Diyanet Center of America

The Diyanet Center of America recently opened in Lanham, Maryland and I finally had a chance to visit! The center is magnificent! I felt like I was transported back to Istanbul. The architecture is stunning and every detail is magnificent. The center is open to the public and everyone is welcomed to visit. Be sure to stop by and bask in the magnificence of this stunning center.

Also a big Happy Eid Mubarak to everyone who is celebrating the end of Ramadan today! May everyone have a lovely day and enjoy the festivities this weekend. 

Take a Hike

Blouse: The Limited | Sweater: The Limited (old) | Vest: J. Crew Factory | Scarf: Haute Hijab (old) | Pants: Banana Republic | Shoes: Converse | Necklace: BaubleBar | Bag: Rebecca Minkoff (old) | 

Sunnies: Ray-Ban | Watch: Michael Kors | Bracelets: Alex & Ani (1,2,3) | 

Ring: BCBG and Stella & Dot | Lips: M.A.C. Diva

I am biased when it comes to fall - I believe there is no greater place in fall than Ann Arbor - but Maryland is climbing up there. These past few weeks I've been spending my weekends at Great Falls Park. The first time my friend and I went on an early hike on the Billy Goat Trail. I'm not the most active person in the world - to be honest I don't exercise on a daily basis - but I'm down for a hike. This past weekend my friends and I took a walk to the Overlook to view the falls. We stayed on the Maryland side - that's how we roll. It was perfect crisp fall weather and stunning views all around. It's so nice to be able to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and retreat to Great Falls which is serene and peaceful - even if it is for a couple hours. I will give it to Maryland for having awesome weather and allowing fall hikes even in November - that doesn't fly in the Midwest. If you are bored and have nothing better to do this weekend I strongly suggest hitting up Great Falls and taking a hike! Have a great weekend!

National Harbor

Blouse: The Limited | Lace top: Chic Wish | Jeans: The Limited | Scarf: Haute Hijab | 

Shoes: Sole Society (old) | Bag: Kate Spade | Necklace: Bauble Bar

The Capital Wheel at National Harbor opened this past May when I moved back to MI and it has been on my bucket list. I wasted no time to venture out to National Harbor with my friend Z to check out this new attraction. We went right at sunset and got the best view! They actually rotate you about 5-6 times on the capital wheel which is nice because the first two rotations I was slightly freaked out. By the third round I started to appreciate the view!

Afterward we had dinner at Rosa Mexicano. Per our server's recommendation the restaurant is known for their guacamole - which is prepared fresh once you order - we had guacamole which was delicious! It was a great night and I definitely recommend checking out the Capital Wheel around sunset to get a daytime and nighttime view!

Baltimore - Power Plant Holiday Light Show Spectacular

Baltimore Waterfront has a ton of events going on for the holidays!

Last night my family and I went to the The Power Plant Holiday Light Show Spectacular before heading to dinner. As described on the waterfront event website the light show is a display of synchronized lights, brilliant lasers, and state-of-the-art video mapping projections, all choreographed to music and set to the backdrop of the iconic Inner Harbor landmark, The Power Plant. 

Check out the short video I created from the show last night;

There are only two days left to catch this spectacular show! If you are in the area check it out on 12/30: 6, 7, 8 p.m. and on 12/31: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 p.m. at the Baltimore inner harbor waterfront! The show is about 8 minutes long and it is completely free!! Happy Holidays!

DC Christmas Fun Day

There are a ton of holiday events going on the MD/DC/VA area. I decided to have a DC Christmas Fun Day - because who doesn't love to celebrate all things Christmas?!

The day started off at The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner, to view the life-sized Gingerbread House. The gingerbread house is located in the lobby and is spectacular.

Apparently it took the pastry team two weeks to put the house together. They used 112 pounds of brown sugar, 126 pounds of granulated sugar, 96 pounds of butter, 26 pounds of molasses, 96 pounds of eggs, 448 pounds of flour, 300 pounds of icing, 2 pounds of ginger, 2 pounds of cinnamon, and 75 pounds of assorted candies. There was so much detail involved with this gingerbread house it was unbelievable. If it wasn't for the rope separating me and that house I would have definitely picked a couple lollipops and that macaroon tree as a souvenir for myself!

Afterwards we headed to the Downtown Holiday Market in DC. The market had ton of cute handmade stuff ranging from jewelry, soaps, candles, textiles, artwork, and much more. The best part was Migues Magnificent Mini Donuts!! Their booth is right at the beginning of the market and they have the most delicious donuts! The market runs until December 23 open from noon-8pm daily. Make sure to check it out!

Then we headed over to Union Station to check out the holiday decor, do a little shopping, and grab a bite to eat. There is an adorable railroad/train setup in the main entrance of the station.

The last stop of the day was ZooLights at the National Zoo. The ZooLights run until January 1 (except for December 24, 25, and 31) from 5-9pm. Admission is Free! This is a must see! I absolutely loved it here! There is so much to see in addition to the lights. Inside the visitor center they have on display the gingerbread contest, there is zoo tubing, and you can also ride the train around the zoo. Majority of it is outdoors and it does get a bit chilly therefore bundle up if you plan to go.

The dancing panda in the snow globe was by far the greatest thing ever! He was just dancing away the whole time! He did pause and pose for pictures at all times!

The area has a ton to offer during the holiday season and these are just a few of the things to check out! The best part of the day was that all of the activities were free!! No need to spend a ton of money to get in the holiday spirits! Be sure to check it all out!