Alumni Weekend Adventures

I wasn't sure if I'd feel good enough to be as active as I was this weekend, but I am very happy to say I was able to get out and about and enjoy a lot of GW's Alumni Weekend with some of my favorite people.

{at our sorority house} 

{at Sequoia for our 5 year reunion celebration...eek!}

{no, his 5 year reunion isn't for another year. ah, youth.}

One of my most favorite parts of the weekend was creeping around Dupont this morning with A. I LOVE when she visits and I got to spend more time with her than I'd expected to because I was feeling better. After Starbucks, she graciously accompanied me to the bead store and was the first visitor to our new apartment. 

{i may look weird but i don't care because i love her that much}

Dude and I are looking forward to Breaking Bad and Homeland tonight--and I'm cautiously optimistic about feeling even better in the week ahead.

Tidbits

These Wendy Mink bracelets. They are just fun and make me smile and I am so obsessed it hurts. 

left/right 

Can't wait to wear these spiky smoking loafers around town--I bought them with my mom so they are extra special. (Oh Nordstrom Rack, you get us every time.)

Add a basic black scarf/pashmina and black ballet flats to these affordable sweaters and gorgeous, wallet-friendly bag for a great early fall, easy-chic, running-around-town look. 

left/center/right

Inching Back

I'm back in our apartment following surgery #2. My mom was amazing and we stayed in a hotel together for the first couple of days after I had it--she took such good care of me and is currently puttering around/plotting to redecorate my apartment.
I am so antsy to do things but I physically can't. I know if I push myself too hard, I'll end up hurting myself and setting myself back. Right now, I'm looking forward to a couple of benign activities that will keep me occupied until I can work again.

Movie date at Hipster E Street Cinema with Dude and/or Myself:

(imdb)

(imdb)

Baking cookies for friends and work buddies: 

Creeping over to Beadazzled in Dupont Circle for supplies to make bracelets--I do really well with methodical tasks and am loving beaded bracelets lately, so I'm looking forward to playing around with them and hopefully making some holiday gifts.

I'm looking forward to posting more as I get better and hope everyone's week is going well!

Great People, Great Trip, Good State of Mind

Last weekend, Dude and I went to my friend J's beautiful wedding in La Vale/Cumberland, MD. I had never been up there before and I loved the area--hopefully, we'll be able to do some more exploring in the future!

I met J several years ago and it was amazing to celebrate with her and her family. They are so kind and made us feel so welcome. The reception was gorgeous and held in a museum. A bunch of us who work/have worked for the same company were able to hang out together and it was awesome.

This part is going to sound very sappy, but I really do believe that things happen for a reason. I met J after leaving a job that just wasn't right for me. I felt horrible about myself in a lot of different ways. Working with her allowed me to get myself back in a lot of ways--most of all, I became more confident in myself and what I am capable of doing. Some things really do come full circle, and it was terrific to be able to share in her and her new husband's special day. 

Of course, creeping on the centerpieces and all of J's great decorating touches was lots of fun too!

Yesterday, Dude and I celebrated three months of being married. So dorky, but I think it's still fun to count.

On our way home, we stopped off at a scenic overlook (part of Green Ridge State Forest) and it was amazing. 

One of the best part was finding a random squash/pumpkin garden on our way back to the car. What a great way to say hello to fall! 

I just started off the week by buying myself some monster fuchsia roses. I'm working part-time until my surgery towards the end of the month, so at least I don't feel like a total delinquent. My week in general will be some work, several doctor's appointments (gross but necessary) and more apartment prep. I want to pop some fun time with my friends in there too! Mentally, I am happy with where I am--and that is in large part due to the awesome friends and family in my life. Here's to a solid and fun week ahead!

little delights

these bracelets are all invited to my stacking party. 

1/2/3

I think these little cakes from Wagshal's in Tenleytown are completely adorable. I want to pretend Dude's birthday is in September instead of December so I can have an excuse to order one.

The Metro Trip Planner is absolutely terrific. I love taking the bus and saving money on cabs, and it is a handy tool that gives me peace of mind by mapping out exactly how my trips (specifically, changes from bus to Metro or vice versa) will go.

Currently making my nails look decent:

Butter London Chimney Sweep

I got these precious Jonathan Adler salt and pepper shakers from my grandlittle for my bridal shower. I love them so much that I am willing to put aside my "I never cook" BS and make pasta and a darn salad so I can have people over and use them. 

I hope you find a lot of little delights throughout your days!

Currently...

reading:

(picture c/o Amazon)

drinking:

Barritt's Ginger Beer with a lovely side of Advil Liqui-Gels

hating: this weather, especially the humidity 

loving: my new haircut, air conditioning

watching: Syria and "I Have a Dream" anniversary coverage on CNN and MSNBC

inspired by: 

this beautiful and simple pitcher of Black Eyed Susans 

coveting: Les Amis stackable bracelets for fall arm parties 

Les Amis/Cusp

Les Amis/Cusp

Les Amis/Cusp

Hope everyone's Hump Day goes by nice and quickly!

Pre-Fall

I just can't help it. Coming from a pretty much seasonless place, I get excited for fall when the slightest hint of it (nice weather, Back to School everything, etc.) creeps in. Here are some little hints that I hope get you in the mood for changing leaves, pumpkin spice, boots, sweaters, and more.

Gorgeous Hartmann Luggage from One Kings Lane--my parents had it and some of it got passed down to me. This also reminds me of my first day of classes my freshman year at GW, to which I wore a pleated skirt, some kind of T-shirt, and a tweed blazer. In my enthusiasm I failed to check the weather and realize it was about 90 degrees outside. I guess I just really wanted to feel that college spirit! 

Starbucks is bringing back the Pumpkin Spice Latte September 6 (when I am feeling super indulgent, the Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino is also awesome/tastes like liquid pumpkin pie.) Right now, they're hosting games on their Facebook page--the city with the most points gets the beverage a week before everyone else! 

I got this bag from a Kate Spade sale over the spring. (Picture courtesy of Polyvore.) It is super functional and just the right size for adventures through the city--since we moved to Tenleytown, I have been taking the bus and Metro a lot more. I can't wait to wear it with skinny jeans, boots, and a scarf and chunky sweater layered over a t-shirt. 

I was creeping around on the Metro with Dude on our way to the movies yesterday, and the bag served as a backdrop to an incomplete arm party. I want to add a couple more (not too heavy) bracelets to make it really festive. 

Wishing everyone a terrific Sunday!