Stepping Back In: DC

Happy Monday everyone!!

It's a great Monday for me because for the first

time in a long time, I am not opening the bar!

I'm sorry but there's nothing worse then a Monday at a bar.

I thought I'd step back into reality for a little while

and share some high lights from my weekend in DC!

Crossing the Tappan Zee Bridge. 

We arrived in DC about 9pm on Friday night.

After catching up a bit with friends, we headed to a bar

called the H Street Country Club.

As we got off the Metro and into a cab, DC was hit by

the most intense thunderstorm.

As we drove, street signs were being torn off poles.

Scaffolding was flying through the air like paper.

Trees were being thrown around like dolls and we watched

many power outages.

But we made it to the bar!

This picture is of my friend Lizzie and I after out 4 second run from

the cab to the bar.

It was raining THAT hard.

Playing mini golf at the bar.

One of the holes was themed Zombie Presidents!

I <3 Teddy :)

Saturday, as my friends slept in, I got up and navigated my way to

Open City in DC to meet up with Brandi from Not Your Average Ordinary.

It was probably one of the best ideas of my life.

i'm at a cross roads and really needed to meet with a fellow blogger,

and not just any blogger!

I feel like Brandi and I really connected on different levels.

Go check her out!!

This is a picture of just one of the horrendously long

escalators taking me to the Metro platform.

Wanna hear the worst thing ever?

When I was on my way to meet Brandi, 

I had to CLIMB one of these bad boys....

I was slightly hung over...

and I was about 90 degrees.

No. Bueno.

The rest of Saturday was spent seeking refuge at the Smithsonian's 

Natural History Museum.

It was amazing!

I can't believe how many museums there ARE there!

While I could spend weeks wandering around,

I wasn't feeling it too much on Saturday.

It was hot, I was dehydrated and really tired.

I so not used to staying up late.

After a late lunch at a local Irish pub and a short nap

watching Ocean's 12, we headed to the east side of DC to see

Gareth Emery at Club Fur.

Man. It was probably one of the most amazing shows I've seen.

This is my life.

And I love it so.

After sleeping till 11:30, we pulled ourselves together

and braved the heat again to refuel.

We went to a little place called Blue 44,

and every single time someone said "Blue 44" 

all I wanted to say was "HIKE!"

or whatever they say in football...

I had Eastern Eggs Benedict which was a normal benedict

with a crab cake and fresh tomato.

It was incredible. And reasonably priced!!

We spent the rest of the day eating FroYo by the Zoo and watching America's Funniest Home Videos.

Jake and I braved the long 6 hour drive home and had a realy great time.

Sadly, this morning I had the hardest time getting up.

I really need to stop being so adventurous. 

It's exhausting.

9 days till TORONTO!

Queen Bee

My mind has been full of ideas lately.

So full, actually, that figuring out where to begin is difficult.

I know you all know what I'm talking about.

So since my mind has been...excuse the pun..

..buzzing..

I felt the need to pay tribute to one of my favorite Spring creatures:

The Bee.

So pretty.

I love many things that come from or represent bees:

Burt's Bees lip balm first developed my love for bees,

that and HONEY! 

Bee's are underrated. We can't survive without them!!

So to honor the cute little guy who has a HUGE impact on our lives,

here are 5 things made by bees, about bees or representing bees that I love today!

Thanks Everywhere Mag

1. When I was a kid, my mom would shop for produce at a local produce shop called Spicer Brothers Produce. I loved being picked to go with her because at the check out sat the display of Honey Sticks. She never bought junk food, no HoHo's or Twinkies. No candy or store bought cookies. My treat was a flavored honey stick. And I love that memory. Thank you, mom and thank YOU, honey bee!

2. I found this honey bee ring and almost died. It's so simple and beautiful at the same time. So elegant! Honey bee's make such darling decorations.

Thank you Design Dazzel

3. Bumble Bee themed parties are always fun to attend! There are bee hive pinatas, fun drinks and yummy treats all bee themed! Plus, what girl doesn't enjoy a cute outfit in black and yellow?!

Brown Sugar Cake with Honey Berry Topping

  4. Who doesn't enjoy a yummy treat involving honey?! This Brown Sugar Cake not only looks phenomenal, it's easy to make AND is topped with a Honey and Berry mixture. The simple sweetness of honey combined with the tart of some barries...man I can't WAIT to make this this weekend! (Don't be jealous...you know you'll check in to see how it turns out!)




5. Lavender is said to attract bees. So I'm thinking that wherever I decide to settle in my life, I want somewhere to grow lavender. Not only does it attract those lovely little critters, but it smells out of this WORLD, can be used for many things and isn't too sore on the eyes either!!


What do you love about bees??
Do you have any favorite products??

Tuesday Inspiration: Parties!

All the sunshine and warm weather posts lately

has really gotten me in the mood for a party!

There's nothing I like more then to throw a party during

the warm spring and summer months.

It's the best excuse to get friends together, eat lovely food,

drink lovely drinks and be together.

Sadly, I don't think I shall be throwing a bash anytime soon,

given the fact that Jake and I don't know many people!

But a girl sure can dream, no?!

So I did a little research.

And gathered a few pictures.

And dreamed a little more.

A Picnic Party??

Invitations!

A must.

Lovely, come nightfall!

Antipasto Kabobs!

I am so excited for warm weather and making new friends!

I want to throw a garden party so badly!

(Fingers crossed we get a place with a yard in Kansas!)

I also want an excuse to wear this:

It's adorable, huh?

What're your favorite spring and summer party ideas?

Are you as excited about warm weather as I am??