Update Your 9 to 5

I have a confession: I love stationary, pens, and any other form of personalized office supply. There. It's out. Now, let's shop for it!

My go to notepads at work aren't your average Mead notebooks. Instead I prefer Kate Spade. (Try to act surprised) These notepads fit in a purse, aren't super bulky and the neon colors keep me alert and perky.

Kate Spade, Small Notepad Set, $12

Filing can be a mundane task, especially if have a giant stack of papers staring at you; but with these girly and totally chic folders, your afternoon is looking up!

The Office Stylist, Sprial Design File Folders, $9.95

Let's face it, Bic pens are boring and so is the drawer you keep them in. So let's jazz it up. First the pen holder that I'm obsessed with:

The Office Stylist, Mirror Mirror Pen Cup, $14.95

And the pens

Barnes and Noble, Jonathan Adler Weight & Teal Green Metal Pen Set, $13.95

Now the mouse pad. Some people like the monogram, my bf used Zazzle to make me a custom mouse pad with my main squeeze, Sam dog on it; but another fun option is the notepad mouse pad. Need to make a quick note? Wanna write down a phone number for later? Try this Lilly Pulitzer note mouse pad:

Preppy Princess, Lilly Pulitzer Take Note Mouse pad, $15

I'm also a fan of decking out your cubicle so it's a place that you actually want to do work in. I used different ribbons and push pins to argyle some fun colors and patterns along the walls of my cube. And don't forget pictures! Instead of frames that collect dust, use colored construction paper and make your own to put up!

Just because you're in a 9-5 doesn't mean it has to look like it. Have some fun and personalize your office life!

Sales not for the weak of heart

Can we please talk about the Summer Sale situation right now? It's probably the worst best thing of all time. Every one of my favorite stores is having a blow out sale right now- and don't even get me started on the Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale, my Visa is still burning. But seriously. Let's talk. For me, my essential work/play clothes come from a few staple stores which I will focus on today. Congrats to all of you who brave specialty boutiques and second hand shops, I just don't have the patience or the wallet for it. So, for me, it's Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, J Crew, and Talbots.

Talbots?! Talbots you say? Yes!!! What used to be a 100% mom-tastic store is now supplying some adorable work appropriate pieces that won't make you look like you drive a minivan! Take for instance this cardigan on sale for...........$33!

Talbots Ruffled Cardigan, $33.99

Next we move on to the always dangerous J Crew sale section made even more threatening with the option of FREE SHIPPING today. Brace yourself.

J Crew, Super 120s Andre dress, $69.99

Some people think Summer Sales mean only Summer clothes. No, my friends, look harder...oh hey there wool trouser for under $60, how are you today?

J Crew, Favorite-fit wool crepe trouser, $59.99

On to Ann Taylor, this skirt is a little short for me to wear bear legged so I'm pairing it with black wool tights all winter long.

Ann Taylor Loft, Lace Skirt, $29.99

Banana I saved for last because, yes it has great basics, but sometimes it can be a little overpriced- like their "monogram" collection? Come BR who is buying that obscenely priced silk dress? Know your client. But I did find some great Fall pants on sale:

Banana Republic, 323 Martin flare-leg striped pant, $34.99

So that's my Summer Sale wrap. Hopefully the automatic emails in my inbox touting free shipping and promo codes will stop soon; otherwise, the bf will probably cut my credit cards into pieces.

Happy Shopping!

From Food Trucks to Wolfgang Pucks

If there is one thing DC lacks in terms of food it's good barbecue. Most recently, New York magazine listed DC as one of the new foodie cities; which I agree with because from food trucks to Wolfgang Puck's we've got 'em covered. But, sometimes when a studio-apartment bound girl (no grill) wants to get BBQ sauce all over her face, she is left with not a lot of options. However, there are a couple...

My go to for good barbecue is Old Glory's in Georgetown.
There are few things better in this world than cornbread with butter, fried green tomatoes, and some good ol bbq. Old Glory has something on the menu for everyone. So whether you're willing to get down and dirty with a rack of ribs or stay a little safer with chicken and waffles; Old Glory's will not disappoint.

Also- whatever you do, get the Graceland Nachos they will change your life. Crispy Tortillas with Rib & Brisket Chili, Onions, Jalapenos, Guacamole, Sour Cream & Pico de Gallo. Substitute Pulled Pork or Chicken for the Chili! Enough said.


Ok, I should also mention at this point that I do not consider chicken wings BBQ food which is why I am ignoring them in this post. Just because it's got barbecue sauce on it, doesn't make it BBQ. Granted, DC has tons of good chicken wing joints Duffy's and Stoney's included, it's not true barbecue food.

That being said, let's talk about what's on tonight's menu. Tonight the bf and I are going out with some of my high school friends who have moved to the DC area. We are going to Rockland's Barbecue and Grilling Company for dinner. I have never been but when it comes to hearty, messy, and filling foods, I will always trust the bf.

Rockland's is unique because they use only red oak and hickory to cook their food. No electricity or gas in the process. This allows the meat to really absorb the smokey and woody flavors that only cooking it in a pit can offer. Tonight I plan on having the Chicken and Ribs platter which is a quarter chicken and two pork ribs with two sides. Now I will be honest, after reading the reviews online things aren't lookin' so great for Rockland's sides; so I'm going to stick to a side I consider foolproof: mac and cheese. Oh, I know it says two sides...double the mac.


So, DC let's work on the good ol' barbecue dinner because sometimes you just want to eat with your hands.

The Day After the Week of Fun

It's the vacation hangover post. I'm back at work- which is fine, but I'm still in the "how long can I stretch this relaxation feeling?" mode. So to add to that lovely vibe-here are some of my favorite pictures from my family vacation in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire.

This is my younger sister, Sara, and our friend, Anna, tubing on Lake Winnepasaukee.

On the back of the boat with Mom (who is looking fabulously nautical), Anna, and my sister (who managed to keep her eyes open in this sun filled picture!

My dad works too hard during the year. This is his once a year true vacation. Here he is enjoying the dock.

This is Sam dog. She is attempting to be a lake dog but more often than not she can be found in the house, asleep on the overstuffed couch.

My very TAN family celebrating Sara's belated 21st birthday with the family at Garwood's.
And finally, me with my girl, Sam relaxing on the dock.

Ah, that was nice wasn't it? A little sun, some fun in the water, and of course family time. Tomorrow it's back to the grindstone...well maybe.