.  If you're a fan of solid American food, you'll love this restaurant.  They know how to do comfort food, for reals.  

The space is pretty, and the vibe's quite nice.  You don't have to get super dressed up or anything, but it's definitely not a let's-put-on-flip-flops-and-go kind of place.  I've been here several times since I've moved here and have enjoyed most everything I've tried on the menu.  

This may be completely irrational, but I totally judge restaurants based on their bread.  Lucky for George Martin's, their bread = life.  It's freshly-baked white bread stuffed with blue cheese (!!!!!) I could easily eat 3 of these by myself...in one sitting - FYI, no complimentary bread during lunch [insert sad face here], only dinner.  

Now, moving onto apps.  I ordered their creamy tomato soup to start, and it was ridiculously delicious.  It came out pipin' hot, and the flavor was super on point.  This was a special, so I don't know if it's available on the daily, but it's worth getting if it's on the menu.  I also got their stir fried brussel sprouts.  I get them every time I come here.  They're usually nomtastic, but they were (unfortunately) super salty this time + swimming in sauce.  

For my main course, my friend and I split two dishes.  I ordered the Beets & Blue salad with grilled chicken, and she got barbecued baby back ribs ($18 for a half rack, $26 for a full rack).  The salad was a bit overpriced, but it was yummy - $12 for the salad + $5 for the extra protein.  It was an arugula & watercress mix with roasted red & gold beets, blue cheese, candied pecans, and crispy fried onions in a sherry vinaigrette.  I could've done without the onions, but the dressing was good. Honestly, unless you're vegetarian, I recommend passing on the salad and getting a warm entree here. You'll get much more bang for your buck that way!

My frand's ribs were totes legit.  They were house-smoked and smothered in a blackjack BBQ sauce + came with sweet potato wedges and crispy fried onions.  If you like meat, definitely give this dish a try!  Now, if you're in the mood for something else, I highly recommend the horseradish, bacon & cheddar crusted sirloin meatloaf.  It comes with roasted mushrooms and mashed potatoes, and the serving's gigantic so you'll get a good 2-3 meals out of it.

The cherry on top is the free cotton candy!  I never get dessert here because I'm usually stuffed so cotton candy's  the perfect ending, light and sweet.  If you live in the DMV area, have you tried this place? If yes, I'd love to hear your thoughts.  Also, make sure y'all comment with your favorite restaurants so I can check 'em out.  I'm planning to blog MUCH more about food + travel this year so make sure y'all stay tuned.