A weekend in pictures

So, I took an absurd amount of pictures this weekend. Thankfully for you, I've narrowed it down to just a few. Hope y'all will bare with me as I learn how to take a decent picture. 

Oliver looking sassy

Obsessed with how fun this house is on Capitol Hill

Stunning tulips

More asparagus than any sane person could eat, though I may try.

Pretty Lilacs

Iris'

Pretty Spring Colors

First trip to Pitango of the season.

Fleur de lis. Seeing NOLA everywhere lately.

Iced Coffee

and a gorgeous latte

Pretty blue sky in the hood. 

Avocado amazingness

Friday's Fancies

I've been doing some thinking lately. Since I'm going to be moving to a whole new city where I don't know anyone, I'm going to have a completely fresh start. If I want to, I can totally reinvent myself. So who do I want to be as a law student? I'm not sure, but it's made me realize that I want to push myself out of my comfort zone.

This look is a tad on the edgy side for me (which is a look I rarely embrace), growth right?

dance in the rain by bluedogbelle featuring a rose necklace

Prabal Gurung full skirt dress / Nine West flat / Low heel shoes / John Lewis black patent handbag, $59 / Marc by Marc Jacobs stainless steel jewelry, $250 / Amrita Singh dangle earrings / Rose necklace / Lulu Guinness striped umbrella

I loved the prabal dress from target earlier this year and when I saw the umbrella I knew exactly what direction I wanted to go.

What do y'all have planed for the weekend? I'm going to be running around town enjoying the spring weather while it lasts, working on my DC bucket list and taking a ton of pictures on my fancy camera. Get excited folks. You are about to be inundated with probably pretty terrible pictures for a while, but I'm excited, so you should be too!

Happy Friday!

Wrapping up the 25 before 25

Well folks. I'm 25. I've been around for a whole quarter of a century. Thank you again for all your texts, tweets and comments yesterday. I definitely feel loved. 

Now it's time to wrap up my 25 before 25 project. I have to say, even though I didn't quite meet every single goal, I feel really good about what I did do. I'm not sure if I'm going to do a 26 before 26 or maybe a 101 in 1001? either way I am going to focus on a DC bucket list (coming soon) since I'm leaving soon.

1. find a job that makes me happy 
Well, this one I'm counting as a yes. I have found a new job in law school, and while I'm not quite there yet, I'm beyond excited about getting started in August. 

2. clear out my closets 
I would have liked to do a little bit better here, but you know what, I did a lot. Plus with a cross country move coming up, I'm sure I'll be doing quite a bit more. 

3. learn how to sew 
Absolutely yes. I had no idea how to sew a year ago, and I just made myself a maxi skirt sans pattern. 

4. read 25 books {17 of 25}
Nope. I definitely didn't make this one. Reading definitely needs to be more of a priority in my life, but you know what? I don't know that I would have even read 17 books for fun if I didn't have this goal. So I'm happy with what I did accomplish. 

5. take time for projects 
I feel good about this one too. I made some place mats  a lamp, decorated my room, a few things on the sewing machine. Win. 

6. work to make new friends
When I wrote this I really meant in real life friends, but that quickly evolved into blog friends. I have really developed some (hopefully) life long friendships through this blog, and I feel like I know so many of you people. 

7. show up for the ones I have
I would say I achieved this goal too. I have tried to fight my homebody tendencies, and go out even if the weather wasn't perfect or I was just feeling lazy. 

8. do a spending freeze for a month {February-March 2013}
This one was pretty tough but I did it, and I'm so glad that I did. I would suggest this to everyone, because it really helps you see just where the heck your money goes.

9. practice meditation/yoga
From April until about August of 2012 I was a yoga addict. Since I started studying for the LSAT, not so much. But yoga has a special place in my heart, and I think it will be a really helpful tool for my sanity once I start school in the fall.

10. do something unexpected 
I NEVER in a million years expected to go work on a campaign, let alone the Presidential Campaign. Moving to Ohio 5 days after the LSAT was one of the craziest/best decisions I've ever made, and I'm thrilled that I did it. 

11. go to new york
Okay, this one is a 100% fail. I didn't go. This summer. Lets make it happen people.

12. fill my walls with art that i love
I'd love to add some more, but yes.

13. save money {I had a goal. Hit it in March!}
I have a new goal, and it's going to be tight but fingers crossed I make it.

14. focus on fitness
I wish I would have done better, but yes.

15. get enough sleep
This year has definitely been a roller coaster in the sleeping department. I've never experienced the kind of sleeping problems I did, as when I took the LSAT. But I've gotten it back under control and am hoping to keep it up as I transition to life as a student once again.

16. take the LSAT 
Not only did I take it, but I'm thrilled with my dominating skills.

17. host a themed dinner party
I had a cinco de mayo party last may, so I'm counting that.

18. volunteer {did lots of political volunteer work}
 I did a ton of political volunteer work. Not exactly what I meant when I wrote out this goal, but again I'm counting it.

19. treat myself, because I'm worth it 
I decided to splurge and got a massage the week before the LSAT. It definitely helped my sanity. So glad I did it.

20. upgrade the camera
A very last minute yes. My parents are amazing and gave me a completely amazing/extremely intimidating Rebel T3i yesterday!

21. make / do 25 things found on pinterest and blog about it. {1, 2 + 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12,13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21} Obviously I came pretty close, and if I include the avocado egg thing floating around pinterest, that I made for dinner on Tuesday I'm at 22. So probably... I ended up there. I'm counting this as a win. 

22. practice making fun cocktails 
This was one of my favorite parts of the year. Read about some of the adventures here

23. do a 5k
Nope. But Kat and I went on a 6K walk around NOLA when I was there. So that counts, right?

24. take a cooking class
Nope.

25. Blog every day for a month 
 See December 2012. 

26. commit to continuing these goals once 25 comes and goes

Guess What?

It's My Birthday! 

via

Yep. I'm officially a quarter of a century. Hard to believe. 

Here's hoping that today is a little better than last year. 

Cocktail Hour: Birthday Cake Martini

Before we get to the main event, I wanted to let y'all know I'm filling in for Christa over at Significance or Nothing today. As a fellow Southern gal trying to make her way through the political craziness that is Capital Hill I kind of love her.  Come visit me!


Now, we all know I love cocktail hour, so when I saw Nicole's is hosting a week long linkup aptly named Cocktail Week (it's a #hashtag so start using it like crazy, go) I knew I'd use it as an excuse to have some playtime at the bar. The one in my house that is.

Someone around these parts has a birthday coming up (like tomorrow, eek!) So I wanted to treat myself to something sinfully delicious that I'd normally never touch. My personal drinking rule is I don't drink cocktails if I can't sorta see through it (with a few notable exceptions i.e. red wine and frozen margaritas) Generally all those milky syrupy sinfully sweet cocktails just leave me with a killer headache the next day.

But one every now and again is okay, right? And let me tell you, this is just about the best possible exception to the rule 

Birthday Cake Martini

via

Adapted from A Beautiful Mess

Ingredients

• 1 oz Amaretto
• 1.5 oz Pinnacle Whipped Cream Vodka
• .5 oz Godiva White Chocolate Liqour
• 1 oz Heavy Cream
• Sprinkles
• Frosting

Directions

First rim your fanciest martini glass in frosting. Then dip that deliciousness in a plate full of sprinkles to make the cutest glass you've ever seen. Next up combine all the remaining ingredients. Shake to combine and carefully pour into your fancy glass. 

Seriously, I'm re-evaluating my life for not drinking with this whipped cream vodka sooner. It is SO good. Go get you some right now. Vodka Diet Cokes will never be the same. 

Please go link up your favorite Cocktail with Nicole on Probably Polka Dots. She's one of my blog bff's and just generally awesome so you need to stalk her like I do. 

A Little White Dress

After living in the South for 25 years I can tell you, we have some strange traditions. One that I've never really understood is the unwritten rule that girls wear white dresses to graduation. I suppose it's somewhere along the lines of a cotillion or coming out of sorts... so it kind of makes sense, right?

Well I have quite a few friends graduating school in a few short weeks, so if any of you out there are on the hunt for the perfect little white dress I've pulled a few gorgeous options for you! 

Pearl About Town Dress, ModCloth

This dress is "currently unavailable" on ModCloth, but I love it so much I had to share anyways. Any southern girl who loves pearls is probably gasping somewhere at the perfection that is this dress. I need to come up with an excuse to wear this. Anyone getting married this year? Please wear this to a rehearsal dinner for me? k. Thanks. 

White Spot Jacquard Dress, Dorothy Perkins

I love the subtle polka dot of this dress, and I think this cut is flattering for just about everyone. Graduations are definitely a time to be on the more conservative side, so I love the high neckline, but the fit and flare keeps it current and attractive.  Plus it's on sale. You've got to love that. 

 9 & Co. Shift Dress, JCP

This dress is super classic, but the subtle wave pattern adds a bit of visual interest. I personally can't pull of shift dresses, but I love how effortless they look. Add some pearls, and you're the picture of southern perfection.

Brocade Peplum Dress, Ark and Co, Piperlime

I love peplum and this dress is just so perfect it really doesn't require much at all. 

Scattered embellished skater dress, Dorothy Perkins

Personally, this is the route I would go. The embellished silver studs across the top provide the perfect visual interest, making it not your average white dress. To me it feels slightly edgy, but it sparkles too so what more could you ask for? 

So, are you graduating this year? If so, what are you wearing? 

Friday's Fancies: Pop of Neon

I'm not going to lie. I've not been the biggest fan of the neon trend. While my personal style is pretty colorful, neon just strikes me as a bit abrasive. Needless to say when I saw this week's topic I made it my mission to find a neon look I would actually wear.

When I came across this dress, I knew this was it.

Jessica Simpson shift dress, $175 / Double breasted trench coat, $990 / Giuseppe Zanotti heels / Blue Nile peridot jewelry / Reeds Jewelers

While this isn't exactly the most affordable look I've ever put together, I absolutely love it! So how do you feel about neon? How have you managed to work it in to your style? I need some help!

DIY Lamps

Have you ever been on the hunt for a perfect lamp but you just cant find it? Well my bff Katherine has been hunting for weeks and weeks with no success. When I was in town last weekend we decided to screw it and just make one ourselves.  There are about a million ideas out there, but this is what we did. We were both thrilled with the outcome and how relatively easy it was!

via

Kat decided she wanted to use a clear glass vase and a white shade. She picked up 2 vases and lampshades from the thrift shop (not just for popping tags) for less than 10 bucks. Then we headed over to Home Depot for the lamp kits. Those were about $10 each, so $30 total for two one of a kind lamps. Not a bad deal.

So here's what we did.

 NOTE. This is what you do if you DON'T want to attempt to drill through glass. The cord runs along the side of the vase. 

Get yourself a sweet vase.

A 3-Way Socket

and a lamp cord (also, think about decorating your lamp cord for fun!)

Drill a hole in the side of the bottom of the lamp kit so you can run the cord through the side.The metal is about as thick as a coke can, so it's not too hard to drill through. We found it was most effective to drill 3 small holes right next to each other, then chisel between them to attempt to make your cord fit.  

Congratulations! Now that the hard part is over! Put the end of the cord through the hole. 

Then follow the directions on the lamp kit packet. Essentially tie this fancy knot and attach to the screws. 

Then stuff it all in there and secure the bottom. *Make sure the bottom is on straight or else the light will tilt.

Get yourself some gorilla glue and 3 1/2 inch washers. You will glue each of these together and to the base of the lamp kit. Take off the little screw on the side of the bottom cap the slide on the washers. This will create a flat surface to stabilize your lamp, and allows you to glue the vase to the light. Don't forget gorilla glue works better on a moist surface.

Since you can't really clamp it together, weigh the top down with a heavy book. 

After your glue dries (30-60 minutes) glue directly on to the base of your vase. Weigh the top down with a book and let the glue cure. *Gorilla glue foams up, so don't be alarmed. 

Then you're essentially done! Add a bulb and a shade then plug her in! 

So... what do y'all think? We were both totally obsessed with this project and began brainstorming endless ideas for lamps! Mason jars, wine bottles, those jars you use to store pasta! Plus the bottom of the lamp is the top of the vase, so it's open and you could potentially put something in there to display!

I think it's important to note that we used the kind of shade that is secured directly by the light bulb that way we didn't have to mess with harps.

This project is super easy, and the hardest part was really just drilling through the side of that metal cap.  I will say that if you are wanting to save money, a DIY lamp could be the way to go, but you have to be careful with your components. I mean if you pick up a vase for $20 and another $10 for a shade (both of which seem like reasonable prices to me), plus another $10 for the kit, you're suddenly out $40 for one lamp and 2 hours of your life. For that price you could probably find something you're happy with a Homegoods or something. But part of the fun is being able to say, "Look, I made this" and impressing all of your friends.

Now I'm so excited about this DIY project, and can't wait to get brainstorming on some fun ideas for my new place!

NOLA recap

Well friends, I'm finally back. Trying to ease myself back in to real life only to find myself having to hit the ground running. Vacations when Congress is actually working is NOT good for my sanity. 

Anyways, New Orleans was absolutely lovely. I had a fantastic time exploring my new city with one of my best friends.  

The trip started and ended with horrible flying experiences with Delta. I'm talking 6-8 hour delays on both ends. I finally got to Kat's house around 3:30 am Friday morning (had to be at school by 9). Then I spent the day exploring my new school, meeting some of the other accepted students, and learning what fun the next three years will hold. 

Pictures from my iphone or kat's

Once I was done at school, the weekend was all ours. Fortunately it was French Quarter fest, so we got to enjoy the perfect weather in some sun and only a few cocktails. 

I also found my new favorite sandwich place (St. James Creamery). It was AMAZING. I'm already pumped to visit when I go back. 

Oh... Did you know it floods in New Orleans? Yep. We woke up to about 18 inches of rain in Kat's front yard Sunday morning. The car lived, thankfully.

Finally we did some more eating. And Drinking. (PS hand grenades are quite possibly the grossest drink I've ever had.) And then we ate and drank some more. Then it was time to come home, and a 6 hour travel day turned into a 13 hour one. Fun times y'all. 

New Orleans was absolutely lovely. I'm so excited about the prospect of spending a few years there. I feel much more at ease about leaving DC (I did tear up on the metro cross the Potomac last night. I love this city too much), but I know that DC will always be here to fall back on. 

I hope y'all will come visit me in NOLA! Now... let the countdown to August begin. 

Guest Posting

Hey y'all! I'm still playing in New Orleans today, but you can find me over on one of my favorites,

The Capital Barbie

I'm talking about my favorite weekend outfit. Come visit!

Sorry for all of the radio silence over here, but I promise a full recap of my crazy trip soon! 

Adventuring in the Swamp

Guess what I'm doing tonight? 

Yep. I'm getting on a plane and heading to see this girl and tour my new city

I am so excited. Good food, warm weather, and only a cocktail or two... Follow us {me + kat} on instagram to join in the fun.

And don't you worry, I'll have a Friday's Fancies Post for you tomorrow.  

Insta-Rewind

Here's a look at life lately according to Instagram.

Went for a lovely walk around the track to enjoy 70 degree weather, finally!

Sparkles on a Monday make everything better

Finally made it to the Jefferson Memorial, and it was amazing! Probably my favorite

Brunching shenanigans 

my PIC #dccallie

Trying a new kale chip recipe. 

St. Patty's Day Green.

Red. Black. Python.

Dupont Circle Pretty.

Color and Curls. 

Amazing new shoes. Leopard. Leather. Studs. Done.

Kitty Snuggles

Red and Black

I'm linking up here today for some more instagram fun. Come join! 

A weekend woops....

So, y'all were supposed to get a weekend recap today, but funny story. I told my roommate my phone password to check something while we were driving. Then she decided to break into my phone while we were out at a bar and began to read my texts. Ha. No ma'am. So I immediately snatched the phone from her and changed my password.

Well guess who forgot her new password? Yep. That would be me. Needless to say I had to reset my phone and lost everything (except for my contacts backed up in the cloud, thank the lord). So... no pictures to go with a recap, and we all know that's no fun.

I did get some gallivanting in the cherry blossoms accomplished though. Yay for springtime finally being here!

stolen from another phone

So I'll be back later this week with more antics. Hope y'all had a great one! 

Friday Fancies: Polka Dot Love

This week's Friday's Fancies focuses on one of my all time favorite patterns, the polka dot! I was going to try and create an outfit for you guys, but a look full of polka dots seemed a bit absurd. So this a board of some polka dot pieces I'm loving this spring.

Marchesa polka dot dress / R k originals dress / Polka dot blouse / TOMS red shoes / Kate Spade patent leather bag / Betsey Johnson white watch / Betsey Johnson post earrings / Kate Spade wool shawl

So, what do you think? I'm kind of obsessed with the new Marchesa line at JCP. Have y'all checked it out yet? The black dress is one of my favorites for sure. I am loving the subtle polka dot mesh neckline.

Plus I'm pretty sure I'm going to add those TOMS to my collection.

Hope y'all have a fabulous weekend! I'm going to be hanging out with the crew. #dcCallie is here and team lawfully wedded wife is coming to. DC's not ready for us, that I can promise you.