one night in philadelphia

My two favorite things about the east coast are the beautiful, historic buildings that are nearly everywhere and how close the states are together. Last fall Nathan and I took a quick weekend trip up to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and in just a 2.5 hour drive we were exploring a new city with the goal (if you love How I Met Your Mother as much as I do) to obviously lick The Liberty Bell. It turns out The Liberty bell is behind glass, so sadly we were not victorious with that task. However, we did manage to pack a lot of sightseeing (and miles of walking) in. We stayed at the newly renovated and beautifully decorated Hotel Monaco, enjoyed greasy cheesesteak sandwiches, ran the Rocky steps, ate breakfast outside across the street from Tiffany’s, and had an amazing Greek dinner at Estia. Since I am kind of in a reclusive rut right now, I like to remember moments of travel, discovery, and exploration. It definitely gives me the travel bug to get out of Maryland again, even if it’s just for a quick weekend trip. Experiencing new places always has the ability to lift one’s spirits.

philadelphia, paeating cheesesteaks pumpkin beer old wrought iron inside hotel monaco pastry and coffee rocky enjoying a beverage philadelphia, pa moose statue rocky pose

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Posted On January 31, 2013 // 1 Comment
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east coast summer {and jewelry winners!}

What have you been up to this summer?  I hope you’ve been enjoying the sun, staying relatively cool indoors, and getting home from work at a reasonable hour to actually enjoy the warm weather.  Here is the last week of my summer living East Coast style.

{One to cross off the list: A blue crab feast on the Fourth of July.}

{A delicious champagne beverage for keeping cool.}

{I couldn’t wait to put my toes in the sand for my first real beach day on the Atlantic ocean.}

{Snoozing boys on the water.}

{Charlie’s jonesing for a swim.}

{The best way to stay cool in 100° heat: Sit in the corner of the pool with a cold beverage.  Don’t let the coffee mugs trick you!}

Annnd it is time to announce the winners of the Stella & Dot jewelry giveaway!  There were three ways to win, which is très exciting because I get to announce three winners.  The lucky gals are…

Cheryl of a peek of chic won the $25 gift card!  I hope you find something beautiful for your wedding.

Winterstar06 is the proud new owner of the Black Soirée Pavé Bracelet. 

Morgan of DC Funemployment, you just won the Cascading Chain Necklace.

Score big, y’all!  I’ll email you for details.  Thank you to everyone who entered and continues to show the Facebook love.

 

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Posted On July 9, 2012 // 4 Comments
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“You know, when I was a kid, I got a sunburn like that and just peeled all the skin off, put it in a pile, and ate it.”

Happy Friday, friends!  I am très ready for this weekend.  I am a bit more prepared than last weekend when I spent 1.5 hours by the pool and got a horrific sunburn.  I put sunscreen on my face yet for some reason failed to apply any to the rest of my body.  Needless to say, my décollage had seen better days.  I turned to a faithful post-exposure product that my mother used to slather on my sister and I when we were teenagers and acquired a sunburn (which was actually quite rare, given our Polish skin and jobs as lifeguards).  I swear by it still because it turns cherry red burns into golden tans and rarely allows the skin to peel.  Of course, without peeling what would Elliot Reid eat for a snack?

{If you find yourself in a similar situation I highly recommend Total Insurance SunBurn Relief Gel.}  

I know, I know…we all need to wear SPF500 when outdoors these days, which is why I promptly set out to buy my favorite sun protection products because, let’s face it, I am old enough to know better.

{Oh la la, Clarins Sunscreen Care Cream SPF 20 goes on smooth and makes skin feel amazing.  I wouldn’t have even guessed it is sunscreen!}

{I love Aveeno Continuous Protection Sunblock with SPF 30 for Face because it is not oily, unfortunately scented, or super expensive.}

{Don’t forget your lips, especially if they take up a large percentage of your face such as mine do.  (Remember?)  I’m not a fan of white lips reminiscent of lifeguards from the 1970s so I choose a clear version to protect my kisser: Laura Mercier Lip Balm SPF 15.}

I’m ready now.  Are you?  Do you have any other skin protection products you can’t life without?

{PS The quote from Scrubs is one of my favorites ever.  If only Elliot Reid, MD, was real and we were BFFs.}

 

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Posted On June 8, 2012 // 1 Comment
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tourist in my own town {visit annapolis}

I was tired Saturday.  Like falling asleep in five seconds, couldn’t lift my hand to scratch my nose kind of tired.  I had just finished a nearly 60 hour work week and I wanted to get into bed at 5:30pm.  (I realize a 60 hour work week is typical for some and you may not think it’s très hard but I am not going to feel inadequate by comparing, remember?)  The gorgeous weather sans humidity was beckoning though and I mustered up the energy to go on a walk with Husband and Charlie.  The beautiful evening immediately perked me up and I felt ridiculous for my earlier bout of laziness.  The jaunt turned into a “quick drink” sitting outside by the water, then “how about a few oysters?”, and then “we might as well just order dinner…and more drinks”.  Sitting there enjoying our lovely town and hearing the multitude of languages being spoken I realized that Annapolis, Maryland is a tourist destination itself and perhaps I should take advantage and stop pining away for Boston.  Determined to make the most of what I deem The Best City in the Mid-Atlantic I decided to make a list of the activities Husband and I always talk about doing but rarely get around to.  We are going to be tourists in our town this summer.

{Tour the United States Naval Academy.  We walk by it every weekend yet never venture inside.}

{Rent jet skis for a day.}

{Take a sailing lesson.}

{Go kayaking.  Okay, already did that.  But it deserves several rounds.}

{See a concert at Rams Head Tavern.}  

{Eat a bucket of blue crab (preferably caught by moi).}

{Peruse the farmers’ market, especially for fresh flowers.  Peonies, please!}

What about you, friends?  Any plans to be a tourist in your own town this summer?

*All pictures (except the kayaking picture) were found via Pinterest*

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Posted On May 15, 2012 // 1 Comment
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i heart boston

Do you ever find yourself in a city and feel you were destined to live there?  That is exactly how I felt the moment we drove into Boston for the first time.  I love the architecture, the history, the giant parks smack in the middle of the city, and I nearly understand the accent.  Sadly, it is unlikely I will ever live there.  Even more sadly, we could have lived there instead of Baltimore.  Excuse me while I cry in the corner for a few moments.

We arrived to a delightful surprise of chilled champagne for a belated anniversary celebration.  (Thank you, Nine Zero Hotel!)  We immediately ventured out to Boston Common and then to a delicious dinner of oysters and lobster ravioli at the oldest restaurant in the country.  Throughout our time I think husband and I walked at least ten miles around the city and afterwards realized that we felt perfectly safe the entire time and never wandered into any sketchy neighborhoods.  

{I loved walking around Newbury Street.  Husband had to keep reeling me in.  ”Look, Chanel!  Over there, Diane von Furstenberg!”  My neck still hurts from the rapid head turns.  My heart still hurts from not doing any actual shopping.}

{Charlie is scared of the duck statues.  Weird dog.}

{We walked the whole thing, start to finish.  True tourists!}

{Perfect time of year to go and see the real baby ducklings!  What a cute little family.}

{Isn’t this guy adorable in his chambray shirt?}

{I planned so many cute outfits only to have them covered by my jacket.  Sad face.}

{Everyone I talked to told us to go to Mike’s Pastry and it was for a very good reason.  The place is amazing.}

{Oh, yes, hazelnut cannoli.  Good thing we walked so much.}

{Loving Little Italy.}

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Posted On May 10, 2012 // 4 Comments
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provincetown {loving the cape cod life}

Provincetown in Cape Cod is just as idyllic as one would expect.  Quaint houses with fences and shutters(!), gorgeous beaches, and lush trees line the perfectly kept streets.  It has a very interesting culture, yet most devastatingly was the shocking knowledge that only 25% of the town was open for business.  The majority of shops and restaurants remain closed until mid-May which made for a few sad travelers plus one dog wandering the streets.  Luckily the natural scenery provided plenty to do and explore.  A few highlights from our time there:

{Oh, hello, Gucci Fiat in our hotel parking lot.  Whaaat?}

{Mmmm, gelato.  Who cares if it’s cold enough for a scarf and jacket?  I love frozen treats.}

{Adirondack rocking chairs, a blanket, a book, a glass of wine.  Perfection.}

{Perfectly pink blossoms scatter the streets.}

{A lovely (albeit brisk) afternoon spent on the beach.  Underneath that coat is a similar version of this outfit.}

{I wish this was our hotel.  Sigh.  It wasn’t.}

{I just can’t get enough of him.  He lives for the beach.  And sticks.  And treats.}

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Posted On May 8, 2012 // Leave a Comment
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yale and mansions {exploring the east coast one ivy league at a time}

We are officially back from our trip and are slowly re-entering reality.  The hardest part will undoubtedly be that 5:45am alarm tomorrow morning screaming that it’s time for work.  Work!  For a moment I thought I was blissfully unemployed.  Sigh.  We had a lovely time and I so appreciated the comments and emails of places to go and things to do.  Thank you!  In addition to eating an abundance of road snacks and delicious meals as is mandatory on vacation we did explore several noteworthy places.  I love exploring the east coast and seeing our country’s history firsthand (cue the Star Spangled Banner now).  It still blows my mind that we were able to travel through seven states in one day considering eight hours of driving would take one through three states max on the west coast.  The first two days took us to Connecticut and Rhode Island. 

{The Yale University campus from our hotel window.  I felt smarter just walking around and admiring the beautiful brick buildings (and yearning for my undergraduate years).  Those smarties know their food, we had the best Indian food ever for dinner in New Haven.  If you’re out that way make sure to stop at Zaroka!}

{Our next stop was Newport, Rhode Island.  The weather was a bit chilly but Charlie still enjoyed frolicking on the beach!  Unfortunately it was similar to a ghost town with most of the shops closed until summer.}

{The infamous cliff walk was definitely worthwhile if for nothing else than the amazing views.}

{Family picture.  Can you believe how blue the water looks?  So beautiful.}

{The most amazing “house” on the cliff walk, The Breakers, which was the summer cottage/mansion of the Vanderbilt’s.  I wonder what it was like to live during that time and in that family?  I find myself completely fascinated and a wee bit envious.}

{Charlie shaking off post-swim in front of ridiculously large houses.}

We also explored Provincetown in Cape Cod (très interesting) and Boston (where I believe I was destined to live).  More pictures to come this week!

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Posted On May 6, 2012 // 1 Comment
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road snacks make the drive better

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Husband and I have been having a positively lovely New England adventure.  I had grand plans to maintain my daily blogging schedule throughout the trip but vacationing and a lack of internet got in the way a bit.  Not that any of you were waiting devastatingly for my next profound words, but I still feel like I should I apologize.  So, I’m sorry.

One of the best parts (only reason?) of a road trip are the road snacks.  I simply cannot commit to a drive more than 30 minutes long sans a tasty selection of snacks and beverages.  Without the knowledge that blissful snacking is in my future, I grow très worried.  Naturally I stocked up on a variety of treats.  My husband’s snacks of choice are beef jerky and these scones.

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{My favorite road snack is trail mix and this little concoction is “homemade” (i.e., buying the ingredients separately and throwing them all in a giant Tupperware.)}

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{Days before our departure I finally got a mini muffin pan thanks to an anniversary gift card to Williams-Sonoma and felt I had to make something using the pan.  Mini coffee cakes were the winning treat (recipe to come next week) and they have been two bites of delicious and plenty adorable throughout our journey.}

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{Oh gees that’s a lot of snacks for two people (and a dog). Don’t judge.}

Besides the array of snacks and unhealthy meals in restaurants, the highlights have been realizing we are true nerds at heart and love researching everything, that no matter how much we fight it my husband is simply a better navigator and I am a better driver (especially in cities), and Charlie really does sleep approximately 21 hours a day.

I hope everyone has a wonderful rest of the week!  I will be be back to the daily grind next week.  Sigh.  Until then, friends!

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Posted On May 1, 2012 // Leave a Comment
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vacation destination: new england

Months of anticipation and storing up vacation time at work are finally paying off. Husband and I are New England bound on Saturday and I am ecstatic to cross off a few more items from my East Coast Bucket List. On the itinerary: New Haven, Connecticut (for a pit stop); Provincetown, Massachusetts; Boston, Massachusetts; and Newport, Rhode Island. I am thoroughly looking forward to the drive (road trip!), walking on cobblestone streets, enjoying delicious beverages while lounging on adirondack chairs, and exploring new places. Charlie gets to join, too, which will make it a true family affair. I am certain my visions of New England are completely stereotypical, yet here are some images I am excited to see in real life. Vacation perfection.

{Cobblestone streets in Boston}

{Our hotel is right across the street from Boston Common}

{Cape Cod beach, although it will be a tad too chilly to enjoy in a swimsuit.}

{Boston neighborhood}

{Provincetown beach…doesn’t this look like Revenge? If only, Emily Thorne.}

{Cliff walk to gaze at summer cottages (i.e., mansions) in Rhode Island}

{Provincetown, MA at night.}

{I love lighthouses.}

{More cobblestone side streets. I wish all roads were like this!}

{Our hotel in Boston is off of Charles Street. How perfect!}

{I am a sucker for adorable storefronts.}

{Rhode Island. Can’t wait!}

I have been gathering tips for destinations (we are headed to The Purple Feather for sure) but would love to learn more. If any of you have recommendations of places to go, restaurants to try, and things to do please pass on the knowledge!

{All images found via Pinterest}

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Posted On April 26, 2012 // 5 Comments
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two years of wedded bliss

Today marks two years of married life for my husband and I.  It’s amazing how much can be packed into two years: a wedding, a honeymoon to Europe, a cross country move, a handful of jobs, a few dozen arguments, three trips back west, thousands of text messages, hundreds of cookies, one trip to the emergency vet, and many, many kisses.  A new life.

The last two years started with the picture above and below is a glimpse into two years of wedded bliss (most of the time).  

{Wouldn’t this be the perfect Christmas card picture if these were actually our kids?   We’re just loving on our nephews during their visit last year.}

{Prom pose.  My favorite.}

When I worked with an older population my favorite question to ask my patients was what their secret was to marriage, which usually spanned at least four decades.  Their answers varied from the funny (“We agreed whoever left first had to take the kids”) to the faithful (“We put God first”) to the cliché (“Communication is key”).  I am still working on my answer to that question; hopefully in another 50 years I will have had the experience to truly impart wisdom to the younger folks.  As for now, I realize marriage is not made up of big vacations and iconic moments (although they are certainly memorable), but the everyday rituals that warm my heart such as a husband who cuts up carrots and fruit every Sunday for weekday lunches, silly nicknames, a wife who always puts her husband’s vitamins out in the morning, and leisurely Sunday mornings in bed with coffee. 

What’s your secret to a long and happy marriage?

 

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Posted On April 24, 2012 // 4 Comments
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