Welcome to Washington D.C.

Eight months, a new city, and two jobs later...

After a really great learning experience in Philadelphia at a public relations firm, I decided that my one true love would always be journalism. And of course because a change of career wasn't enough, I decided to change cities as well and join my two older sisters in our nation's capital. From the moment I stepped foot in Washington D.C., I was enamored. I love the city's history and diverse culture. I love the feeling that something is always happening. I love watching the President's motorcade block traffic and zoom down Rockcreek Parkway (I'm told this will lose it's appeal quickly). I love the many running trails along the river and over to Roosevelt Island. I love living in Georgetown and being within walking distance, yes, WALKING distance to work (good-bye hour and half commute). 

There's something so invigorating and energizing about being in a city where you know that important government decisions affecting the nation are being made only a few miles away. Needless to say, I'm loving this second chapter of my post-graduate life. 

So it's here in this great city that I end my blogging hiatus and will again share any tips, stories or "how-to" I feel may be helpful/ relevant/ amusing to other young professionals in the area. Deep breath, straighten up, strut ahead.... it's time for round two. 

Thanksgiving Quiz!

I love quizzes. Especially those involving food. And Martha Stewart. So take a break from work while you're counting down until the holiday and see what Thanksgiving side dish best describes you!

Quiz: Which Thanksgiving Side Dish Are You?

Turkey may be the star of Thanksgiving, but it's the side dishes that make it an extraordinary feast. Find out the dish to which you most relate.

Read more at Wholeliving.com: Which Thanksgiving Side Dish Are You? - Martha Stewart Recipes 
Quiz via: http://www.marthastewart.com/quiz/which-side-dish-are-you


My results:


You are undoubtedly Savory Sweet-Potato Souffle

You aim to impress with everything you do. You appreciate elegance and showmanship. You've been planning your Thanksgiving feast for weeks now. This holiday season, there'll be no canned soup in your kitchen. Find inspiring ideas for your Thanksgiving feast in Everything Thanksgiving.

40%		A	Mashed Potatoes and Gravy
13%		B	Green-Bean Casserole
15%		C	Savory Sweet-Potato Souffle
32%		D	Roasted Root Vegetables

Those who know me well say this is pretty dead on. Although I'm fairly certain that it's my lovely mother who has been planning our Thanksgiving feast for weeks now, not me. But that's not to say I won't be in the kitchen with my sleeves rolled up, ready to help! 


Happy Thanksgiving everyone! 

Gift Guide for the Bargain Hunter

In honor of the upcoming Holiday season, I decided some good tips are needed for how to save money while still fulfilling everyone’s holiday wishes. Yes, it is not yet December, and believe me- I have pretty strict rules when it comes to celebrating the holiday before the season even begins. But when it comes to pre-holiday shopping- I say go for it! That way you can just sit back and relax come December 1st. Here are a few holiday gift tips for everyone on your list that won’t leave you paying bills past the New Year.

For Dad:

Personally, my Dad would love nothing more than funds to re-vamp and accessorize his 1964 Austin Healey- but for other Dads without an on-going hobby, check out this great record player! Some of my favorite nights are spent playing my parent’s favorite records while they reminisce about days gone by… Here’s a great sleek, modern design for cheap.

Sony PS LX250H Turntable - Dark gray

$73.00

For Mom:

What do you get the woman who has everything? I find that at this point in our lives, my Mom really enjoys spending time with my sisters and I more than receiving any material gifts- especially since two out of three of us have moved away and are no longer living at home. My whole family really enjoys live music so try looking up some local live music venues in your area and treat your mom to a night of entertainment with drinks or dinner. What better gift for the person who has everything than just time spent together? Here are some great live music venues in and around Philly.

A personal favorite: http://tickets.worldcafelive.com/

Great for the Irish music lovers: http://www.tirnanogphilly.com/

Outside Philly in Phoenixville but well worth the commute: http://www.steelcitycoffeehouse.com/

For the Brother/ Boyfriend:

I don’t have brothers, but I do have to shop for the guy in my life around the holidays. After a significant time together, it becomes somewhat difficult to find the perfect gift- the one that’s not too impersonal but not too homemade/ crafty (save those for the first year of dating in my opinion). But I have found that paying close attention throughout the entire year really pays off come holiday season. If you’re out with your brother or boyfriend, keep an eye out when he really expresses interest in an item. Here are a few gifts suggestions for your favorite guy (brother and boyfriend alike):

Patagonia Men's Micro D-Luxe® 1/4-Zip

$55.00

Old-school stripe Cambridge tie

$49.50

BILLYKIRK
LEATHER BIFOLD CARD CASE

$39.00

For the Sister/ Girlfriend:

Despite having two older sisters, I always struggle when it comes to gift giving for girls. I usually assume whatever I would want, they would want- but with very different personalities and styles, it gets tricky.  Again, it’s not hard to go overboard and spend too much (especially when it comes to your significant other) so instead of skipping straight to the glitz and glam- try these cheaper options first. (But when and doubt- you can’t go wrong with sparkles).

Refined silk-cashmere wrap

$75.00

CLASSIC LEATHER GLOVES

$49.00

MK Classic On-the-Go Rollerball

20.00

How To: Survive College Withdrawal

Withdrawal. It’s inevitable. For me, it hit me when the leaves gradually starting turning shades of yellow, red, and orange and I woke up to a morning dew on the grass and that bite of cold in the air that lets you know that winter is on its way. Fall has always been my favorite season- full of beginnings. Another year of school, a year older for me with my September birthday, a new season, the start of cooler weather and shorter days, the beginning of football games and tailgating. Taking school out of the equation still leaves a lot to look forward to, but somehow leaves fall feeling slightly- off.

So how do you get yourself out of that college withdrawal with the changing of seasons? Here are a few tips for getting through the roughest seasons:

1.       Keep busy

Take on more at work or sign up for committees and boards outside of work. There are a ton of local groups in Philadelphia aimed at young professionals such as the Young Professional Network that allow you to network with other local college grads and beyond, attend events that encourage community involvement, and develop your own professional career.

2.      Roadtrip!

It’s not bad to want to go visit your school once in a while. I think it even helps to still feel like you have a connection to the place where you spent the majority of your last 4 years. I’ve been back to my alma mater more times than I’d like to admit since graduating but I think you need to have the right mind frame to come out of the visit feeling satisfied. I love visiting school but I’m happy to come back to Philly every Sunday to what is now my real life.

3.       Happy hour anyone?            

High school reunions are the worst but college reunions could not be more welcome. Remember- you’re not the only one braving the real world- your entire graduating class is out there too! Plan a rendezvous in your current city with friends for a little taste of college. Sure- it’s not $1 drink specials and crazy dance clubs but it IS happy hours and going out after work in suits and heels and feeling pretty grown up and fabulous. (See my review of 3 local restraurants for excellent dining destinations)

4.       Get away

I have hardly been home between visiting school and other friends in different cities. I have a lot of family and friends in D.C. so I try to plan frequent trips to our nation’s capital- and with cheap tickets from MegaBus, it doesn’t have to be a lavish investment! Nothing cures the college blues better than a weekend away.

Four (almost) free weekday or weekend excursions

Being broke is pretty much a universal college grad trait. We can all relate. So finding cheap outings during the week and on weekends that aren’t going to put a dent in your savings is not easy. Here are 4 cheap (if not free!) suggestions for weekday or weekend excursions that won’t leave you feeling guilty or breaking the bank.

Pack your lunch

Sounds like elementary school right? But packing your lunch instead of buying a sandwich from a vendor or stopping in at your favorite restaurant during lunch can save up to $50 a week or $200 a month! It’s always those little purchases that add up. So try any of these easy lunch ideas and head to the nearest park (for me, it’s LOVE park right across the street) and enjoy the fall weather instead of eating out at a packed, indoor restaurant.

·         Try this delicious tomato and mozzarella sandwich if you’re sick of lunchmeat or PB&J

·         Grab a can of soup and a bowl from your cabinet- how much easier does it get than that?

·         Yogurt and granola makes a great lunch if you’re snacking throughout the day

·         Make a large salad at the beginning of the week so you’re prepared for the whole week. Try these easy salad recipes from Home Made Simple.

Browse the bookstore

This may sound super nerdy, but I can’t spend enough time in Barnes and Noble, just browsing the bookshelves. For the perfect midday break, find your nearest bookstore, grab a coffee and your favorite magazine and browse the latest fall fashion trends! Or bring your own book and read at least a chapter to clear your head from all the stress of the day. Nothing is better than escaping into a good book (but that may just be my inner nerd talking). Some of my book recommendations:

·         The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Steig Larsson

·         Little Bee by Chris Cleave

·         Sammy's Hill by Kristin Gore

Explore your city

My mom gave me a book on Philadelphia architecture when I got my job in the city. Although I’m not an architecture major and normally don’t pay much attention to the buildings around me, it is pretty amazing how old and beautiful parts of the city are. I find myself looking up more when strolling the city streets (side effect: tripping and running into people more). So take 15 minutes on a nice day and go explore your city. It took me awhile to get used to navigating the streets of Philly, but after exploring more and more, I found myself wandering farther from my office with every lunch break. It’s good to get out!

·         Philadelphia Center for Architecture

Check out local museums

Admission to most Philly museums is less than $10.00 for an entire day of entertainment! Philly has a wide-range of museums and institutes to check out, so take advantage of their proximity and spend a rainy Saturday or Sunday strolling past Monets and Van Goghs at the art museum or crawling through a human heart at the Franklin Institute. Here are some more local museums:

Philadelphia Museum of Art

26th & Ben Franklin Pkwy. 215/763-8100 or 684-7500. Tues-Sun, 10am-5pm. Fri until 8:45pm. Closed Mondays and legal holidays. Adults $14. Seniors (62+) $12, students with ID & youth ages 13-18 $10. Children 12 and under FREE. Sundays are Pay As You Wish all day. Some special exhibits require an additional ticket and reservations.

Please Touch Museum

Memorial Hall, Fairmount Park 4231 Avenue of the Republic (formerly North Concourse Drive) Philadelphia, PA 19131. 215/963-0667. E-Mail. Monday thru Saturday 9am–5pm, Sunday 11am–5pm CLOSED: New Year’s, Thanksgiving and Christmas Days. Children and Adults: $15; Under the age of one: Free, Members: Free; Groups of 15 or more: please call (215) 581-3168 or (215) 581-3170 for reservations and discount group rates.

Mummers Museum

1100 South 2nd Street (2nd and Washington). 215/336-3050. E-Mail. Museum hours: October through April: Tuesday-Saturday 9:30am-4:30pm, Sunday noon-4:30pm; May through September: Tuesday 9:30am-9:30pm, Wednesday-Saturday 9:30am-4:30pm, Sunday noon-4:30pm. Closed Mondays, all Holidays, and Sundays in July and August. Adults $3.50, Child (under 12), Students, and Seniors (aarp) $2.50. Group rates and tour packages available. Parking is free (handicap accessible).

The Franklin Institute Science Museum

20th St & Ben Franklin Pkwy. 215/448-1200. Science Center 9:30am-5pm Sun-Sat. Mandell Center 9:30am-5pm. The Tuttleman IMAX Theater is open Sun-Thu 9:30-5pm, Fri-Sat. 9:30am-9pm Fri, Sat. Adults $14.75. Children 4-11 $11.50, Seniors/Military/Students $11. (Additional for IMAX and Franklin Theater tickets.)

Academy of Natural Sciences

1900 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy. 215/299-1000. Mon-Fri, 10am - 4:30pm. Weekends and holidays, 10am-5pm. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day. Adults $10. Children (3-12) $8. $2/person for Live Butterflies exhibit.

Vintage Country

Growing up in rural Pennsylvania I was exposed to a plethora of outdoor concerts and fairs. Mostly of the “folk” persuasion. My parents were regulars of the Lilith Fair and even Wood Stock in their day so summer days full of lounging on blankets in grassy fields is pretty normal to me. However, despite my rural roots, I was never a fan of country music. That is until I made a distinction.

My parents and I recently rented “Crazy Heart” and after an hour and a half of listening to Jeff Bridges drawl out some pretty catchy tunes, I realized I was tapping my foot and actually enjoying this so-called country style (pronounced in a long drawn out twang). Although, looking back, I really enjoyed “Walk the Line” as well and Joaquin Phoenix’s portrayal of Johnny Cash. Gasp! Was I country lover at heart?

CRAZY HEART - Official Trailer 2 min - Nov 17, 2009 - Uploaded by FoxSearchlight The official trailer for Crazy Heart, starring Jeff Bridges, Maggie Gyllenhaal, and Robert Duvall. In select theaters December 16th! youtube.com - Related videos

After briefly listening to Garth Brooks, Kenny Chesney, and the likes I was relieved. Nope, still couldn’t stand their ballads of heartache, pickup trucks, and beer (yes, I’m generalizing here… but kinda rings true, doesn’t it?). I discovered that my love for “country” was solely for the vintage classics. Johnny Cash,  Kris Kristofferson, etc. Their deep voices and soft guitar make me want to pack up my things, buy a horse, and go West.

Two of my favorites:

Ring of Fire - Super Hits - 1994 - 3:21

I Walk The Line - Super Hits - 1994 - 3:49

So aside from the occasional Taylor Swift single, I’m still a strict no-country-music-kinda-gal.

How To: Build Your Work Wardrobe (Female Edition)

The transition from college to the real world naturally includes many changes. A new job, new location, new living quarters (depending on whether you bunk with Mom or Dad), new income, new worries, new responsibilities… just to name a few. A change that sometimes gets left behind at college is your wardrobe. Now we are all guilty of buying those cute-gotta-have-it-for-tonight party dresses… but they don’t exactly double for suitable work attire. It’s important to start fresh when you head into the working world, or at least pick out a few staples from your college career to transition with you.

You don’t need a lot to start building your new work wardrobe. Just some classic pieces that you will be able to mix and match and grow with as you continue to make purchases along the way (and as your salary hopefully grows).

While you may spend more money on these items, look at it as an investment. You will get your money’s worth if you wear them correctly and utilize these pieces daily. And remember: these classics will never go out of style.

The first must have working wardrobe piece is a classic black suit jacket… and depending on your job, a matching skirt or pant to go with it. J.Crew has the perfect suiting that is tailored, comfortable, tried, and true. I invested in this handsome Super 120s nouvelle jacket and never looked back.

Image via jcrew.com

Now $230.00

A working wardrobe should also include a classic tailored dress. Whether solid or print, a tailored work dress goes great with a blazer, cardigan, or alone. Remember to keep the hem right around your knees and the neckline conservative. No plunging v-necks or scandalous hem lines. You can save those for weekends and happy hour. Here’s an adorable classic Stretch Cotton Shirred Shirtdress from Ann Taylor

Image via anntaylor.com

Now $148.00

Any top can look more professional when paired with a great pencil skirt. Choose a neutral color like black, gray, or tan to start with and then add skirts with more vibrant colors and patterns after you have established your basics. A pencil skirt can taper a blouse or feminize a button-down. Add flair and flourish with brightly colored belts. Banana Republic’s lightweight wool charcoal pencil skirt is a perfect fit, a piece I personally swear by.

Image via bananarepublic.gap.com

Now $79.50

Now while not a necessity, a nice watch to accessorize your working wardrobe with is an added bonus. I bought myself a Michael Kors watch as a “congratulations for landing a job gift.”  And I wear it every day. I also like this MICHAEL KORS Square Watch, Luggage.

Image via michaelkors.com

Now $160.00

Now add a cardigan or blouse to your basic pieces (think fun prints and bold colors) and some accessories (long strands of pearls, wrap bracelets, flowing scarfs) and you’re ready to go!