Creative Christmas

This Christmas Mike and decided to keep it low key. No long car rides, no airports, no traffic, just the two of us at home. I thought it would be fun to do something creative. So we came up with this animated Holiday Greeting.

I must say it is NOT always easy working with your significant other, but overall we had a great time. This kind of project could turn into our first holiday tradition!

Decisions, Decisions

I've been looking for some brown loafers for a little while now. The only ones I've found that I actually like are a little pricey. BUT I just found this great pair from Forever 21.

Since I can get free shipping with a purchase of $50 + I HAVE to get one more thing.

I'm thinkin' New Year's dress:

Or this cute Spring coat.

Hmmmm....

Acqua Al 2

Last night I had one of the most delicious meals I've had all year! Mike's company had their annual holiday party starting at the Chesapeake Room for some drinks and apps. We then went to a restaurant called Acqua Al 2 near Eastern Market in DC. We were served a salad sampler, pasta sampler (bowtie pasta with creamy pumpkin sauce = yum) and our choice of an entree. I chose the Filetto al Mirtillo - a hand-carved filet mignon topped with a blueberry sauce. I believe this is their signature dish and boy was it AMAZING. A meal of such quality would not be complete without dessert. I honestly don't remember what it was because the wine was a-flowing but I do remember it was also delicious.

It was a lovely evening with great people and fantastic food. I will definitely be back!

Winter Song

Facebook Mad Libs!

Have you noticed the status update in the form of a short letter trend on Facebook? Well so have I. And now you too can join in the fun – with Facebook Mad Libs!

Dear (noun that is causing you grief),
Would you be so kind as to (verb in which you would like said noun to start or stop doing)? Because of this, I am feeling (negative emotion). You are causing me (huge inconvenience that is resulting from action/inaction).
Sincerely,
(your name)

Glossary of Terms:

NOUN -  A person, group of people, place or inanimate object that is not your Facebook friend, and has no way in which to read, much less respond to your plea.

VERB - A not so surprising, yet mildly annoying action, preferably containing grammatical and/or spelling errors.

NEGATIVE EMOTION - The way you normally feel, but now have a completely legitimate reason for expressing, and would like all of your friends to validate.

HUGE INCONVENIENCE - Something that is actually fairly minuscule in the grand scheme of things and often brought on by oneself, not said noun.

Happy Mad Libing!

Me Be Jana

I've been laying low this last week - trying to finish a freelance project. I think (HOPE) it is complete (more to come on that). But I was able to take a break on Saturday and went out with my friend Colby to celebrate her 21st (ehhem... 30th) birthday.

We started the night at her house then we headed to a Lebanese Restaurant called Me Jana. We ordered a couple bottles of wine and some small plates to share. It was really the best Lebanese food ever. Soo sooo yummy.

Then we headed to dc to go "da club", which I rarely do. But for a special occasion, shaking what my momma gave me is a jolly good time, indeed.

The next morning was NOT so jolly - I'll spare you the details. But spending some time with "the girls", good food, good conversation and some fly moves made it all worth while.

Chocolate + Bacon?

I have been CRAVING chocolate chip cookies this week. Last night I indulged in a small bag of Famous Amos cookies but being store bought, they did not hit the spot. I found this recipe for maple bacon chocolate chip cookies and think I will give it a go.

There was a time when I would have scoffed at the thought of combining bacon and chocolate - until I visited coco sala a couple of years ago. Their bacon mac and cheese is topped with a nice crispy piece of chocolate covered bacon - indeed 'twas divine!