Snapshots

Oh dear, August 20th was my last post. Shame on me. The last two weeks have been a haze of wedding planning, birthday celebrations, and a Many Hopes planning retreat in the City. So, some snapshots as of late  will have to do . . .

Weekend Snapshots

Long Island Photos (1)

Long Island was a wonderful weekend getaway; have you ever been? Heading out on Thursday evening, we decided to break up the drive with a stop in New Jersey to see Philip’s sister and her husband. With an arrival time of 10pm, you really have no choice but to drink whisky cocktails at an Irish pub with an open mic trilling behind you. We had a great time; thanks Kathleen and Lane for letting us crash!

O brother

Did you know I have a brother? Did you, all my avid blog readers out there? Which, let's be honest, most likely consists of three friends that are too sweet to not read. Well, I do have a brother; actually, two older brothers on either side of my older sister Meg, who brings my readership up to four. Siblings are such a funny thing; aren't they? You spend almost 18 years with these people, doing everything and going everywhere together, and then poof, one sibling spreads their wings, leaves the coop and then you really have to work on that friendship. Brandon (or affectionately known as Bub or Bubby) and I have had our years of waning closeness, our share of misunderstandings and miles and miles between us, but we have also had some really great moments. As adults, I feel as though sometimes, we're re- learning each other all over again. 

He visited this past weekend, and we caught up on life over a late night plate of Johnny Rockets' burgers, fries and of course, cherry cokes. 

Mr Dylan Thomas pretty much sums up siblings, “it snowed last year too: I made a snowman and my brother knocked it down and I knocked my brother down and then we had tea."

Date Night: Old Town

Yesterday was the hottest day in D.C. this year, nearly breaking 100 degrees. Upon deciding to not attend a political fundraiser last night (man, that sounds so annoyingly D.C.), boy and I opted for a more causal evening to beat the heat. Our solution: shorts, martinis and oysters. We may be watching too much Mad Men.  We went to one of my new favorite spots - Hank's Oyster Bar in Alexandria- highly recommend! We were privileged to have the sole window seat, overlooking the busiest street in Old Town. The olive martini, oysters and Old Bay seasoned shrimp were the perfect fusion of summer tastes. To continue the party, we carried on to a hotel bar. Odd, I know, but hotel guests are delightful specimens for people watching, don't you agree? 

Six Rules for Dining Out

 (photo by Leif Parsons) 

A few weeks ago,  I read an article by Tyler Cowen (economist and everyday foodie) in the Atlantic, “Six Rules for Dining Out.”  Prior to reading the article and unbeknownst to me, boy and I aced two of the six rules on a random Friday evening date.

Six Rules for Dining Out

Number 1- In the fanciest restaurants, order what sounds least appetizing.

Now unfortunately, the author is referring to dinner plates over $50, and as a struggling 20 something year-old, I can’t say I indulge in a lot of those meals! He instructs to look past the comfortable roast chicken, and choose a dish sounding less appetizing, since ‘fancy’ restaurants offer well thought-out menus with good reason for their specialty dishes.

As a girl who continually orders Spaghetti at any and every Italian restaurant, I can certainly use this advice!

Number 2- Beware the Beautiful, Laughing Women

Apparently, restaurants with great social scenes will often focus on creating a chic, energizing environment, rather than provide interesting recipes. So stay away from the yammering and high priced restaurants, and gravitate to where the sulking, not so attractive people are choosing to dine.