Fourth of July: Midsummer celebrations

Happy back to work day! Hope everyone had an absolutely wonderful Fourth of July weekend. I have to say, being my first Fourth of July in DC, I think this year's was the best yet. Good friends, lots of time in the sun, fireworks, food, sparklers--life just doesn't get any better.

I'll be sure to post some updates of this year's glorious fireworks from our nation's capital, but for now be sure to check out the collection from my favorite DC blog: We Love DC.

Via We Heart It

For auld lang syne, my dear

Well, it's officially 2010, folks. There's something so wonderfully exciting about the beginning of a new year, with everyone filled with resolve, ambition and optimism. This year, I enjoyed my first D.C. New Year's Eve in great company, a sure sign of a wonderful year to come. And while I don't necessarily believe in resolutions, but more so establishing goals, I've certainly begun list-making things I hope to accomplish this year.

Image via Orlando Weekly

As one of my goals for this year includes staying on top of the blogosphere even more, I found a perfect quote shared by one of my favorite daily reads La Dolce Vita:

"May the best of the past be the worst of the future." - An Irish blessing

Also, in the spirit of list-making, the contributors to one of my favorite local blogs posted their resolutions for the new year. It's a great "to-do" list for D.C. residents or visitors and I've definitely put the majority of these items on my list as well.

Hope everyone had a happy and safe New Year's Eve!

Week's end recap: Thanksgiving edition

I've been thoroughly enjoying time with the family in South Carolina during the holiday. Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving - I'm still stuffed!

It's been nice to take a little break, despite the fact that I feel utterly disconnected in that I haven't been online or checking my e-mail non-stop, but every once in a while it's really refreshing to unplug. It's a little quieter here now that my brothers just left, leaving me free reign over the tv/remote control/computers. But of course I didn't get by without their latest enlightenment on all things techie: computers, software and some engineering lingo that was way over my head. But it was a full and bustling house, exactly what I love most. I'm so thankful to have an amazing family and friends to share the day with.

And in light of the holiday, this week's favorites:

Prior to my eight-hour long drive drive from D.C. to S.C., I of course stocked up on audiobooks. This was the perfect novel as I found myself en route back to the South. Set in Louisiana, it only made me more excited to be driving South-bound. And I'm so glad I got the audiobook, because the accents are spot-on.

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is a serious tradition in my book. I can't ever remember not tuning in and one day, hopefully I'll catch it in person.

And last but not least, Christmas music is now officially in full force. Enjoy!

Week's end recap: Prepping for Turkey Day

In preparation for one of my favorite holidays, I've decided to dedicate this week's edition of "week end recap" to Thanksgiving decorations. Less than a week to go and I could not be more excited!

Via Blissfully Domestic

Via Martha Stewart

Via My Home Ideas

Via Country Living

In other news, I am a terrible blogger for neglecting to update the blog award details. Thank you so much! Here goes: Post 10 random facts about and pass it on to 10 bloggers.

1. I'm a complete e-mail fiend. I check it non-stop and have a huge pet peeve when there are unread e-mails lingering in my account.
   
2. Most days, I am completely happy staying in with a book versus partying all night.
3. I'm on a first-name basis with most of my college professors in my major and still keep in touch at least weekly.
4. I have a favorite letter of the alphabet. (nerd)
   
5. I have a favorite word. (double nerd)
   
6. I was in band - for a very long time too!
   
7. I love to bake but can't cook to save my life.
8. I joke that I have motor-skill dyslexia due to my utter lack of coordination.
   
9. One of my favorite magazines isn't Cosmo but Southern Living.
10. I have a life goal of running a marathon. Eventually.
    

Ok so I'm pretty sure by now all my favorites have been tagged. I'll be back for editors notes soon.

Happy Friday!

A daydream in a cup

Last week I posted about my excitement over the Starbucks holiday cup debut 2009. But I didn't really get to fully enjoy my Starbucks till this week, when 2 gingerbread lattes later I actually stopped to inspect my festive cup o' joe. It was then I realized the words adorning the side of my oh-so-addictive morning beverage:

Apologies for the poor phone-quality picture

We invite you to listen to your desires
and to renew your hope.
To see the world not as it is,
but as it could be. Go ahead, WISH.
It's what makes the holidays the holidays.

I loved this inspirational note so much I found myself wishing that the cup wasn't milk-laden so I that I could keep it around throughout the season. I guess it struck me as particularly poignant becuase I never really think about the holiday season as a time of renewal. New Year's, sure, but the holidays, I've always set aside as more of a time of thanks and reflection rather than renewal. So as I read this, I felt once again inspired and refreshed. Perhaps it was the coffee kicking in, but I truly do think it's time to renew, refresh and rebuild. It's been a long and winding year, from graduation to moving to job hunting that some days I just find myself so completely overwhelmed. Despite my penchant for spontaneity, at heart I really am just a girl starving for stability. So this holiday season, I'm looking forward to refueling on hope and seeing the world (and my life) not as is, but as it can and will be. After all, it is the holiday season.