Deacon Does DC | Luxury Travel, Spas, Food, Fashion & More in Washington D.C. and Beyond

Friday's Fancies: Winter Wonderland Blog Swap with Style Notes by Laura

2012-01-27T03:00:00.000Z

Greetings from sunny Antigua! We're so excited to have Laura of Style Notes by Laura posting today's Friday's Fancies look as our guest writer this week. She's designed a fabulous snow-bunny chic outfit for us that we'd totally wear if we were back in cold, cold DC.

Here's what she had to say about her look:

I'm delighted to be linking up with McLean and Deacon for today's Friday's Fancies Blog Swap! As it's the last week in January, we've joined in the Winter Wonderland theme. I'm always a little bit ahead of myself at this time of year and can't wait for Spring to arrive! Unfortunately the weather doesn't agree with me as it's still freezing! So while I wait for the warmer months to arrive, I'll just have to satisy my Spring cravings by adding bright pops of colour whenever I can!

Happy Friday All!

~ Laura

Outfit Info:

Dress: J Crew

Friday's Fancies: Inspired Outfits

2012-01-20T14:58:00.001Z

This week's Friday's Fancies theme was a great pick from {AV} of Long Distance Loving - we're taking our outfit inspiration from the blogosphere or Pinterest. Lucky for us, we have an entire board dedicated just to style inspiration (check it out!). Although more of our picks are dedicated to home decor and recipes, we still love to take inspiration from the great outfits we see around the Web.

A trend we'd love to rock but haven't yet had the opportunity to yet is the maxi skirt - it looks so chic on others but we keep fearing we'd end up looking like a bad hippie chick! Here's our pick for a modern take on the maxi look. What do you think?

Psst - don't forget to check back next week! We're doing a Friday's Fancies blog swap and are super excited!

Friday's Fancies: Outfit Inspiration by deacondoesdc featuring sheer tops

Joie sheer top
$188 - neimanmarcus.com

Mason by Michelle Mason silk skirt
$540 - net-a-porter.com

Juicy Couture strappy sandals
$95 - juicycouture.com

Giuseppe Zanotti suede bag
£614 - farfetch.com

Ten Thousand Things white pearl earrings
$395 - barneys.com

Melinda Maria feather jewelry
$175 - lespommettes.com

Chanel black sunglasses
fashionphile.com

Travel Tuesday: A Very Baltimore Adventure

2012-01-17T14:45:00.002Z

We had the distinct pleasure of exploring Charm City this weekend and visiting the brand new Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore, the city's newest and first true luxury hotel property.

We couldn't help but be charmed by this waterfront gem, designed and decorated to look like a modern art museum. Already home to the city's largest hotel art collection, the rooms were spacious and airy, with 85% boasting water views. We quickly fell in love with our room (a Harbor View), that offered amazing views of the sunset over the Inner Harbor. Amenities like deep soaking tubs, in-mirror TVs and Nespresso machines in all rooms (plus a thoughtful welcome amenity of Berger Cookies and Kettle Chips - Baltimore classics) made the stay even better.

Also must visits? The 11-room spa oasis, which offers treatment rooms named after essential oils and a heat experience room that rivals DC's Mandarin Oriental. For a limited time, book Monday - Thursday and get 25% off your treatment, and use your Amex to receive an 80-minute treatment for the price of a 50-minute one.

There are also a few great dining outlets on property - Michael Mina's newest concept, a farm-to-table dining experience called Wit and Wisdom Tavern, and LA-based LAMILL COFFEE. We dined well, sampling lobster corn dogs, grilled bison and a sinful Baltimore Bar made of peanut butter, pretzels and ganache that is leaving us craving another slice as we type.

While we normally don't find meeting room exciting, the hotel offers a great array of rooms with spectacular water views and a private entrance via a massive curving staircase and dedicated elevator. We can certainly see some beautiful wedding receptions and events taking place here.

All in all, we'd highly suggest a visit. Check out our other coverage on Gadling, and look for a soon-to-debut piece in Robb Report.

Friday's Fancies: Color Crush

2012-01-13T17:39:00.000Z

We're embracing our favorite color - red - on this week's Friday's Fancies. What do you think?

Friday Fancies: Color Crush by deacondoesdc featuring a cuff bangle

Dkny dress
$295 - net-a-porter.com

Christian Louboutin platform high heels
£441 - net-a-porter.com

LORD & TAYLOR square gold earrings
$700 - lordandtaylor.com

Melinda Maria cuff bangle
$275 - bloomingdales.com

Friday's Fancies: Best Foot Forward

2012-01-06T20:23:00.001Z

It's a new year, and so we're following the "Best Foot Forward" approach literally. We can't help but love these sky high booties, paired with tights and a simple sweater dress for a night out. What do you think?

Friday's Fancies: Best Foot Forward by deacondoesdc featuring a 14k ring

Gucci wool sweater dress
$875 - net-a-porter.com

Giuseppe Zanotti black stiletto heels
$1,312 - stylebop.com

Giuseppe Zanotti slouch handbag
£869 - farfetch.com

Tourmaline jewelry
$15,050 - barneys.com

Jamie Joseph 14k ring
$1,090 - ylang23.com

Deacon Says: Happy Birthday Marty!!

2012-01-04T14:39:00.000Z

It's been a little over a year since the long haired weiner dog came into our lives, and we can all agree - Marty has made his mark on the world. Happy 4th Birthday!

xoxo, Deacon

He loves his big brother Deacon

He doesn't love being shorter than the rest of the household.

Before he was adopted he was quite skinny.

And rather funny looking.

But we took him to a good home and bought him lots of toys, and he instantly became happier.

Totally content, if you will.

Nearly cat-like.

He's not a huge fan, but on occasion we can dress him up in Jets gear.

He has SUPER POWER FRECKLES on his tummy. Or so mom says.

And he loves the sunshine.

Won't you wish the second blogging puppy in the household a happy birthday?

Friday's Fancies: New Year's Eve

2011-12-30T05:00:00.000Z

Happy (Almost) New Year, everyone! While we're not dressing up this year, we thought we'd play along with Friday's Fancies and design an outfit we'd be proud to wear at a big bash. While glitter and glam is fun, we love the idea of a classic dress with great accessories - it's easy to wear again, and sometimes the simplest things are the sexiest. Pair sky-high McQueen heels with our classic 2.55 clutch and great diamond earrings and this backless Asos number becomes a stunner. It's actually quite similar to a look we sported a few years back!

We only have one question for you - what are you doing New Year's Eve? (Click the link for one of our favorite songs!)

Friday's Fancies: New Year's Eve by deacondoesdc featuring vintage bags

Honor Gold body con dress
$87 - asos.com

Black sandals
$865 - alexandermcqueen.com

Chanel vintage bag
$3,040 - aloharag.com

Jamie Wolf diamond post earrings
$4,200 - barneys.com

Sydney Evan sparkle jewelry
$3,960 - ylang23.com

butter LONDON Nail Lacquer - Various Colors Available - Nail Polish -...
$15 - rickysnyc.com

Travel Tuesday: Ski Chic

2011-12-27T10:36:00.000Z

Happy Travel Tuesday, everyone!

We hope you had a very Merry Christmas. Deacon is off to ski for a few days over NYE (or should we say, relax in the lodge and look fur-tastic) so we'd thought we'd share some of our favorite accessories this season.

Whether you're hitting the slopes or just hitting the apres ski party, here are the ten items no ski bunny should be without!

Make My Monday: Merry Merry

2011-12-26T14:16:00.002Z

Merry (day after) Christmas, everyone! We're in Annapolis for another day, enjoying time with family and a few days off of work before we head out to spend NYE in the mountains.

We've really enjoyed the last few days with family - it's been a long time since we've been home for more than a night or two! Only one bit of sad news - poor Deacon has a hurt leg, so we've been a bit less mobile than usual. Luckily, Marty has taken over the "dog about town" duties temporarily. Here area few Instagram snaps for today's Little Dash of Ash linkup - more to come this week as we learn to use and show off our new fancy SLR camera!

And congratulations to Brittany C, the winner of our Hudson NYE giveaway. Congrats to all 76 of you who entered!

Friday's Fancies: White Christmas

2011-12-23T10:00:00.001Z

Psst - today's the last day to enter the Hudson NYE giveaway! Click the post below to enter :)

Happy (almost) Christmas, everyone! We're linking up again with {av} for Friday's Fancies, this week's theme - White Christmas! It probably won't be literally white, as that almost never happens in DC, but we have been looking for an excuse to don an outfit with great white pants! We'd update the look with a little corduroy, and pair it with a cheery holiday red blouse for a night out with old friends in our hometown of Annapolis. Where are you traveling this weekend??

xoxo, Deacon

Friday's Fancies: White Christmas by deacondoesdc featuring leather pumps

Parker long sleeve top
$119 - bloomingdales.com

J Brand skinny leg pants
$129 - bloomingdales.com

Jimmy Choo leather pumps
$850 - net-a-porter.com

Milly gold handbag
$330 - nordstrom.com

Halleh butterfly jewelry
$990 - net-a-porter.com

Bracelet
$75 - calypsostbarth.com

Win Tickets to Hudson's New Year's Bash

2011-12-20T21:14:00.001Z

There are still a few days left to win tickets to Mad Men themed bash at Hudson!

Enter below to win two tickets to the party, which a four-hour open bar, passed apps, and a champagne toast at midnight. Click "read more" for the easy entry form. You can multiple times!
a Rafflecopter giveaway Of course, if you don't win, tix are $90 each and for sale here.

Friday's Fancies: Sparkle & Shine

2011-12-16T10:00:00.000Z

Happy Friday's Fancies! We're off to NYC with the ladies this weekend and this glittery Vince frock is one we've been coveting forever - it's the perfect holiday party accessory. Paired with simple yet edgy boots and a great clutch, we'd be all set - except no look works if you're in an ugly coat! We can't help but covet this lush fur number. Sorry ladies, if you're not a fan of fur - we are - but you could always emulate the look in faux!

xoxo, Deacon

Friday's Fancies: Sparkle & Shine by deacondoesdc featuring gold earrings

Vince short dress
$495 - net-a-porter.com

Giambattista Valli rabbit fur coat
£4,639 - farfetch.com

Fogal opaque tight
€115 - pret-a-beaute.com

Valentino leather boots
$525 - valentino.com

Jason Wu leather clutch
$1,475 - net-a-porter.com

Kara Ross gold earrings
kararossny.com

To Do Thursday Giveaway: Win Tickets to Hudson's Mad Men New Year's Eve Bash

2011-12-15T19:19:00.000Z

What are you doing New Years Eve? What better way to ring in 2012 in style than with a Mad Men themed bash at chic nightlife destination Hudson? Hosted by none other than our friend Meredith from The FFJD, Micha of Crooked Monkey (and a few other swank folks), this bash includes a four-hour open bar, passed apps, and a champagne toast at midnight. Even better? Deacon is giving away a pair of tickets! We'd highly suggest you guard that +1 wisely ... this is a hot ticket item. To enter, just use the Rafflecopter form, below!
a Rafflecopter giveaway Of course, if you don't win, tix are $90 each and for sale here.

Wellness Wednesday: Banish holiday weight gain with tips from Sports Club/LA

2011-12-14T13:42:00.005Z

Want to know how to survive that office holiday party, endless happy hours and more without gaining the average five to seven pounds this holiday season? Fear no more - Maggie Carter of Sports Club/LA was kind enough to devise a plan just for us ladies on how to stay fit and lean this hoilday season ... and all year round!

Holiday Nutrition Commandments:

Eat breakfast

Yes, yes – you’ve all heard this before. Breakfast kick starts the metabolism for the day and helps you stay consistent in caloric consumption. Skipping breakfast or adequate nutrition earlier in the day can lead to cravings and a crash in diet regulation later. We are more active (typically) earlier in the day and have the best energy so fuel your body for these hours and taper calories as you get more sedentary in the evening. Avoid snacking after dinner time so that your body is 1) tired and ready for sleep and 2) more prepped for fat burning while asleep.

Eat like an athlete, not a dieter

Think about fueling your activities properly and getting adequate carbohydrate loads on days that you are working out your hardest. On days you are sitting at a desk or relatively inactive, select more proteins for your meals and eat plenty of veggies. Athletes need sound nutrition to fuel their muscles for recovery and performance energy – you’re no different!

Keep a food log

As grueling and annoying as it can feel at first, this gets easier and can really help you enhance diet awareness. You might be surprised at how all the little snacks/foods add up or you may notice that all of your foods are in one category or perhaps lacking in nutrient density. If you have to think about whether or not you should write down a snack or “grazing” in your food log, there’s a strong chance you didn’t need it in the first place. Be mindful in your eating. Start now.

Don’t eat late night snacks!

The body doesn’t need this energy at night – oftentimes this is a mental craving or lack of adequate portioning throughout the rest of the day. If you’re hungry try one of the following: drink water, eat fruit or vow to wait 20 minutes to see if you still really need that food. A great tip from nutritionists: If you are craving something specific oftentimes you don’t need it. If you are craving food in general, you’re probably getting a true hunger signal.

Plan ahead/avoid eating out

As we all know, portions at restaurants are CRAZY! Oftentimes restaurant diners underestimate their caloric consumption in a meal by 90%!!!! This is SUPER scary for those trying to lose weight – play the safe route and assume you are ignorant to how many calories you are putting in your mouth…in other words, eat a balanced planned out meal at home or brought from home. Wouldn’t you rather know the caloric cost of what you’re eating?? Imagine how long it can take to burn 1500 calories…..now do you really want to risk consuming that in one meal? If you find yourself at a restaurant, try to opt for a dish that doesn’t contain a lot of calorie “unknowns” like a creamy sauce or reduction or a crust or crispy/fried layer.

Give into cravings once a week

Okay, so we talked earlier about avoiding eating foods you crave…do that for 90-95% of the time. Make sure though that you have a little something here and there that you absolutely love but know isn’t great for you. You might find that by letting yourself enjoy that food you’re less prone to other mindless eating in attempt to avoid that food. It’s better to just let yourself have some of what you want rather than try 5-6 other foods or snacks in effort to put something else in your system and rid the craving. Ironically, you’ll probably consume a lot more munching those other items than if you just quit with the mind games and practiced restraint with indulgence of your treat.

Try front loading your calories

As we discussed earlier, try enjoying your foods (and even dessert!) earlier in the day when you need the food for fuel. Avoiding food earlier in the day can lead to low energy, decreased productivity at work, cravings, crash binges, etc. Follow the saying “Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, and dinner like a pauper.” – Adelle Davis

Avoid the holiday sugar yo-yos

If you munch on holiday sugary goodies, you’re sure to find you’re 1) craving them more often 2) less likely to refrain from eating them 3) a little grouchy/moody 4) fluctuating in energy 5) playing mind games and feeling guilty and 6) maybe experiencing problems with sleep, complexion and even digestion. Sugar is like caffeine; it raises the energy of the body up and then crashes it, tricking the body into feeling like more sugar is the solution. Be wary of falling into the “yo-yo” sugar intake – not only is it a “no-no” for weight loss but it makes even the average person more susceptible to diabetes, cortisol (stress hormone) surges (bad with regard to weight in the tummy), and metabolic syndrome.

Enjoy foods you don’t usually have the rest of the year when at parties

When you’re at a holiday party with a smorgasbord of delectable treats within arm’s reach, pause and reconsider what you put on your plate. If you’re a chocolate lover who usually enjoys a little piece or scoop of ice cream on a regular basis, why not try something different? Go for the gingerbread! If you’re an Italian food lover why not skip out on the meatballs and nibble shrimp cocktail?

Try not to hover by the food at holiday parties

If you’re self-aware enough to admit that you’re not great at controlling your chompers, use your mouth to enjoy talking and just make a silent rule with yourself to keep away from the temptation. I promise, self-restraint is possible but it has to be backed by willpower. Keep your goals in the back of your mind.

Here’s a great website tool for estimating your current caloric needs.

Remember though, this is your current caloric requirement. In order to lose a pound a week one would need to burn 3500 calories from exercise and nutrition combined. Keep in mind moderation is key – too many of the calories being cut from food could strip the body of important nutrients and too many calories coming from exercise could result in overtraining, inadequate muscle recovery and/or physical injury.

Holiday Cardio Commandments:

Minutes Add Up

Not taking into account diet, on average, individuals who do 150 minutes/week of cardio based exercise at or above a moderate intensity level maintain their weight. Individuals who lose weight do an average of 275 minutes. Now you have your baseline goals of cardio to strive for assuming you’re currently below those levels or fluctuate in them. If you do more than this, take your baseline of minutes for cardio and divide by three. Add that third back into your total. This is your baseline per week from here on out.

Aerobic Cardio Exercise is The Foundation for Success

Keep 3/5 of your workouts aerobic – in other words, hit a state of moderately challenging exertion and attempt to maintain your pace and exertion at the level for the remainder of your workout. The body wants oxygen and demands it for optimal function hence this kind of cardio exercise is the foundation of success for burning energy.

Anaerobic Cardio – Dig Deep to Really Push Yourself For Once

One of your workouts each week should be extremely challenging, bringing you up to a near maximum heart rate and then allowing for recovery. You should feel like you are working hard enough that you would require a break in no more than 2-3 minutes. Ideally, you will get comfortable pushing yourself to a peak of exertion wherein you need a break after as little as 45 seconds. I will provide these anaerobic cardio workouts each week. If you’re already doing a workout like this each week and want to lose weight, add one more anaerobic workout each week but no more – too much of this exercise can stunt your recovery and therefore your results.

Competition Time!!

Assuming you are breaking your cardio workouts into 5 segments, use one of the days to act like an athlete. For example: If you love running, hop on the treadmill and see just how fast you can complete a 5K or 10K. Pretend you’re at a race and give it your all. If you have always wanted to do a triathlon, hop on the bike for 15 minutes and then make your way to the treadmill for 15 minutes. End with a swim in the pool for 15 minutes. With each exercise modality, get yourself into the competition mentality and really see what your personal best looks and feels like. Now is the time to try things that are both creative and challenging to push yourself beyond your current level of fitness.

This Week’s Cardio Challenge Workout:

The 8-6-8

Okay, time to be honest with yourself….pick the piece of cardio equipment you hate the most in the gym.

Get on the machine and warm-up for a solid 4-5 minutes. Get yourself mentally ready and in gear during your warm-up. Try popping some good music on your electronic device. It has been proven that people who listen to music while working out tend to work out a little longer and harder.
Next push yourself for a solid 8 minutes to approximately 80-90% of your maximum heart rate. You should feel like you could give just a little bit more if asked to but otherwise are truly challenged and unable to sustain such exertion for longer than 10 minutes or so before recovering.
Pick your favorite piece of cardio equipment after this and enjoy a recovery bout at a light to moderate intensity level for 6 minutes.
Quickly get back on your first piece of equipment and push yourself again for 8 minutes.
Repeat the 8 minute intervals 4 times with the 6 minutes in between on the alternate piece of machinery.
GOOD LUCK!

Your 30-45 minute “Go Hard or Go Home” Give-it-your-all Weekly Workout!

Ideally you are pushing yourself through this lifting workout and one other (maybe two if well trained) lifting/strength training workout a week. The workout below is intended to train the entire body for both strength and quick aerobic recovery from heart rate boosts. If you have not been pushing yourself very hard in exercise and three tough workouts feels like too much (this, the anaerobic cardio and the competition day cardio), choose this and one of the cardio workouts. Be sure to allow for recovery time between each. Recovery days are an ideal time to do your aerobic/moderate intensity cardio or to take a break from the gym (not a break from being generally active).
Here’s the rule: attempt to repeat these exercises back to back with 30-60 second interval breaks in between exercises. Attempt for a full 30 or 45 minutes – pick a time before you start and stick to it! It won’t be easy…

Exercise: Lunge with Dumbbell Twist and Balance
How-To: Hold a dumbbell straight overhead securely with both hands (select a moderate resistance weight). Step forward and bend the knees into ninety degree angles with the back knee bending towards the ground. As you come low in the lunge swing the arms down across the body and the front bent knee. Exhale and keep your abdomen engaged for balance and to work the oblique. Swing the weight back from low to high and simultaneously step backwards out of the lunge. Repeat on the opposite side. Do 20 repetitions each leg.
Benefits: This exercise works your lower body, shoulders and core. The stepping in and out of the lunge and the twisting of the torso both create a challenge for balance. The core muscles and overall proprioception are tested while the legs get a great workout and the shoulders work to stabilize the weight overhead.

Exercise: Plank with Arm and Leg Raises
How-To: Start with your palms and toes on the ground. The entire body should be lifted away from the ground in a straight line, the core engaged. This will look like the start of a push-up. From here, lift one arm at a time overhead or away from your body. Next, lift one leg at a time up in the air. Remember to keep the hips low. Set a timer and attempt to alternate the “limb lifts” for a full minute.
Benefits: The plank position is a great posture from which to work all muscles of the body in an isometric fashion. In other words, the muscles all have to stabilize and support the body from collapsing to the ground with gravity. By lifting the limbs one at a time, the challenge is enhanced and the abdominal muscles must contract even harder.

Exercise: Alternating Squats with Plank Jump
How-To: From a standing position bring the feet about hip distance apart. Squat low with the hips like you are sitting in a chair. Once your knees are bent at almost a ninety degree angle, jump up in the air as high as you can, using your arms in a swinging motion from behind you to overhead in order to create upward lift. When you land, move your hips back behind you again smoothly assuming the squat and bent knee position again. Next, bend over and place the hands on the ground and jump the feet simultaneously back behind you into a full plank position (described in exercise above). Jump the feet back in together, knees towards the chest and stand up. Bend straight into your squat jump again and repeat. To further enhance the challenge, try alternating which direction you are facing by rotating the body around a full 180 degrees during the squat jump. Do 20 repetitions.
Benefits: You get a great heart rate boost in this exercise and get a full body workout. The gluts are targeted during the squat jumps and the jump back of the plank. The abs are really challenged to dynamically load and explode in a powerful way when you jump up in the air and when you jump the knees back in towards the chest during the plank jump tuck.

Exercise: Bent Knee Leg Push to Sit-up and Russian Twist
How-To: Lying face up on a mat, bring your knees to a bent ninety degree angle in the air above the hips. Hold onto a medicine ball (4-8 lbs) and keep it at the chest. Push the legs away from the body straightening the knee and then bend them back. Do your best to keep your lower back flat towards the mat and your hips steady. Once the knees have tucked back in, push the medicine ball away from your chest and leverage yourself through a sit-up motion with the legs raised. Once the lower spine rolls up from the mat, balance on your hip bones and gluts. Try to keep the feet raised from the ground and the back flat so that you are in a “V’ position with the torso and thighs. Lower the medicine ball to one side of the body and then the other, exhaling with each twist to engage the obliques. Roll back down to the starting position by rounding the spine and keeping the medicine ball at your chest. Do 12-15 repetitions.
Benefit: This is a very dynamic way to work the core muscles. The rectus abdominus (aka, your six pack) is working in the leg press out and the sit up and the obliques and transverse abdominus (the muscle that helps keep your stomach looking flat!) are working throughout the V-sit and Russian Twist. The muscles in the back are also utilized here as they work synergistically with the abdomen to stabilize and support.

Exercise: Bar Shoulder Press to Bosu Push-ups and Leg Tucks
How-To: Stand in front of a bosu with a moderately heavy body bar weight. Shoulder press for 10 repetitions extending the elbows straight overhead with each repetition. After the last rep place the bar on top of the round part of the bosu and step back into a plank position (detailed above). From the plank position lower the body down into a full ninety degree angle in the elbow. Keep the hips in line with the shoulders and the abs engaged to protect the lower back and maintain posture. Push back up through the upper body into a straight arm position (note: this will be harder than a normal push-up because of the instability of the bosu). Repeat 10 push-ups or until fatigue. Once you’ve reached fatigue try to hold the plank position just a little longer while tucking one knee diagonally across the body, engaging the abs as you tuck it in. Do these knee tucks until fatigue or arm/core failure. This is a fun one to dig down and challenge yourself on!
Benefit: A strong upper body helps support posture and the spine. The shoulders are crucial to posture and are an area more susceptible to instability and osteoporosis. By maintaining and improving on strength now we will have great long term gains and good tone and definition today!

Seasonal Treats Calorie Counter:

10 Hershey kisses or 25 Peanut M&Ms contains 250 calories
One six ounce cup of eggnog contains 230 calories
One small .5-ounce candy cane contains 60 calories. A larger candy cane has about 110.
There are 97 calories in a one-ounce serving of peppermint bark. One piece is nice; five pieces is not so nice.
There are only 43 calories in one popcorn ball. Nice!
Two potato 3 inch diameter latkes contain 289 calories. That doesn't include toppings such as sour cream or applesauce.
One peanut butter cookie with a chocolate kiss contains 93 calories.

A Good Quick Read:

Courtesy of Runner’s World Magazine – This article is about how to burn off heavy meals (was written referencing Thanksgiving dinner but it is applicable to any large feast!).

Thank you so much to Maggie Carter of Sports Club/LA for providing this great way to stay healthy during the holidays!

Travel Tuesday: To Chicago (and back) We Go

2011-12-13T14:36:00.002Z

It was a whirlwind weekend for this curious puppy - we made our first trip to Chicago to visit our college bestie Dr. Meg for a surprise birthday party, with some great stops for work along the way, and then flew back early Sunday to see the lovely {av} and join in her first-ever Blogger Blitz Washington at one of our favorite restaurants, Urbana.

Vintage suitcases in the lobby of The James. So fun!

My beautiful room - chic and minimalist.

Along the way, we got to explore some of the Windy City's best sights, including a stay at The James Chicago (which we conveniently booked using SniqueAway, one of our favorite travel sale sites). From there, we headed down the Magnificent Mile and did a bit of shopping before popping into hotspot The Purple Pig with our good friend B, a new Chicago resident. Sadly, it was a bit crowded, so we opted for the less chic but nevertheless quite good Bandera before enjoying a long afternoon of shopping.


Spiked Hot Chocolate, YUM

The great menu - there was even a "toppings" bar!

It was freezing, so we warmed up with spiked hot chocolate at the Park Hyatt Chicago's NoMi restaurant, which offers great views of the lake and downtown's shopping district, before yours truly headed over to luxe hotel The Elysian for a relaxing spa afternoon. The facilities were gorgeous and the treatment quite good, but the staff, in our opinion, could use some work for the cost and rating given the hotel.

Then it was a quick stop at Barney's to freshen our makeup - where we met and chatted with celeb makeup artist Claudio Riaz - before heading to drinks at Sable in the Hotel Palomar with Dr. Meg and another college friend, A. Can you say awesome? Loved the tequila cocktail "Second Wind" and the delish chicken and waffles, but the whole menu was great. Of course it's a sister resto to our fave Urbana, which we went to on Sunday ... no shock there.

Claudio Riaz via Arizona Foothills Magazine

That's the "Second Wind" up front - you can't see the great sidecars they came with!

Sunday was full of shopping before a surprise party for Dr. Meg at Bangers & Lace in Wicker Park, where we sampled our first Chicago-style hot dog. Yum! Then it was off to what might be the most hipster hangout we've ever visited - a place called Rite Liquors, which happened to be a bar INSIDE a liquor store. So creepy, so awesome. I wish I'd taken a photo. Tres fun.

Chicago Dog! Image via The Paupered Chef

One more night at The James (we were so sad to see it go!) and it was back to DC, where we met up with {av} for Blogger Blitz DC! It was so great to meet and chat with 40 of the city's most fashionable and fun lady bloggers.

The best nametags I've ever seen.

Totally worth the $10 entrance fee to get this great lookbook of all of the gals!

We can't wait to check out all of your blogs, including the adorable gals behind The Capital Barbie, Julip Made, A Lacey Perspective, Rosa Loves DC and many, many more.

We've got a lot of reading for this week - but don't miss tomorrow's great installment of Wellness Wednesday, where the team from Sports Club LA has a workout sure to keep you looking fab in those holiday cocktail dresses!

xoxo,
Deacon

Friday's Fancies: Holiday Party Chic

2011-12-09T08:00:00.000Z

We're in Chicago this weekend, but in keeping with our regular post, here's a holiday-themed Friday's Fancies for you!

Friday's Fancies: Holiday Party Chic by deacondoesdc featuring jennifer meyer jewelry

Red valentino dress
$1,150 - net-a-porter.com

Giuseppe zanotti sandals
$575 - shopsavannahs.com

Rosanne Pugliese hammered jewelry
$1,800 - barneys.com

Jennifer meyer jewelry
$675 - barneys.com

Barbara tfank
$1,620 - barneys.com

Travel Tuesday: Apres Ski, Anyone?

2011-12-06T13:46:00.001Z

We're so excited to hit the slops for NYE - but truth be told, our favorite part of the day is Apres Ski. Check out our latest on Gadling about great destinations for post-slope fun!

You're Invited: Meet Bazaar Editor Glenda Bailey at Coach Georgetown

2011-12-05T19:58:00.001Z

If you've ever wanted to work in fashion or just love great style, this is one event you want to miss. Bazaar editor in chief Glenda Bailey is coming to DC on Wednesday, December 7th, at the Coach store on 3259 M. Street NW.She'll be signing copies of Harper’s Bazaar: Greatest Hits, a new book celebrating her 10-year anniversary at the helm of the legendary American fashion magazine.

Fashion enthusiasts can have Bailey personalize their copy of the book and peruse the newest bags from Coach, including the Pinnacle collection of lady-like leather satchels with 14-karat-gold-plated hardware, and fun sequined and beaded mini-bags perfect for every holiday party.

Even better? The book is the perfect holiday present for your most fashionable girlfriend!

Make My Monday: Happy Holidays!

2011-12-05T13:36:00.001Z

The holidays are kicking off to a bright and cheery start here in DC - we went skating at the National Gallery of Art's Sculpture Garden this weekend and we've planned trips to Chicago and NYC over the next few weeks and get to host former roommate {av} of Long Distance Loving on Sunday when she's in town for Blogger Blitz DC!

Skaing with the ladies this weekend. I'm quite terrible, but it was fun!

The biggest fun news - we've sworn off roommates and signed a lease on a one bedroom apartment! We're sad to see {M} go home to Texas, but this is going to be a fun excuse to share our story as we re-decorate our pad (just a few floors up from where we live now). Any thoughts? We've got a Pinterest board started!

We're sure to be sharing lots of photos over on Instagram this week, but we thought we'd start your week off right - we spiced up our average coffee this morning with homemade vanilla whipped cream and chocolate coconut sprinkles and one of our favorite Starbucks mugs - a Florida one to remind us that somewhere in this world, it's warm!

Friday's Fancies: A Pop of Red

2011-12-02T13:34:00.001Z

Friday's Fancies: A Pop of Red by deacondoesdc featuring suede pumps

Leifsdottir sheer blouse
$150 - anthropologie.com

Citizens Of Humanity Jeans skinny jeans
$209 - revolveclothing.com

Rupert Sanderson suede pumps
$625 - mytheresa.com

Prada handbag
$1,995 - saksfifthavenue.com

Judith Jack handcrafted earrings
$83 - zappos.com

Hoorsenbuhs gold ring
$5,250 - barneys.com

TGIF ladies and gents! We're adding a pop of RED to our outfit this week for Long Distance Loving's Friday's Fancies linkup, in honor of yesterday's World AIDs Day. We even wore red in real life yesterday, thanks to our fabulous new Lady Day coat - see below! Can't wait to see everyone's links and we hope you have a fabulous weekend.

In Case You Missed It: Cyber Monday Travel Deals

2011-11-27T15:34:00.001Z

We've got the scoop, over on Gadling.com.

Make My Monday: Care Packages for Troops Overseas

2011-11-21T13:12:00.001Z

Happy Monday, friends! We had the best weekend catching up with friends and enjoying a few fun adventures along the way. One of our big tasks this weekend was compiling a massive care package for a friend's brother's unit in Afghanistan. It's hard to believe, but some of our troops overseas are in such remote areas that things like hot showers are a luxury. These guys had requested the basics (think baby wipes and cold meds) and we were more than happy to oblige. Thanks to the suggestion of lady friends T & L (Deacon takes no credit for this idea!!), we made a trip to Costco and assembled massive care packages and personalized holiday cards for each of the guys in this Marine unit. We'll ship them this week so that they have plenty of time to arrive for the holidays.

LB, T, and L Recording a video message for our friends overseas

T, L, LR and Moi, writing cards

Making cookies and brownies to package up

LB's very patriotic card to a friend

If you're interested in giving to those in need this season, this is a great and super easy way to do a little something for those who serve our country every day. Shipping, the part we thought would be the most expensive, is actually very economical - just pick up flat rate boxes from USPS (they'll even mail them to you) and send them out - a 12" x 12" x 5" box ships for just $12.95 to APO / FPO addresses, which is even less than it costs to send domestically!

If you want to adopt your own troop this holiday, a list of organizations for email, donations and more is below:

Friday's Fancies: High Heels & Pearls

2011-11-18T06:00:00.000Z

It's Friday's Fancies time! We are terrible at this week's theme - print mixing - so we opted to share a few pieces we've been coveting of late ... tights with a demure twist (leopard), peep toe booties in an eye-popping read, and this great blouse from, of all places, Ann Taylor, embellished with chic pearl buttons down the front. We paired it with one of our fave designers, M.C.L., a wear-anywhere Prada clutch and a fun swing skirt. We'd love this look for a holiday office party or night out to dinner with the gals, which, just so happens to be where we're headed this weekend.

Friday's Fancies: High Heels & Pearls by deacondoesdc featuring clutch hand bags

Ann Taylor jeweled top
$118 - anntaylor.com

Mulberry flare skirt
$435 - mulberry.com

Armani Exchange nylon hosiery
$24 - armaniexchange.com

Maison Martin Margiela leather bootie
$985 - net-a-porter.com

Prada clutch hand bag
£640 - flannelsfashion.com

M.C.L by Matthew Campbell Laurenza tear drop earrings
$600 - saksfifthavenue.com

M C L by Matthew Campbell Laurenza cultured pearl jewelry
$265 - saksfifthavenue.com

We can't wait to see your Friday's Fancies looks too!

To Do Thursday: Warm Winter Cocktails, Secret Passwords, Quidam and More!

2011-11-17T22:52:00.001Z

What does your weekend look like, friends? We've had a busy week of events and are looking forward to getting a few things done before heading back to Annapolis for the holiday, but it's hard with so many fun activities going on around town. In this week's "To Do Thursday," we share a few of our favorite happenings - if you've got a fun event or activity that we should take note of, drop us a line!

Apple Buttered Rum at the W Hotel DC

Warm Winter Drinks - POV at the W Hotel
We had the exclusive chance to preview the W Hotel's new winter drinks menu at POV Tuesday evening, where we also got to take in the fun "apres ski" party from Gilt City. We sampled the new warm drink menu and determined our faves- a mulled rum cider and a tea-like scotch and lemon concoction that truly felt like it soothed our soul - or at least the memory of our long, long day at work!

Image via The Washington Lobbyist

Secret Passwords for Freebies at Urbana
What's the password? Say the secret word "nutmeg" and "bubbly" and score a free app and free glass of sparkling wine on your next visit for dinner at one of our favorite restaurants in Dupont's Hotel Palomar.

Quidam
We got the chance to preview this great limited-engagement Cirque du Soliel show at Verizon Center last night and let us tell you ... it's pretty magical. Quidam tells the story of a young girl who retreats into her imagination after feeling abandoned by her parents. Basically, it's a trippy romp through storyland, complete with awesome aerial silks shows, tumblers, audience participation and more. The intimate setup makes the massive Verizon Center feel cozy, so there's really no bad seat in the house, and it's the first Cirque show we've seen where a live band plays and helps set the tone of the show. We're not a huge fan of clowns, and there are clowns aplenty in this show, but it was still awe-inspiring. Don't miss the best part - a man and woman strength display that is sure to rock your socks off.

Sugarloaf Crafts Festival
Want to get a head start on your holiday shopping? We're giving away six tickets (three pairs) to this weekend's Sugarloaf Crafts Fest at the MoCo fairgrounds. It's a great way to explore local artisans ... gratis!

Guest Post: Meredith of The FFJD

2011-11-16T20:04:00.001Z

One of Deacon's favorite guilty pleasures? Reading The FFJD (formerly 50 First (J)Dates). We are neither Jewish nor have we ever been on JDate, but it doesn't matter. We'd read it even if it sucked because we love Meredith, but ... it doesn't. It's hilarious, informative, and, quite often, just what you're thinking but afraid to say.

Blogger-writer-consultant-fashionista Meredith Fineman's journey started as a quest to find her perfect NJB (nice Jewish boy) and has evolved into a lifestyle site chronicling everything from her favorite fro-yo toppings (mochi) to her quest to find the perfect Skinny Arm pose, and most things in between. Lucky for her, she found the NJB rather soon in the process, but she still gives great relationship advice. We chatted with the voice behind the blog to learn a bit more about her advice for dating in DC, life, ect.

Why did you start blogging?
I started blogging as a way to chronicle my adventures when I lived in South America. It was called Soy, Therefore I am (a play on words in Spanish and a nod to my lactose intolerance). TheFFJD (originally Fifty First JDates), however, was supposed to be a private joke among my friends to chronicle my hilaroipus return to the American male known as JDate in Washington. It went viral, and now it's become an amazing outlet for me, my friends, and other 20-somethings. And yes, I am writing a book.

What is your advice for dating?
Leave no stone unturned. I think you should give everyone a fair chance. I was most surprised/pleased with guys I never thought I'd like, and the ones I really wanted to go out with often were duds. Even if you don't like the person, be nice - you never know if he or she might have a friend for you.

Here's a pet peeve of ours. Why are men in DC so SHORT?
I don't know. I'm 5'7 and I wear nothing shorter than 5 inch heels, so I'm essentially the Jolly Green Giant. If you really like a guy, don't discount him for his height. There's nothing he can do about it, except wear platforms, which you definitely don't want. Cue this:

How do you avoid awkward questions from grandma and your parents when you're home for Thanksgiving and single, yet again, at 26? We're, um, asking for a friend.
Just tell then you're on the Bachelorette and you can't disclose because of your contract who you chose for your final rose. There's lots of weird and difficult pressure surrounding family and whom you choose to date. Really, those questions are incredibly inappropriate. But say something like, "I'm auditioning a few contenders" or really just ignore it. You would never ask the same of the state of someone else's marriage or relationship! (Ie, why aren't you married to your bf yet?)

You're quite the fashionista. What's your favorite trend of the moment?
Oooh thank you! That is quite the compliment. I love colored denim. (I just love color in general.)

Anything else you want to share?
TheFFJD is a somewhat humorous blog for the 20-something struggling with post-graduate life and dating. More than anything, it's a space to make fun of ourselves and share in the upps and downs of young adulthood. Buy my book when it comes out, as a gift, doorstop, or sneezeguard. Be a fan on Facebook and Twitter. I am also starting events and jappy/happy hours, so stay tuned and send me your email for exclusives!

Never one to let an opportunity pass us by, we also guest posted on her site today about how to snag the best deals on travel using our favorite sample sale sites and internet search tips. Check. It. Out. (Please.)