Last Weekend

Despite all the extra hours I’ve spent awake this week (read: 1am bedtime every night, ugh), I’ve been seriously neglecting the blog!

My mom and sister fly in this evening for a long weekend in New York City and D.C. It’s been about three years since either of them have visited, so needless to say, I’m a little (or maybe a lot) excited. I’ve been spending several hours the past few days cleaning and organizing my room, as well as scoping out some fun NYC activities. Don’t tell my mom, but although this will be my sixth time in the city and I do feel comfortable navigating, it always makes me a teeny bit nervous to visit. It’s just so . . HUGE. And as much as I love exploring its vastness, I can’t help but feel slightly overwhelmed by the buildings, the people, the sights and the smells. That is to say, I like the city, but I don’t loooove it. Two days is always plenty of time for me. It will be fun to see what Mom and Sister think.

Last weekend was perfectly low-key since the priority was organizing, laundry, and all that other fun stuff. I spent both weekend evenings on the couch in sweat pants. As much as I love make-up, heels, and fun outfits, there is something to be said for just chilling at home. On Sunday, I rose as early as 8am for my second p90x workout with KC. {I am loving it so far!} Several friends visited church with me that day, and we had a nice lunch at Chop’t after the service. The forecasted rain stayed away all day, as Lauren and I shopped in the sun along 14 Street, popping into various home décor and thrift shops before heading south of town to Ikea. We drooled over some lovely pieces at Mitchell Gold & Bob Williams, vowed to never set foot in Rough and Ready again, and picked up some delicious macarons at ACKC. It was like a little piece of Paris in my mouth. {I’ve been dying to try them for months, after seeing them pop up in all sorts of design magazines and especially after reading about their popularity here, though I hope they don't become trendy.}
Throughout the day, I purchased a few more items that have brought my bedroom to very near completion. How long have I been saying that? But no, really – other than curtain trim, a pillow DIY, and a few more accessories, I’m finished! Pictures should come soon.

I'm off for some family fun . .

Cheap Tees

Get yourself to Target and snatch up the boyfriend tees in every color . . like I may have just done. They just restocked. Only problem is that I can't decide if I want mine a little slouchy, one size up. Decisions, decisions. But either way, comfy, cute and well-made, in my opinion. And only $8 a pop!

I don't like sharing secrets, but I like you all. :)

Let the Games Begin!

As of last weekend, I think I’ve managed to attend every professional sporting event in the D.C. area at least once.

Hockey (Capitals), football (Redskins and Ravens), soccer (United), baseball (Nats and Orioles), basketball (Wizards). . I’ve even been to the Legg Mason Tennis Classic.

Sporting events might be my favorite pastime ever! Or eating. Sporting events usually involve eating though, so . . perfect!

I’m beyond thrilled that baseball season has started again, and despite the rain, my friends and I stuck out the Nationals game last Friday under the cover of an overhang with beer and chili cheese dogs in hand.



One of many things I love about the new stadium is all the fantastic food offerings from local spots like Ben’s Chili Bowl, Five Guys, and Gifford’s, my favorite homemade ice cream shop. I spent my $10 Nats Bucks coupon wisely.



Sundae in a ballcap, don’t mind if I do. Oreo, strawberry cheesecake, and swiss chocolate with fudge and whipped cream on top. I shared the indulgence with Lauren.

On a side note, there’s something I love about that little red t-shirt, and I really wish I could call it my own. The fact of the matter is that I had fully intended on watching that game in a cable-knit top, skirt and heels – exactly what I’d worn to work that day. My last second packing before flying out the door that morning resulted in a combo that just wasn’t gonna work. Thanks to a friend I met up with pre-game, I was able to not only wear an acceptable and weather-appropriate shirt with my jeans, but I also borrowed her nail polish right there at the bar, making my toes flip-flop-ready. A much more comfortable outfit for a ballgame.



Despite a cold front that came in the next day, a group of us were dumb enough to wear not enough layers to our first Major League Soccer game at RFK stadium. Cold and windy is not enjoyable! I’m smiling here, but I wasn’t so happy when we “tailgated” food-less before the game.





Once inside, we escaped the wind, and I did enjoy the game. The soccer fans are passionate here, even though D.C. United isn’t often a winning team.



I was also reminded how cute soccer players can be. No wonder I always had crushes on them growing up.

Wine Tasting

I‘m a firm believer that one should celebrate their birthday at least twice on the week of their birth, more if possible – so we birthday partied for Katie again this weekend.



Into the Virginia countryside we drove for some wine-tasting at the Barrel Oak Winery. We packed sandwiches and plenty of snacks, setting up our picnic at a table of eight and ordering two of our favorite bottles of wine after the tasting.



Wanna know what we ate?

Homemade sandwiches: turkey, havarti, sprouts, lettuce, tomato, guacamole, and mustard on whole wheat
Smoked gouda, brie, and cheddar and salami with crackers and chips and hummus and salsa
Also carrots and apples and grapes and strawberries

We packed our picnic well!

Barrel Oak allows children and dogs indoors, and we all enjoyed petting the adorable breeds we saw. This is M.E., because “it’s all about M.E.” Cute.



The views from the winery were spectacular and made me think that maybe I could live in the country someday. Or maybe I could just visit more often.







After we’d stuffed ourselves full, we were given a tour by the friendly owner and snapped a few pictures before heading home.



It was honestly one of the most fun times I’ve had in awhile, and I can’t say fun times are a rarity for me. Laughing and eating and drinking wine with people you love? It’s the best!

Strawberry Rhubarb Pie

This past weekend, I took a step outside my baking comfort zone by fulfilling a birthday request for strawberry rhubarb pie. Ever had it? I hadn’t, although my grandma has certainly made it before. I’ve never been much of a pie-lover, nor a fruit dessert-lover, but I’m always open to giving things a second (or first) try.

This baking experience was a lesson of “read the entire recipe before you even make your grocery list”, and I wound up visiting the store not twice, but three times before sticking this pie in the oven. It shouldn’t take a rocket scientist to know that fruit pies require both a bottom and top crust, and my no-roll bottom crust was not an option for the top layer.

Live and learn. And everything worked out just fine.

Too much filling, oops. Hey, I just follow directions.

Mmmm, even I loved it! Not too tart at all.

Bloggers on the Mall

Other than staying up entirely too late on Saturday and subsequently wasting almost all of a beautiful Sunday, my weekend included a very fun hangout with a girl I'd say I've "known" for a few years now.

A blog friend!

Outside Oklahoma! as well as her husband K and two of his friends.

The moment I saw her, I was jumping in the back of their car to ride along in search of a parking spot. It's so funny to me how comfortable and easy a first meeting can be when you've gotten to know someone through a little journal on the Internet.

I love the web!

Our first destination was the National Building Museum, where OO and K were picking up their t-shirts for the Cherry Blossom 10-miler on Sunday. We browsed the racks of discount gear and grabbed a few thing's with K's military discount before driving to the Mall in search of a few remaining cherry blossoms.

And they were few. As in maybe five trees. Sad.

But there were beautiful tulips to admire along the way. We snapped away with our fancy cameras. I bet mine turned out better since I use a Nikon. ;)

And K and his friend were kind enough to get a few pictures of us, as well.

We walked all the way to the Tidal Basin and enjoyed treats from an expensive ice cream cart before parting ways before dinnertime.

I'm excited to hang out again the next time I make my way to southern Virginia!

Friday Nights

Last Friday, I was at the Waterfront in a sleeveless top.

Indulging in pecan pie a la mode and a fudge brownie sundae before heading home for the evening.

Tonight, I'm tired. I came home before 11pm! I missed out on country dancing. I turned down an invitation to spend a weekend in New York, free transportation, free lodging, and a favorite friend {above}. I must be crazy.

Or responsible. I'll be in New York in three weeks with Mom and Sister. I can't wait!

Happy Weekend Everyone!

Let's Go Fly a Kite

Cherry Blossom activities got off to a start with the a kite festival a couple of weeks ago. It was a chilly day, but warm enough to fly a kite and have a little picnic on the Mall.

I don't know what it is about flying a kite, but . . it's so fun!

Happy to find a kite for only $7 at Target, I was a little disappointed in the selection. Barbie beat out Hannah Montana and the Transformers.

Meg agrees. She's so cute and Spring-y.

We picked up sandwiches at one of my favorite shops, Earl's. The turkey cranberry is so delicious.

So are their hand-cut fries.

I think the kite festival needs to become an annual tradition.

Special Invitation

I occasionally open pieces of mail for my boss, and I was delighted to find this inside an envelope last week!

Isn't it cute? Perfect colors for Spring. Can you see where it unfolds?

My boss is invited to a big gala with the President. You don't suppose he needs someone to go in his place, do you? . . I wish! I'd love to attend a gala.

Fro Yo

I was somehow out and about sans camera tonight, so you'll just have to believe me when I say I found a wonderful frozen yogurt shop.

My friend Tee and I took a stroll around the block in search of something sweet pre-Championship Game watch at ESPN Zone. While my favorite D.C. ice cream shop Gifford's was closed, we did stumble upon FroZenYo.

Self-serve frozen yogurt, pay by the ounce, and sixteen rotating flavors with plenty of toppings to boot!

My flavors: red velvet, peanut butter, and butter pecan.
Toppings: Cap'n Crunch on one side, Oreos on the other.

I will be back!

Happy Easter!

He is risen!

Those three words mean so much.

I'm so happy that my God is the only God who conquered sin and death. The only God whose Son sacrificed His life, rose again and IS ALIVE TODAY, seated at the right hand of the Father and COMING AGAIN. Sorry, but no other god can say the same.

John 14:6
Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

This morning, I awoke dark and early for a sunrise church service at the Lincoln Memorial. At 5am, it didn't sound as fun as it had the night before, but I'm very glad I decided to go.

I'd never seen the sun rise over the Mall {other than in the distance from my old apartment}, but it's something I'd love to see again.

We sat on the steps of the Memorial for a wonderful church service, singing "Christ the Lord is Risen Today" as the sun creeped up over the Capitol.

Following the service, I had a lovely lunch at The Girl's adorable home.

{See for yourself a bit of the adorable-ness.}

In addition to Paula Deen's french toast bake, egg and spinach casserole, spiral ham, and oh-so-delicious champagne lemonade, we also enjoyed a grape salad {cream cheese and sour cream were involved} . .

. . and banana bread. Yum!

My carrot cake seemed to be a hit for dessert, too. Thanks Pioneer Woman! That would be cream cheese frosting with chopped pecans. Make it - you won't be sorry!

I hope you had a hope-filled and relaxing Easter, as well!