Festive Weekend Recap

We had a great weekend of festive holiday activities and it was the perfect way to kick off the week of Christmas.

On Friday we hosted a holiday sweets and spirits party. It was so amazing to see so many friends. I'm always amazed at how just many people can squeeze into our apartment. I didn't take many pictures but here are few.

The fire pit pre-party. I'm so glad P convinced me to get this so
that we could use the outdoor space in 40 degree weather

The spread of sweets including peppermint brownies
and the peanut butter "cheese ball" from Pinterest

 

The youngest and cutest party guest Evelyn.
I'm so glad she and Evelyn made the trip down from Maryland!

P & I celebrated SEVEN very happy and loving years together on Saturday. We didn't get any pictures but we had an amazing time listening to the Washington Chorus at the Kennedy Center and eating at Cafe du Parc.

On Sunday my friend Jenny hosted the 4th Annual Cookie Decorating gathering. I loved catching up with the ladies over food and cookie decorating.

Some of my yummy creations

Last night we continued the holiday fun by checking out the free Zoo Lights. I decided that since we don't live in a neighborhood where we can drive around and check out lights, walking around the National Zoo is the next best thing.

Now we just have to survive one more day at work before heading to Ohio on Thursday to spend Christmas with P's family!

Monday Mash-Up

Today's post will be a mash-up of sorts....a little weekend recap, Christmas prep, and other general ramblings.

1. I had a FUN FUN FUN weekend with my sister Meredith in Salisbury, Maryland. We had a whirlwind weekend that included a holiday dinner with her coworkers, a marathon Christmas shopping trip, cookie baking, delicious Mexican food and a movie. It was so nice to finally see her place and have a weekend to hang out together!

2. Yesterday I got to spend some quality time with Allison and her new baby girl Evelyn. Ev is such a beautiful baby and I loved spending time holding her. I swear my friends have the sweetest, happiest babies.

3. Tonight I ate at Graffiato with our friend Jessie. YUM. It is Mike Isabella's, of Top Chef fame, Italian influenced restaurant. We split broccolini with feta and walnuts, citrus scallops, and a calamari pizza. So good.

4. P will be done with finals tomorrow! He has been non-stop studying the past week and I'm so excited for him to have some time off the next three and a half weeks before starting his last semester of law school!

5. I only have THREE more Christmas presents to buy. Now about that wrapping....

6. Winter is here in the District and it is cold. I'm not ready for the Ohio cold next weekend!

7. I had a serious case of the Mondays today - I couldn't find my keys, got to my car and realized I had forgotten my badge, and kept asking a coworker if diet cokes (which I desperately needed) cost $6.25 or $6.35.......from the vending machine....I obviously meant $1.25 or $1.35

8. There are only seven more working days lefts until we leave for Christmas in Ohio, I can't wait!

9. I have yet to figure out exactly which desserts to make for our Sweets and Spirits party this Friday. I may have to check out my friend Nicole's blog, Sweet Peony for some inspiration

10. My new all time favorite holiday candle is Yankee Candle's Christmas in Paris

Hope you all have a great week!

Holiday Music

The day after Thanksgiving I am ready to crank up the Christmas music. Here are some of my favorite songs and albums:

• “Simply Having a Wonderful Christmastime”, Paul McCartney version – I LOVE this song, it is my all time favorite. It  first caught my ear when working holidays at Eddie Bauer during Christmas. It is so fun and immediately gets me in the Christmas Spirit.
• “All I want for Christmas is You”, Mariah Carey version - What girl doesn’t love belting out with Ms. Carey to this holiday favorite?
• Straight No Chaser – if you haven’t heard this all male a cappella group you have to check them out! They are amazing and have a really fun version of 12 Days of Christmas
• Glee Christmas album – this is a new favorite. They sing all my favorites!
• Hanson Christmas album – I can’t believe I just admitted this on a public forum, but it really is a good Christmas album…I promise! Aubrey and I bonded over our shared loved of this album our freshmen year so it will always be a favorite!
• Elf Soundtrack - this is one of my favorite movies to watch in December and the soundtrack is just as good
• Love Actually Soundtrack - this is a good mix of Christmas and non-Christmas songs

What is your favorite holiday music?

Will Run for Chocolate...

....and I did! 9.3 miles of running to be exact.

I had signed up for the Will Run for Chocolate 15K in October hoping it would be an easy run to train for after completing the Wicked 10K Halloween weekend. After the knee/leg injuries I endured through October that caused me to skip out on the 10K I had lost all hope that the 15K would be feasible. My plan had been to pick up my race packet on Friday evening and then sleep in Saturday. While at work on Friday something hit me and I decided that I wanted to give the race a try. I'd been back to running (very lightly and short distances) over the previous week without any pain. I knew a couple of girlfriends running the race and thought it would be something fun, plus it ended with hot chocolate and fondue - talk about motivation!

The motivation - yum yum!

The race itself had some glitches on the organizers part but once it get started (an hour late) it went better than I could have ever expected. I started the race out reminding myself to just have fun with it and don't focus on the time. Much to my surprise at the 10K mark I had beat previous 10K race times by 5 minutes! By mile seven I was exhausted but knew I could get through the last 2.3 miles as long as I took it easy. I finished well under my two hour goal (I thought it would take at least that due to my lack of training) and felt great! I'm still shocked that I actually completed the race but have never felt so confident in myself as a runner. I think I hear the Rock n Roll Half Marathon in DC calling my name!

It Really is the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

Happy December! Like most people I LOVE December! It is hard to not smile at the sights, sounds, and smells of the holidays. Here are some things that I'm extra excited about this December:

• As of December 13th, P will only have ONE semester left of law school!
• Hosting a holiday party in the city full of sweets and spirits
• Celebrating seven amazing years with P
• Visiting Ohio for what will hopefully be a white Christmas
• Seeing the city decked out for the holidays
• Spending a weekend with my older sister Christmas shopping and baking cookies

Our tree!

DIY Holiday

One of the things that I love about the holidays is the number of DIY gifts and home decor that can be made. I thought I'd share a few of my favorites.

For the last three years I have handmade all of mine and P's Christmas cards. I use my scrapbooking supplies and holiday embellishments from Michaels or AC Moore (craft stores). I love doing this because none of the cards are ever the same and they differ so much each year. Here are a few examples from previous years:

Last year I picked up some plain, craft ornaments from Paper Source like these:

I coated each ornament with scrapbooking paper and Modge Podge to create these:

Ornament covered in seasonal paper

Used a blue & white vintage paper with Penn State ribbon

Homemade and personalized ornaments would  make a great gift. I liked the look of the decorated ornament so much that I cut off the string and put them in vase for a year round decoration on our entry table:

Ornaments in vase to the right

Close up of ornaments in vase

This year I’ve seen a lot of the homemade ornament wreaths on different blogs and Pinterest and am one trip to the craft store away from making one for our front door. They seem so easy to make, i.e. foam ring, glue gun, and round glass ornaments in your favorite colors. 

The supplies

LOVE the finished product

What’s your favorite DIY holiday project or craft?

PS: My super crafty, DIY-er cousin recently started a blog. Check her out here. Love ya girl!

Holiday Traditions

Now that the holiday season has officially begun, I thought I'd share some of my favorite traditions with P and our families.

Since P and I moved in together 4.5 years ago, one of our favorite traditions has been to buy our Christmas tree a few days after Thanksgiving. Once we get it home, P strings the lights and I prep the ornaments. Then we order Thai food and hang ornaments until the food arrives. It's nice to enjoy our decorated tree together while eating yummy takeout. I always cherish this time we carve out before the holiday chaos and fun begins.

P and I officially started dating on December 17th, 2004. To celebrate we usually go to dinner and seek out a festive show or activity in the city. In the past we've gone to the National Christmas tree lighting, the Nutcracker, and the Christmas Carol. This year I'm looking forward to listening to the Washington Chorus at the Kennedy Center.

At the National Christmas Tree in DC

For the past few years, P and I have traditionally celebrated Christmas day in Ohio with his family. Then we usually see my mom, sisters, and my dad & Sheila over the two weeks following Christmas and the New Year. While it admittedly took some getting used to, I love our extended celebrations!

P and I at Stan Hywet in Ohio

What are your favorite holiday traditions?

The Concerns of Mindy Kaling

Mindy Kaling, a.k.a Kelly Kapoor on The Office, recently wrote a book - Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? You must buy this book. It is as funny and entertaining as the episodes of The Office she writes. It was an easy read and I guarantee you will laugh out loud more than once. I read the whole thing in ONE day. Her anecdotes are funny and relatable. The book would make a great gift for a sister, daughter, friend, or any fan of The Office. You should also check out her blog.

Since I probably won't post before the holiday, I hope everyone has a safe and happy Thanksgiving with family and friends!

My oh Pie!

Last weekend I was catching up on some of my favorite blogs, including this one. I don't remember exactly how I first came across Leslie's blog but I've been hooked ever since. She shares a lot of great fashion and beauty tips and has a fun style and personality. Last week she asked her readers for help with pie recipes for the Thanksgiving dinner she'll be hosting this year. I had successfully baked P's Grandma Elsie's Derby pie a few weeks ago and thought I'd pass it along to Leslie. Well thanks to a random number generator and a little bit of luck (she received over 80 recipes!), Leslie will be baking Grandma Elsie's pie this weekend. Her hubby and a few friends will choose the best pie which will be served next week and the winner gets a little prize. Even if the pie isn't chosen, I'm happy that others will be able to taste the deliciousness of this chocolate, bourbon-laced - yes, BOURBON - pie!

Want to taste it yourself? Here's the recipe, courtesy of Grandma Elsie:

Ingredients
1/4 cup butter
1 cup sugar
3 eggs
3/4 white caro syrup
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped pecans
2 tbsp bourbon
9 inch pie shell

Directions
1. Cream butter and sugar gradually
2. Add beaten eggs, syrup, and vanilla
3. Add chocolate chips, nuts, and bourbon. Stir well
4. Pour into unbaked pie shell
5. Bake at 375 degrees for 40 to 50 minutes
6. Let cook on rack
7. Rewarm to serve

*Disclaimer: I do not know the actual origin of this recipe, but it's the one Grandma Elsie has used to make pies for many holidays. There are lots of other derby pie variations available.

"You're a Natural"

I would have never guessed someone would use this phrase to describe me with a baby, but according to Aubrey, I am! And there's no way my bestie would say that just to be nice. =) While I may not have changed any diapers I handled spit up like a pro. I also mastered keeping her asleep (after Aubrey did the hard work) while holding her. I loved every minute I spent with Taylor and Aubrey last Friday and am so excited to go back again soon. I may even offer to change a diaper.

Look who loves her Auntie Em

Working the camera in an ultra cute pink outfit 

Dear old State

In light of this weeks developing tragic news at Penn State, I have decided to write a brief post reflecting on my personal thoughts and feelings. Penn State has played too significant of a role in my life for me to remain silent.

Like most Penn Staters I have been struggling with many emotions this week and am still processing the horrific events that have unfolded. I'm heartbroken and angry that innocent boys had to endure such unthinkable acts. I'm saddened and disappointed by the inactions of University leaders who I've respected. I'm supportive of the difficult decisions being made this week. I'm hopeful that the Penn State community will use this time of regrowth to raise awareness about child abuse and continue to succeed with honor. I'm proud of the efforts by students and alumni to show their solidarity against the tragedy and help the school move forward.

Despite all of emotions, I am still and always will be proud to be a Penn State Nittany Lion. I am still and always will be loyal to dear old State. And when I've become so numb with sadness and anger after listening to the news, reading articles and browsing Facebook statuses, I turn to a familiar song for consolation....

For the glory of old State,

For her founders strong and great,

For the future that we wait,

Raise the song, raise the song.

Sing our love and loyalty,

Sing our hopes that bright and free,

Rest O Mother dear with thee,

All with thee, all with thee.

When we stood at childhood's gate,

Shapeless in the hands of fate,

Thou didst mold us dear old State,

Dear old State, dear old State.

May no act of ours bring shame,

To one heart that loves thy name,

May our lives but swell thy fame,

Dear old State, dear old State.

WE ARE still PENN STATE!

Eastern Market

Yesterday was a perfect fall day in DC, the sky was clear and the air was crisp. My older sister Meredith came down to the city and we spent the day exploring Eastern Market. P and I had been before but never early enough in the day to experience the flea market and full extent of vendors.

Image from world wide web

As the website states, the Eastern Market was first built in 1813. After a fire destroyed much of the market area in 2007, the Capitol Hill community unanimously agreed the market must be rebuilt and it was reopened in 2009. It continues to thrive on the weekends and it is a great place to pick up locally grown foods and peruse the vendor tables selling everything from jewelry and scarves to children's toys and antique mirrors. Food trucks line the streets around the market and food vendors selling pickles, donuts on sticks, and roasted nuts are sprinkled throughout the market.

Vendors along the sidewalk
Image from the world wide web

Meredith and I enjoyed lunch at Matchbox on 8th Street before heading over to the market which is located off of 7th Street just one block away from the Eastern Market metro stop.. In just a few hours we covered the flea market, vendors, and South Hall Market. We loved seeing the goods sold by the varying vendors and the bright colors of the fresh produce. I'm so glad Meredith was able to come to DC and experience one of the city's oldest weekend traditions.

Enjoying the market with Mere

Hope you all had a beautiful fall weekend!

Happy Birthday Meredith!!

Today is my older sister's birthday and I'm so excited to get to celebrate with her tonight and tomorrow. She is one of my closest friends and I'm so grateful to have her in my life. Happy Birthday Meredith!

Meredith and I in DC a few years ago

Happy Halloween!

Hope everyone has had a day with many treats and little tricks. We stocked up on candy in anticipation of witches, pumpkins, and princesses greeting us at the door, but didn't get a single knock. More for us! =)

Here's some of the things I've done the last few things to celebrate Halloween:

One of the Halloween cards I made

Skull & Crossbones cookies

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip muffins

Skull & GLOSSbones nail polish

I spent the weekend in Norfolk visiting my dad, Sheila, and Amanda on Friday night. Dad, Sheila and I were supposed to run the Wicked 10K on Saturday but due to a bum knee (me) and the winter like weather dumped on the Northeast/Mid-Atlantic this weekend we all opted to skip the run. On Saturday I made my way back north and stayed in Richmond with Elizabeth. We had a fun girls weekend drinking wine, watching chick flicks, and trying on bridesmaids dresses for her wedding. I was happy to come home to my guys on Sunday and enjoy a delicious meal made by P.

It's hard to believe that tomorrow is November 1st and the stores are already stocking their shelves for Christmas!

Wordless Wednesday

It's a nap on the couch kind of evening

The Weekend via iPhone

Our first stop this weekend was to Apple where P & I switched to Verizon after more than a year of dropped calls and no service. The switch meant that we got the new iPhone 4S. The decision to switch to Verizon may have been influenced by Apple's latest gadget, but we are so happy to finally be able to make and receive calls in our apartment. Thanks to the phones amazing camera, I captured Friday & Saturday's highlights....

This wasn't taken with the phone, but it is accessorizing mine :)

Lobstah Roll dinner at Feddy's in Bethesda, MD

 

Georgetown Cupcakes - yum!

Driving to Harpers Ferry, WV on Saturday

Enjoying a cold beer and crisp fall air

Which way to go?

Walking around the town of Harpers Ferry

We stopped at a pumpkin patch on the way home

The pumpkins we picked

Relaxing at home and watching Penn State beat Northwestern

Today was spent running errands (me) and on campus (P) after a delicious brunch at Birch and Barley. If you're looking for a new brunch place in the District, I highly recommend checking them out. 

Hope everyone had as great of a fall weekend as we did!

Who's walking who?

Often on my walks with Calvin I wonder who's walking who?

Calvin on his afternoon walk (picture taken with Hipstamatic)

Since the blog has been neglecting Calvin a little I thought I should share another picture of Calvin that P and I took last night.

Calvin wearing P's glasses

We have been enjoying having Calvin back home with us and are looking forward to spending a weekend at home with him!

It's the Little Things

It really is the little things that make life so special. Even though I didn't have the greatest of days at work there were lots of "little" things that made me smile today:

• A simple offer from P to run all of our errands and do the grocery shopping
• Kisses from Calvin after not seeing him for ten days
• Making plans to have dinner with my dad in DC on Wednesday while he's in town for work
• Enjoying wine, food, and laughter with Kyle and Donavan on a cool fall evening

These little things are constant reminders of how lucky and blessed I am to have wonderful friends and family in my life.

P and I at his cousins wedding in Pittsburgh this past weekend

Taylor Grace and the Turners

Last Thursday I headed to Lancaster, Pennsylvania to visit Aubrey, Brent, and of course Taylor Grace. She is such a beautiful baby girl and I'm so honored that Aubrey and Brent asked me to be her godmother. I already love her so much and am looking forward to watching her grow. Aubrey is doing amazing and is a natural as a mom. It's incredible watching her care for Taylor and instinctively know what her baby girl needs. I'm still in awe of the visit and can't wait to go up again soon.

Showing Taylor the elephant that her Uncle P sent

The glowing parents

Looking adorable in the outfit her Auntie Em bought her

After quickly packing on Thursday night, P and I headed to Los Angeles on Friday morning to see Mike and Nisha tie the knot! We stayed with Matt in Santa Monica. His place is so great and just a few blocks from the beach. He was a very gracious host and amazing tour guide. It was fun getting the Matt Paladino LA experience but we're pumped for him to move to NYC in January - it'll be great to have him back on the east coast! Mike and Nisha's wedding was on Saturday. It was a traditional Hindu ceremony and was breathtaking. I'm so glad that P and I were able to be a part of their special day. On Sunday we visited with P's cousin Don and and his wife Holly. They are the sweetest people I have ever met. It was so great catching up with them again. We also got to stop by our friend Trevor's house. It was a whirlwind weekend in California, but a great mini-vacation.

View of the valley from Griffith Park

In front of the Hollywood sign

Hollywood!

Mike on the horse during the Baraat (parade)

The gorgeous ceremony site

Walking around the fire - Nisha was stunning!

The reception was magical

Looking a little tired after dancing

This weekend we're off to Pittsburgh for P's cousin John's wedding. It is our fifth and final wedding of the year!