HopCat Ann Arbor

Posted in Fab Cocktails by

F.A.B Cocktail strayed from fancy mixed drinks to sip on some good brew recently. Thanks to the blog’s official photographer, Andrea, I was able to attend the VIP grand opening of the ideal choice for good beer, HopCat Ann Arbor.

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HopCat is a Midwest chain that has expanded its locations to the dirty D, aka Detroit and now the Deuce Deuce, Ann Arbor. Michiganders have been known to love their beer, resulting in the masses of beer snobs (including myself – fun fact: I really do enjoy more than just a fab cocktail), so HopCat bars in these areas are perfect attractions.

HopCat Ann Arbor is one of the more intimate HopCat locations having dim lighting with a cool, retro feel. When I first walked through the doors, I instantly felt like I was transported to a well-decorated basement from the 70s. With captivating graffiti wall paintings and vintage style bar chairs, this place was totally a cool spot to hang out. My personal favorite though, may have been the Rolling Stone Magazine topped tables. Every table in the bar was decorated with throwback Rolling Stone covers.

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All HopCat locations have an extensive beer list but for the non beer drinkers, cocktails and wine are available, too. HopCat Ann Arbor has over 100 craft beers on tap with 30 local brews.

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If you’re in Michigan or just stopping through, be sure to visit one of the hoppin HopCat locations and stay tuned for a new location opening soon in Wisconsin!

Which HopCat location(s) have you been to?

Thanks for reading; you’re F.A.Bulous*

Photo Credit: Developed. Photography by Andrea 

Spring Fashion Wishlist: Francesca’s Edition

Posted in My Style, Product Review by

After days of unbearable snow and below-zero temperatures, it is absolutely refreshing to see clothing and accessories donning bright colors and happy prints. Spring is near (we hope) and Francesca’s is certainly ready!

Francesca’s is an adorable, nationwide boutique that offers an “eclectic mix of carefully-curated clothing, bright baubles, bold accessories, and playful gifts.” I love the brand’s carefully chosen pieces that exude femininity and fun, and the spring options are extra FAB!

Check out some of the pieces I am planning to snatch up.

Isabella Block Heel

Isabella Block Heel

I love a good chunky heel and this one screams “Wear me, please!” Francesca’s Isabella Block Heel is both trendy and functional; perfect for a casual Friday at work or a Sunday brunch paired with a solid colored maxi.

Florence Two Piece Sandal

Florence Two Piece Sandal

The Florence Two Piece Sandal is dainty and simple. The floral print is perfect for a lovely spring day and the free style of the sandal can be matched with just about anything from a pair of shorts, to denim and even a skirt.

Hello & Goodbye Metallic Gold Clutch

Hello & Goodbye Metallic Clutch

Because who doesn’t need a metallic gold clutch? The Hello & Goodbye Metallic Gold Clutch is perfection for a night out or to spruce up a minimalist ensemble.

Charleston Cork Clutch

Charleston Cork Clutch

When a bag can double as a clutch and a cross body, you know it’s a winner. I am absolutely obsessed with the uniqueness of this Charleston Cork Clutch as it is, no pun intended, quirky and fun!

Which Francesca’s pieces would you add to your spring wishlist?

Thanks for reading; you’re F.A.Bulous*

 

 

The Best Face Mask for Blackheads

Posted in Beauty Tips by

Blackheads are tiny, dark spots on the skin caused by a small plug in the opening of a follicle, commonly known as a pore.

Gross, right? Luckily I’ve discovered a fabulous product to rid of blackheads, leaving skin looking and feeling fresh and smooth.

Avojo Skincare
AVOJO is a black face mask created to remove blackheads and is compatible with all skin types.

Me in a mask

How it works:
Apply black face mask to problem areas including forehead, nose and chin.
Let sit for 20 minutes, or until dry.
Peel off mask and discover your rejuvenated skin!
Wash face with a wet rag (water only, no soap) to remove excess mask residue.

Pros and Cons:
Pro – This product honestly works! After just one use, a generous amount of blackheads were removed from my skin.
Con – The mask can be messy and doesn’t peel of in one quick swoop.

It's fun to try with friends!

It’s fun to try with friends!

About Avojo

Avojo seeks to challenge the ‘pretty’ beauty industry with its deep black color, and as it’s a unisex product, it has gained great acknowledgement among men as well. In fact, this development has resulted in a collaboration with the UK Men Fashion Brand Ada+Nik – as of January 2015.

To get your Avojo skincare mask, check out these sites:

Avojo.com

Amazon.com

The Grooming Lounge

Thanks for reading; you’re F.A.Bulous*

 

Fashion on Fleek

Posted in My Style, What I Wore by

We on the blog. Finna get crunk. Fashion on fleek. Da faq? For those of you reading this saying, “What on Earth is happening?!” Please watch this video! 

Urban Dictionary defines “On Fleek” as very good or on point. So now that you better understand my gibberish, my hope is that this post reminds you that fashion can be fun!

While we may tend to get carried away in fashion rules and trends, it can sometimes be easy to forget to just be yourself and have fun with what you wear. And fun is exactly what I thought of when I saw this crewneck sweatshirt by Untitled & Co. Untitled & Co. is a Canadian brand known for its playful and hilarious take on pop culture sayings like “On Fleek”. 

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Clothing should represent your personality and I’d like to think I have a pretty fun personality. Plus, I honestly just love saying On Fleek any chance I can get! (Try it, you’ll love it, too.) Not to mention I religiously watched Hey Arnold starring Helga Pataki when I was a kid (and still do on Teen Nick after midnight…). 

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Outfit on Fleek! – Details:
On Fleek Crewneck Sweatshirt – Untitled and Co.
Jeans – Express
Shoes – Betsey Johnson via DSW

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So don’t forget to let your personality shine through with your clothing choices. HAVE FUN and stay on fleek! ;)  And be sure to check out Untitled & Co. for more fabulous and fun pieces.

Photos On Fleek – Photo Cred: Developed. Photography by Andrea 

Thanks for reading; you’re F.A.Bulous*

 

How to Treat Dry Skin in the Winter

Posted in Beauty Tips by

We’re in the dead of winter (#overit!), and if you’re anything like me and millions of others, you may be experiencing dry skin. Around this time of year it is common for skin to feel dry and flaky or red and itchy. But don’t worry, there ARE ways to combat rough, dry skin in the winter.

Eat the right foods – I have this belief that drinking water will cure anything but it turns out drinking water doesn’t solve the issue of dry skin. What’s really better for you is consuming the proper foods. Foods rich in essential fatty acids  like walnuts, flaxseed, salmon, and olive oil can help skin cells stay hydrated. So eat up!

Exfoliate – Exfoliating is like a treat. To exfoliate means you are removing the dead, dry skin cells making room for new, soft skin. I personally try to exfoliate once a week using exfoliating scrub and and exfoliating sponge. I recommend Shea Moisture body scrub and a simple sponge from your local drug store. After exfoliating, your skin will feel fresh and rejuvenated.

Exfoliating Products

Moisturize – A nice hot shower in the winter is a wonderful feeling but the warm water can actually dry out your skin. Try taking cooler showers a few times a week to give your skin a break and be sure to moisturize immediately after you dry off. Get that lotion on quickly so your skin absorbs the moister making for smoother, healthier skin.

How do you keep your skin hydrated in the winter?

*Special thanks to my little D-squared for inspiring this post xox*

Thanks for reading; you’re F.A.Bulous*

Wedding Planning: Loverly Edition

Posted in Fashion Tips by

Now that we’ve made it through the holidays and flooded social media timelines with happiness and new beginnings including engagements, it’s time begin the wedding planning! And what’s the most exciting part of planning a wedding? Survey says: saying yes to the dress!

Lucky for you brides and grooms to-be, there’s a website and app called Loverly that helps making wedding planning and finding the dress of your dreams much easier. I’ve teamed up with the Loverly and my dear friend and coworker, Bailey, who is tying the knot this May to create her dream wedding.

Although Bailey had already found her wedding gown, she used the Loverly app to find a beautiful dress she would have worn in an alternate wedding setting. Her theme would be rustic Italian countryside and the wedding gown she selected is absolutely beautiful portraying her alternate countryside wedding theme.

Wedding Scenery

Once Bailey came across this fabulous gown by Temberly London, she instantly knew it would perfectly match her rustic Italian countryside theme.

Temperley London Wedding Dress

Then came the accessories. Each delicate accessory found on Loverly perfectly matches her wedding gown and quiet theme.

Wedding Accesories

Can you picture this as your dream wedding?

So for anyone beginning to plan, be sure to check out Loverly for tons of inspiration. Your dream wedding is really just a few clicks away!

About Loverly: 

Lover.ly was launched in 2012 by a one-time maid of honor and her team of former bridesmaids and groomsmen determined to simplify the wedding planning process.

Lover.ly is your one-stop-shop for wedding planning where brides and grooms find ideas, people to hire and things to buy.

Thanks for reading; you’re F.A.Bulous*

Last Minute NYE Outfit Ideas

Posted in Fashion Tips, My Style by

It’s almost time to say so long to 2014 and celebrate 2015 in fashion! So if you’re like me and pretty much just made your NYE plans about five minutes ago, then it’s time to pull together something sparkly to wear. Check out a few ideas for a fun New Year’s Eve night out.

A little black dress never fails. Pair it with a statement necklace and a some sequin accents for an easy, sophisticated look.
LBD with sparkly accessories from Macy's and eBay

LBD with sparkly accessories from Macy’s and eBay

Oh my sequin! Sequin is of course the go-to look for NYE, so pairing an all-sequin dress with something simple like a nude pair of pumps keeps the look fancy but pulled together.
Green sequin H&M party dress

Green sequin H&M party dress

Nude Betsey Johnson pumps from DSW

Nude Betsey Johnson pumps from DSW

This separate but equal look is ideal for a more chill NYE atmosphere. Take something a little fancier and pair it with something a little more relaxed for the perfect outfit.
H&M, Charlotte Russe and Zara sale items

H&M, Charlotte Russe and Zara sale items

With NYE literally right around the corner, stop by these hidden gems for last minute outfit picks:
Regeneration (if you’re in the Detroit area) or your local thrift shop 
Wishing you all a fabulousbly blessed New Year! Cheers to everyone who has supported me on my blogging endeavors in 2014. I love you all!
Thanks for reading; you’re F.A.Bulous*