It's Birthday Time!

Happy Birthday to James today (and Happy Birthday to me tomorrow)!

4th of July Photos

We spent our fourth of July weekend grilling out with friends (like many Americans).  Captain sure was happy because this weekend he got the party invites too.  He had us practically rolling on the ground when he stared at us awkwardly for an extended period of time, walk over to the only puddle he could find and laid down.  Below are a few snapshots from one of the backyard parties we attended last weekend, along with a caricature we had made on the boardwalk in Old Town. 

Think the caricature looks like us?  I think the artist did a decent job on me but sadly I don't think it looks like James at all.  Also, notice how James and I have basically the same picture?  Well these two guys are James' Navy friends who recently moved to the area.  We are so excited about this that we decided the double picture was a must.

Back to Work

Sitting at my desk this morning I am about as tired and amused as Kaylab in the picture above.  Loving that this will be a short week but wishing the holiday could last forever.  Hope everyone had a fun fourth of July.  I sure did!  Pictures of the weekend to come.

Wishing You a Happy Forth of July

Full of good...

friends,

 food

and fireworks!

Let The Race Begin

Yay, the weekend is almost here!  This weekend James and I will be spending some time out in the country, very close to what I would call my hometown (I moved a fair amount growing up).  Saturday morning we will be meeting friends in D.C. for breakfast, then taking a charter bus to The Plains, VA to attend Gold Cup (i.e. a great excuse to mix three amazing things: friends, horses and champagne).  For Mother's Day, we will be heading back out to the country to see my mom.  While there we will be going to see this and out to dinner at a quaint restaurant nearby.

In honor of Mother's Day, I thought I'd share a few sweet posts about motherhood here and here.  Wishing everyone a great weekend and all mothers an early happy Mother's Day! 

Feliz Cinco de Mayo

Any reason to enjoy cold drinks and yummy Mexican food, I'm in!  This is why we are planning on having a small Cinco de Mayo party at our place tonight.  The menu will include Coronas, margaritas, guacamole with chips, shrimp quesadillas, beef tacos and maybe even churros (if I somehow find the time/get brave enough to attempt).  Have any must try recipes on your menu for tonight?  These are a couple of mine:

Guacamole

Avocado (cut into small chunks) 

Grape Tomatoes (cut in fours) 
Lime Juice (splash/squeeze)

Onion (optional, diced)   

Jalapenos (diced) 

Margaritas*

Frozen Apple Juice Concentrate (1 tsp)
Duffy's or Rose's Lime Juice (1 jigger)
Everclear (optional, .5 to 1 jigger)
White Tequila (2 jiggers)
Gold Tequila (2 jiggers)

Triple Sec (1 jigger)

*Warning these are tasty but strong, I would suggest a 3 drink maximum.

A Pastel Weekend

Longtime friend, Emily, and her husband, Steve, held a coed baby shower at The Lyceum over the weekend.  Given that this was the boys first baby shower we decided to let them help with some of the shopping in the baby isle, which ended up being absolutely hysterical!  They made friends with shopping fathers (one of whom being the man in red and white below) and goofed off for a good bit before we continued on.

 

The shower was only a few blocks from our house, which made this weekend a great excuse to have friends (who sadly don't live close enough to see often) stay with us, and allowed us to take advantage of the beautiful weather and walk to shower.

While at the shower we enjoyed catching up with many old friends, eating great food (the cheesecake was to die for), playing a few shower games (one of which I won!) and congratulating the expecting couple.

Easter Sunday, James and I said bye to all of our visitors and went out to my mom's farm in Leesburg, VA to spend time with my mom, James' dad (they just so happen to be friends and the reason that James and I met), and a few family friends.

All and all, we had a great time over the weekend.  We enjoyed the company of both family and friends and are counting down the days until we get a chance to see them all again.

Happy Easter Weekend

I’m feeling so fortunate that I will be able to spend this weekend with family and good friends.  Wishing everyone a Happy Easter and a weekend full of nice spring weather, blooming flowers (I’m especially loving the cherry trees, tulips and daffodils), time with friends and family, yummy food and of course lots pastel colored candy!

A few Easter ideas I'm loving:

Simple, but elegant table decor found here,

These adorable banana cupcakes, and

If you are really looking for a party... fill (the bottom half) of plastic Easter eggs with Jello Shots (a trick learned in college).  Then hide them and let the hunt begin!

It's Earth Day!

This Earth Day just so happens to coincide with National Parks Week (April 16th through April 24th), which means visiting National Parks is free.  As an employee for a nonprofit that works to conserve National Parks, I hope that many take advantage of this great opportunity to see some of the most beautiful places on earth.  

Here are a few pictures from one of our trips last year to our favorite nearby park, Great Falls.

Also, in honor of Earth Day Starbucks is offering free coffee and tea to all who bring in their reusable mugs or tumblers today.  Bring your cup and enjoy!