The Friday Five

1. What I'm Reading:

I finally made it to back to the library and grabbed this book. I wanted something light and easy to read. You can't beat a story centered around campaign life with some romance and secrets thrown in the mix.  

2. What I'm Eating:

True life: I had this for dinner more than one night this week. Not exactly a well balanced meal but that's what happens when you get home at random hours. Topped with granola and pumpkin butter it is rather delicious. 

3. What I'm Listening to:

I download some of his music on NoiseTrade a few weeks ago and received this video in my inbox as a thank you. I'm looking forward to seeing him with Matt Wertz in November. 

4. What Recipe I'm Bookmarking:

Giada's Pasta Primavera

I was filling out a survey the other day and was asked to list five things I can't live without. Thinking back, I should have included pasta.

5. What Finds I'm Loving:

This is awesome. Thanks to Clean Eating Chelsey for sharing!

Happy Friday!

The Last Few Days

Saturday: I volunteered with the Junior League at the National Book Festival on the Mall. You would not believe the number of people who came to have books signed and visit the different tables in the Pavilion of States.

Sunday: After a fun brunch at Medium Rare, we went to watch the Nationals take on the Brewers. We could not have asked for prettier weather. 

My favorite part of the game is always the President's Race when George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt run around the field. Don't ask my why they do it but it is pretty hysterical to watch. Poor Teddy has never won. There is a whole blog about it.

Monday: We took our board members on a tour of the National Gallery of Art before dinner at the Caucus Room. That would be our tour guide in the middle. He is talking, not doing the robot. I'm not sure the security guards would have appreciated a flashmob dance party in the middle of the gallery. On second thought, maybe they would. Next time?

Tuesday: It was a Starbucks kind of morning to get through the day long board meeting. I'm glad I can cross this off the to-do list. 

Wednesday: National Sibling Day. ILY.

Thursday: I finally took the time to put my office back together. My white board came crashing down a few weeks ago and has been sitting on the floor ever since. We hung it back up along with a 2013 calendar. It is hard to believe that we are already planning events for next year. 

And that's the last few days in a nutshell.

Tuesday Thoughts

1) How is it September 25th already? I feel like I was just at the beach for Labor Day and now it's almost October. Where has the time gone?

2) Between work, Junior League and other activities, it has been one crazy month and it doesn't look like October will be much calmer.

3) I got to leave work early today. Nevermind that I went in at 7:30 this morning, but I loved having an extra hour this afternoon. I feel like I got so much accomplished. If only I got off at 5 everyday!

4) With all that's been going on, I haven't had any time to read. I think it is about time I make a trip to the library. Suggestions welcome.

5) I also haven't made anything in the kitchen worth noting. My dinners have consisted mostly of eating out and whatever I have in the pantry/freezer. Thank goodness for tasty frozen foods from Trader Joes and pasta.

6) Fall is officially here and so is canned pumpkin. TJ's finally had some in stock when I went by today. I can't wait to try it in my oatmeal.

7) I also picked up a thing of Pumpkin Butter. It was either that or more Cookie Butter. I figured this might not disappear quite as quickly.

8) Even though I feel like I'm living in fast forward, I'm looking forward to October. There should be lots of fun things coming up. Stay tuned.

Weekend Recap

On Saturday, some friends came over and we headed to the H Street Festival. This annual event is basically a large block party to celebrate the revitalization of the area as well as bring attention to the developing arts and entertainment district. I could not believe the number of people out and about.  

Source

It was fun to hang out in a different part of the city with some old and new friends, including this guy:

Who happens to be the brother of one of my good friends from college. Small world!

Sunday was a stereotypical DC day and I loved every minute of it. We toured the West Wing and went to Old Ebbitt Grill for lunch. Our tour guide had lots of great stories to tell as we wandered throughout the halls of the West Wing. My favorite room was probably the Oval Office. We also went into the Press Room while the press secretary was there which was neat (he was giving a tour as well, not sharing any breaking news). It was the perfect Sunday outing. 

The executive office building on the lower left is my favorite building in DC.

The Little Things

It's the little things in life that mean the most. Like having a stranger on the street tell you your blouse is gorgeous or finding flowers, a treat, and a sweet note on your desk letting you know you are appreciated.

Thanks Marg for the sweet surprise!

Nothing but Good

This is what I saw when I checked my gmail this morning:

Why yes, that is an email from Chobani letting me know that I won their Facebook giveaway. I have six 16 oz containers of yogurt headed my way. I am not going to lie, I am pretty excited about it. I can't wait to try the Vanilla Chocolate Chunk and Black Cherry. Thanks Chobani for making my Monday morning bright!

The Friday Five

1. What I'm Reading:

This is making me want to bake, even more so than usual. 

From Amazon: In a novel as warm and embracing as a family kitchen, Barbara O’Neal explores the poignant, sometimes complex relationships between mothers and daughters—and the healing magic of homemade bread. 

2. What I'm Eating:

Marg bought some for the office this week. They are as good as a healthy cookie can be. I looked at the ingredient list and don't know how I feel about pineapple, pear, and peach juice concentrate being used as sweetener in a cookie. It makes me want to read more food labels...or maybe not. 

3. What I'm Listening to:

It's been a Kenny Chesney kind of day. 

I've been listening to this one along with "You and Tequila" and "Come Over."

4. What Recipe I'm Bookmarking:

A Hearty Oat Loaf

I see some homemade bread being made in the near future. I blame the book I'm reading.

5. What Pins I'm Loving:

This made me laugh out loud. 

This pretty much sums up this post. 

Happy Friday!

Happy Birthday Momma Mia!

I love you so much and wish I was there to celebrate!

Can you feel it?

Fall is in the air. It doesn't officially start until next weekend but the past three days have been just delightful. I wish the windows in my office opened or that I could sit outside all day (wishful thinking at its best) and enjoy the beautiful weather.

I am so excited for the change in season and all it entails:

• Cooler weather 
• Jeans, cowboy boots, and sweaters 
• Football
• All things pumpkin 
• Thanksgiving

I could keep going but decided to stop there.
It really is the perfect time to turn over a new leaf. (pun intended)

Weekend Recap

Friday night I had every intention of going out until I started watching Pride and Prejudice for the umpteenth time. It is one of my all time favorites, with lines like "you have bewitched me body and soul, and I love, I love, I love you" and Jane's response of "yes, a thousand times yes" when Mr. Darcy proposes. I just love it so much.

Saturday started bright and early with Junior League orientation. When it was over, we walked across the street to the Hamilton for lunch. The Hamilton is not only a restaurant but also a music venue. Since most of us had never seen the downstairs before a manager gave us a tour. Talk about a cool set up. Apparently, they do a Gospel Brunch on Sundays. I think all of us added it to our DC bucket list.

That afternoon, we went to see Bachelorette. It was pretty raunchy but funny. I appreciated their "forget everyone, I love ice cream" outlook on life.

For dinner, we headed to Slate Wine Bar which just opened in Glover Park. The food and wine were both delicious. I'm excited to take my mom there when she visits. It is the perfect neighborhood spot.

We ended our marathon day at Mason Inn. Thankfully I had no plans on Sunday and was able to catch up on everything and prepare for a busy week. 

The Friday Five

1. What I'm Reading:

I could not put this down. 

From Amazon: One of the most critically acclaimed suspense writers of our time, New York Times bestseller Gillian Flynn takes that statement to its darkest place in this unputdownable masterpiece about a marriage gone terribly, terribly wrong. The Chicago Tribune proclaimed that her work “draws you in and keeps you reading with the force of a pure but nasty addiction.” Gone Girl’s toxic mix of sharp-edged wit and deliciously chilling prose creates a nerve-fraying thriller that confounds you at every turn. 

2. What I'm Eating:

Cashew butter. 

It kind of tastes like cookie dough, especially the grind your own from Whole Foods. Try it on a pretzel or a spoon.

3. What I'm Listening to:

Today's Hits. 

You should turn it on and have a dance party, after all it is Friday. Some of the highlights included: "I Won't Give Up" by Jason Mraz and "Don't Wake Me Up" by Chris Brown. 

4. What Recipe I'm Bookmarking:

Eat, Live, Run's Scallop Linguine.

If someone would have this ready for me when I get home, I would love them forever. Seriously. 

5. What Pins I'm Loving:

Happy Friday!

The View

This was my view at 7 am this morning.

This was my view at 7 pm this evening.

I prefer the ocean view. Especially since my work to do list is already a mile long. Take me back to the beach.