The Lovely District

I thought I should finally share some of my pictures from my recent trip to Washington, DC. I love that city and I especially LOVE the people that I left there when I graduated. DC will always have a wonderful warm spot in my heart. What a lovely place to explore.

My friend from college MR (also B's Boyfriend) teaches spin classes throughout the District. I had never taken a spin class or a class from a friend so I practically begged B to take one of MR's classes with me. Before the class started we "warmed up" a bit. This picture cracks me up. MR is workin' it, B is watching, the little old man in the corner is stretching (?) and I am obviously taking a picture. Good work MR. Ha.

I am so thankful for B and her closet. She pretty much dressed me for S's graduation. I LOVED this dress. (and isn't her place adorable!!)

 Way to go S!!

The lovely graduate. It was so, so, so great to see her. 

 Outfit picture: Heading to dinner Saturday night. I loved B's neighborhood Cleveland Park. It was so refreshing to walk around everywhere again. Dinner here we come.

 We went to the restaurant Medium Rare. It was a prefix menu of salad, and all you can eat fries and steak. We may have had two servings of fries and steak. It was delicious that is for sure.

On Saturday night our friend was hosting a Prom party. Note: we are all twenty-somethings. There was no underage drinking or fraternizing with minors. When I left graduation earlier in the day I told S and her family that I had this Prom party to go to that evening and as I left S's mom yelled "Have fun a Prom!" Like I was a twenty-something cougar. Nice.

B and I wore tiara's because we were Prom Queens. Ha.

Sunday we went to Eastern Market to wander. Lots of interesting things to look at. This one booth had a ton of amazing mirrors. I really wanted one but shlepping it home would have definitely been an issue.

Hi MR- nice shades.

B bought that adorable hat.

I didn't do any site seeing this trip, I only feel a little guilty about it. Just lots of fun adventures with friends. This picture of the Capitol is pretty much the only touristy part.

Blog meet Isis. B's adorable old lady cat. She is the most vocal cat I have ever met. I had full on conversations with her and no I am not crazy. When we get ready I swear she says things like "Oh girls..." and "Is that really appropriate..?" (imagine an old lady saying it...) She's funny. 

 On Monday we visited MR at work. NASA that is. And he showed us around and told us all sorts of top secret information. Not at all really but it was still neat to check out his cubicle in basically your everyday DC office building. Every office building you work in has a gift shop right? Ha.

 And last but not least on Monday night I met up with one of my best friends from College MFF. Ahh the memories of taking over the school together. hahah.

We went to Mike Isabella's restaurant Graffiato and it was delicious. And hopping when we first got there at 9:30. We ended up closing the place down (hence all the empty chairs behind me) but I swear it was packed when we first got there around 9:30 and on a Monday too. Cheers.

 I had such an amazing time in DC. Thank you again B for hosting me!!!! Till the next time!!

Empowerment, Purpose, and Adventure

Just discovered an amazing jewelry company called 31 Bits. Have you heard of them? 31 Bits Designs is a socially minded business designed to give internally displaced women in Northern Uganda an opportunity to counter poverty. By giving our beneficiaries access to the international market, they are able to earn an instant income, providing homes, food, and education for their families. Our program equips women by providing literacy education, financial and vocational training, holistic care, and strong support systems, empowering individuals to further their careers and attain social equity.

They have a ton of really pretty unique pieces that I am crushing on and I absolutely LOVE what they say about the theme of their Spring line-

"Our Spring line, Chasing Daylight, represents living lives filled with empowerment, purpose, and adventure. It’s about taking risks, setting goals, and seizing every moment. It’s for those who dream big and refuse to give up. Over 100 women in Uganda are living with this kind of freedom. Some are setting goals for the first time in their lives, some are starting their own businesses, and all of them are rising above poverty."

I just love that. I want my life to be filled with empowerment, purpose and adventure. I am going to make a conscious effort to make that true. During my yoga classes they suggest setting an intention. Usually I set it to only think about positive thoughts or dedicating my practice to someone in particular- sometime me if I feel I need it or a friend, but for now I am going to set my intention on living an empowering life, one with purpose and adventure. 

Lately I have been so busy that when I finally get home after work and babysitting around 9:30 I just want to crash. I need to take more time throughout the day to smell the roses, notice the little things that make me smile, so that I feel more human and less of a robot. I think it will make me a better.... everything.... employee, babysitter, daughter, friend, sister, girl friend... everything.

 

There is a powerful video on the 31 Bits website but I can't figure out how to embed it. Bahh I hate when I can't figure out what should be an easy piece of technology! Anyone have any advice? It's not on youtube but a vimeo....

Also I don't know if you ever visit the fun blog whoorl but that is how I learned about 31 Bits and they are offering a discount! 20% off your online order with the code WHOORL20 from now until April 4th. Sweet! Thanks 31 Bits for being awesome and Whoorl for sharing their awesomeness.

Spring Outfit

I know it has been a long time... I'm sorry...

From DesignMom.com

I just say this adorable outfit on Designmom.com and wanted to share. How cute and springy is it! I want the whole darn thing.... Luckily I am halfway there since I already own a blue striped top and white jeans... now for that cuter than cute functional yellow jacket and the blue Hasbeen peeptoes! 

Here are the shopping links- (also from DesignMom.com)

1) St. James boatneck top (made here in Normandy!), 2) waxed cotton jacket in India Yellow, 3) Levi’s® white ankle-length jeans, 4) Seabag tote — they’re made from recycled sailboat sails, and 5) Hasbeen peeptoes.

Very Pinteresting

Happy Wednesday Sparklers!

How's your week going so far? Do you like the new header?!

This has been a busy work week this week so sorry about the light posting. But I can't resist sharing some of my newest (and some oldies but goodies) pins. 

Love the color vibe. I may try and attempt something like this for our bedroom eventually. 

Yes. Yes, yes, yes. Love this color combo. I just bought skinny jeans this exact share of pink from Old Navy and I am going to pair it with my chambray top. Yes. Thank you for the fashion inspiration Pinterest.

Oh Peeta- I loved thee. I am excited to watch you in action next month!!! So excited that March is approaching.

 I love everything about this look. 

She is cozy and adorable and sipping on what I am assuming is a caffeinated beverage. Jealous. 

 This is perfect! Genius!

 The new Toms ballet flats!! I love the grey- they would be so versatile. Too bad they are $80 bucks. Not quite in my budget at this point in time...

Thank you again Vintage Apple for dreaming up such a fun way to share Wednesdays!

Are you guys still enjoying Pinterest? I am still as obsessed as ever but I am noticing that I am not finding as much pin worthy stuff as before. Am I just burning out or is the selection not as great??

Also I was at a work meeting today and this woman was informing the group that she is looking into utilizing PInterest for publicizing the non-profit. Ummmmm.... What? Am I missing some huge component about Pinterest? How is said non-profit, and others, capitalizing on the beauty of Pinterest? I will be heart broken if it becomes something other than the place full of pretty pictures of inspiration. Sigh.


All images are from Pinterest. Feel free to follow me! :)

I say YES to cute boots

So my tall brown boots that I have had since junior year of college have officially died.

They had a great run though. Literally. I wore them all around France, Italy, and England and when S. and I were still at the Eiffel Tower and realized we needed to catch our train to Nice in 20 minutes I ran in them too. (We didn't miss our train- THANK GOODNESS)

But anyways- it was time for a new pair. I have been loving the exposed zipper trend of this season.

And right before Thanksgiving I bought these sexy numbers.

Credit

Unfortunately you can't see the exposed zipper up the back or the exact finishing of the leather but they are beautiful. I'm a little concerned that they are too sexy but hey- I'm 23! If not now then when?!

Credit

When I tell you!?

I feel like I think about this a lot. I'm young but I don't want to seem too sexy. At least not everyday- sexy for the right occasion is important ;)

Do you ever think about this? Issue? Predicament? I don't know what to call it. But I am very aware of it. Am I the only one?

Do you embrace your age and sexiness? How? When?

OK so this post became more than just me gushing about my new boots. It also makes me sound like I think I am the bees knees- and while I think it is important to have positive self esteem- that was not really the point here...... hummmm. I would love to hear your thoughts.