After 5 years of Mr. Ginger living in this one bedroom condo, two of them with me, the day before the settlement, it implodes. The hot water heater and the kitchen sink are leaking. I seriously think it knows we are trying to escape and it is punishing us.
And you know you are getting close to moving when you throw plates away instead of washing them. Let's be honest, if we put them in the dishwasher it would probably break too...
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Happy Birthday Erin!
Today is my business school bff’s birthday and I’m very thankful for our friendship. Erin dragged me kicking and screaming through Accounting and knew just what to say when I failed my first test (sorry Mom!), she locked eyes with me and said “don’t cry, look at your sparkly ring, you’re engaged!” and I laughed and everything was ok. So Happy Happy Birthday Erin!
We’re celebrating tonight at Spider Kelly’s in Clarendon, which just reopened after their expansion. Somehow the expansion cured the bar of the barfy smell and it’s a pretty cool spot now. There are tons of bar games, the bartenders are pretty good, and it’s an excellent place to celebrate the birth of Erin!
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Worship The Mothership- Take 1
It's almost Mother's Day and my Mom has been extra special this year. She's planned our wedding and has not driven me too insane (except for the time she suggested I call American Airlines to ask if I could put my dress in the cockpit, but at least she got a laugh out of me at 8AM), and has not batted an eye at the endless links I have sent to her with wedding ideas...So here are a few ideas:
1. Fun scarf from Banana to pair with a plain t-shirt. This would be so cute on her with a little jacket over it too.
1. Fun scarf from Banana to pair with a plain t-shirt. This would be so cute on her with a little jacket over it too.
2. Fancy kitchen soap and lotion from Williams-Sonoma. I think the best gifts are those that people wouldn't normally buy for themselves but would love to have and the Mothership loves all things Williams-Sonoma, gets her every time.
Stay tuned...more gifties to follow...
Beachy Keen
When my sister got married five years ago, I got her an LL Bean beach bag with her new monogram for her honeymoon, too cute, I know. Luckily she has decided to continue the tradition with me and I got to pick my bag. I chose the Ragtop Stripe Canvas Tote from Lands' End (Lands' End, who knew?) and I think it's adorable, apparently US Weekly does too because it was just featured in the mag. I love that it is not to fem and Mr. Ginger can lug it for me without looking too ladylike. The monogram will be in red and priced at just under $40, it's the perfect price for a gift or a treat for you!
It’s Ok to Outsource
At heart I am a DIY bride but I just don’t have time to be crafty. The second best thing is ETSY! I have had such great experiences with all my etsy artists and all of them have been women so it’s extra fun to support women in business.
My first etsy project was my save the dates. I didn’t like anything that was out there, I love personal touches on save the dates but using a picture just isn’t our style. We didn’t even take engagement pictures because the thought of a picture of me on Mr. Ginger’s back makes me gag. Why does everyone take that picture? I mean how unnatural is a piggy-back ride when you are over the age of 5?
After scouring Etsy I found Ginger O’Hara at Serendipity. I loved the style of her vintage save the dates but wanted something a little more formal.
I contacted her with some requests regarding the design: a more modern take, a unique picture of St. Louis, a few design tweaks, and making the card a true postcard. She was completely open to the changes and through the process I learned she was from St. Louis and her best friend, Christina Ahlheim, (also in St. Louis) is a photographer, such a fun coincidence! She scored a great picture from Christina and the final design is below. I love how they turned out and it was really fun adding my personal touches without having to do any of the work!
My first etsy project was my save the dates. I didn’t like anything that was out there, I love personal touches on save the dates but using a picture just isn’t our style. We didn’t even take engagement pictures because the thought of a picture of me on Mr. Ginger’s back makes me gag. Why does everyone take that picture? I mean how unnatural is a piggy-back ride when you are over the age of 5?
After scouring Etsy I found Ginger O’Hara at Serendipity. I loved the style of her vintage save the dates but wanted something a little more formal.
I contacted her with some requests regarding the design: a more modern take, a unique picture of St. Louis, a few design tweaks, and making the card a true postcard. She was completely open to the changes and through the process I learned she was from St. Louis and her best friend, Christina Ahlheim, (also in St. Louis) is a photographer, such a fun coincidence! She scored a great picture from Christina and the final design is below. I love how they turned out and it was really fun adding my personal touches without having to do any of the work!
Monday, April 26, 2010
Healthy Tip #1: Schedule Your Workouts
Part of the reason I started this blog is to share some healthy tips and recipes that support the girl on the go. I’ve really learned by trial and error over the past few years juggling work, school, and a relationship, so I’m hoping to save you some time and a few lbs.
The first healthy tip that I think is SO important is to schedule your workouts like appointments. Every Monday morning when I come into work, before I do anything, I put appointments into my Outlook calendar for all my workouts during the week. These appointments are really short but state what I am going to do, for example, today said “Workout- Lifting” between 6AM and 7AM. If you enter calendar appointments, you have the ability to move them to the afternoon or morning if you need to and you’ll feel guilty if you skip or delete. We schedule time for other appointments in our lives; haircuts, doctor, etc., so why not schedule appointments to take care of ourselves and then honor them?!
Later this week I’ll be making low-fat chicken cordon bleu with turkey bacon and low-fat mozzarella so tune back in for the recipe. I promise, it’s easy to make and people will think you are a culinary goddess!
The first healthy tip that I think is SO important is to schedule your workouts like appointments. Every Monday morning when I come into work, before I do anything, I put appointments into my Outlook calendar for all my workouts during the week. These appointments are really short but state what I am going to do, for example, today said “Workout- Lifting” between 6AM and 7AM. If you enter calendar appointments, you have the ability to move them to the afternoon or morning if you need to and you’ll feel guilty if you skip or delete. We schedule time for other appointments in our lives; haircuts, doctor, etc., so why not schedule appointments to take care of ourselves and then honor them?!
Later this week I’ll be making low-fat chicken cordon bleu with turkey bacon and low-fat mozzarella so tune back in for the recipe. I promise, it’s easy to make and people will think you are a culinary goddess!
Crazy Wedding Nightmare
So all along I've been having these crazy nightmares about the wedding...it all started before we got engaged and I had a nightmare that Mr. Ginger gave me an engagement ring in the shape of Mickey Mouse, not normal.
Last night I had another one that someone at the hotel threw something on my dress...then I was running an hour late to the wedding...then my make-up artist (who is fabulous) put liner on the crease of my eye rather than along the lid-line. Apparently these are things I worry about, so lame.
Girls, are you having any crazy dreams lately?
Last night I had another one that someone at the hotel threw something on my dress...then I was running an hour late to the wedding...then my make-up artist (who is fabulous) put liner on the crease of my eye rather than along the lid-line. Apparently these are things I worry about, so lame.
Girls, are you having any crazy dreams lately?
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Going Out Shorts
As I mentionned, my friend Emily is my little fashionista (she's fashionable and tiny, if she was a rapper she would be Lil' Fash, no joke) and last night we were talking about "going out shorts" and how fabulous they are. So, I was in JCrew and I finally found them! They are super flattering and at $49.95 and 15% with my student I.D. (some days this the only bright spot of being in BSchool) the Carson short is a great purchase! I got the black pair and can't wait to wear them with my Jack Rogers. Too cute, this pic doesn't do them justice, she looks like an awkward sailor.
Sei What?
Last night I met out my favorite little fashionista, Emily, for a late dinner at Sei. The all-white interior restaurant was jumping and the drinks were really fun, Em had the Silver Samurai and I had the Japanese Mojito. The quality of the fish was high quality (have I mentionned that I have been known to eat sushi three times in two days? Yeah, think about that one...) and the rolls were creative. All in all, the food was just as fun as the interior and we'll definitely be back for one of our girl-chat filled dinners. The only downside was the restaurant was crazy loud and the waiter had a really weird way of talking that involved him being within inches of my face.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Michelle and I are BFFs
I read somewhere that you should get a new perfume for your wedding, which I think is a great idea because when you smell it, you'll think of your wedding day, so sweet! The only problem is that I am a Stella McCartney girl, I have been wearing it since it came out and nothing smells as good to me. Until I met Love in White by Creed...I DIE. It smells SO amazing and special, I can't wait to wear it for the wedding. It's definitely more than I normally spend on perfume but it is perfect for special occasions, so perfect in fact that Michelle Obama wore it for the Inauguration and we both bought it at Nordies at Pentagon City! It's sort of like we are girlfriends and we went shopping together....
Jack, You're Ok With Me Again
I vowed never to buy Jack Rogers again because let's face it, they are just not comfortable and Mr. Ginger calls them my Wonder Woman sandals. Then they came out with the wedge...dream! I just purchased the pair below for wedding-related activities, the moon, and also the two outdoor weddings I have this summer. They have padding and are ridiculously comfortable! I picked mine up at Neiman's with free shipping.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Thank You Notes...Who Invented You?
My swinging single night has turned into me writing thank you notes and watching "Say Yes to the Dress." Thank you notes are time sucks, I think I've been doing this for hours! Girls, lesson learned, don't let the gifts pile up...
At least the thank you notes are pretty! If you haven't discovered Wedding Paper Divas yet, get there. We went with the design below (no Mr. Ginger's name is not Clive...lord) for pre-wedding thank you notes. WPD is so easy to work with, has great designers, ships quickly, and always has coupons.
At least the thank you notes are pretty! If you haven't discovered Wedding Paper Divas yet, get there. We went with the design below (no Mr. Ginger's name is not Clive...lord) for pre-wedding thank you notes. WPD is so easy to work with, has great designers, ships quickly, and always has coupons.
Back to My Roots
Mr. Ginger is on his bachelor party with the dudes and I am happily retreating to my pre-Mr. Ginger days when I lived in NYC. I had sushi for dinner and I'm looking forward to hours of crappy tv.
I highly recommend checking out Endo Sushi in Clarendon on Washington Blvd. Their chirashi is stellar, a little pricey at 18 bucks, but well worth it if you've had a long week and need some food therapy.
I highly recommend checking out Endo Sushi in Clarendon on Washington Blvd. Their chirashi is stellar, a little pricey at 18 bucks, but well worth it if you've had a long week and need some food therapy.
I Heart Kate Spade
Oh Kate, how you tempt me! It's friends and family at Kate Spade so hop on over there for 30% off from April 23 to the 24th. Kate is so worth the splurge because they are timeless and so comfortable (at least that's how I rationalize them). My lovely wedding shoes are the Kate Spade Evie's shown below and I can not wait to wear them! I'm hoping I can dye them a fab color to wear after...
Lyon Hall
The Clarendon restaurant/bar scene is blowing up and the latest restaurant is Lyon Hall. It opened just last week and I went on Wednesday night with Mr. Ginger. It is such a great addition to the neighborhood! It's being compared to Brasserie Beck and while I'm not sure I'd compare the two, there are more fish options at Lyon Hall (have I mentioned I don't eat large animals?). The decor is modern without being snooty and the bar scene looked lively. I encourage you to check it out if you're on this side of the Potomac but be warned...the men's and women's bathrooms share an open space above the sinks. You'll know what I mean when you go there but I got a really awkward "Hi" from a dude while I was washing my hands.
My First Post!
Yippee! I’ve been talking about this blog for awhile with a few of my gfs (Emily, Erin, and Page) and Mr. Ginger (the husband-to-be has red hair too!), thank you for all your support! I’m finally ready take the plunge!
I’m just going to jump right in here and get you caught up on the upcoming nuptials! I’m getting married next month and after our almost year engagement, I’m SO ready! I had a dress fitting last night at Clare Dratch in Bethesda so I’ll tell you all a little about the dress…
After a crazy weekend of dress shopping in DC with the Mothership, and a near purchase at Hannelore’s in Old Town Alexandria, our third stop was Clare Dratch in Bethesda. Clare Dratch is apparently a DC institution; my future mother-in-law went shopping there for her own wedding dress! It is not one of those fancy places where they give you champagne, the mannequins are from decades ago (some are scary) and the first floor looks like a mother of the bride dress bonanza but those Clare Dratch ladies know their stuff!
I felt like I tried on almost every dress at the Dratch when finally…they brought IT out! The Dratch ladies ordered this dress from Paloma Blanca without the big ball skirt and with a modified mermaid skirt instead. We bought the sample on the spot and scampered off to Clyde’s to celebrate with champagne! I’m posting a picture below from the Paloma website, and no, I will not be wearing the bolero.
I’m just going to jump right in here and get you caught up on the upcoming nuptials! I’m getting married next month and after our almost year engagement, I’m SO ready! I had a dress fitting last night at Clare Dratch in Bethesda so I’ll tell you all a little about the dress…
After a crazy weekend of dress shopping in DC with the Mothership, and a near purchase at Hannelore’s in Old Town Alexandria, our third stop was Clare Dratch in Bethesda. Clare Dratch is apparently a DC institution; my future mother-in-law went shopping there for her own wedding dress! It is not one of those fancy places where they give you champagne, the mannequins are from decades ago (some are scary) and the first floor looks like a mother of the bride dress bonanza but those Clare Dratch ladies know their stuff!
I felt like I tried on almost every dress at the Dratch when finally…they brought IT out! The Dratch ladies ordered this dress from Paloma Blanca without the big ball skirt and with a modified mermaid skirt instead. We bought the sample on the spot and scampered off to Clyde’s to celebrate with champagne! I’m posting a picture below from the Paloma website, and no, I will not be wearing the bolero.
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