sharynesque

Happy Valentine’s Day

sharynesque — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 01:10:03 +0000

Spending the evening with my two favorite people, hubs & the baby. Happy V-Day, everyone.

SAG red carpet

sharynesque — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 14:52:05 +0000

I missed the red carpet because I went into work Sunday evening. Based on the word of the Twitterverse, I think I’ll count myself lucky to have missed the E! broadcast; it was not well received. Of course, I reviewed the gowns upon my return home. And, because of expected icy road conditions (that didn’t actually occur) I don’t have to get into work until noon, so I have time to post my much sought after (ha!) thoughts on last night’s fashion.

Best

In no particular order: Marion Cotillard, Jennifer Garner, Anne Hathaway (exquisite from head to toe), Jessica Chastain, and Jaimie Alexander (I didn’t even know who this was but when I saw her my only thought was, “Hot.”).

Worst

January Jones (a wreck from head to toe), Mayim Bialik (of course), Morena Baccarin (it was worse than this picture shows), Ariel Winter (mother of the bride, and not even good MIB).

* All pics from People.com.

2nd & OFFICIAL inaugural ball

sharynesque — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 01:24:15 +0000

I have finally realized my goal of laying eyes on President Obama in person. Woo hoo, success! It was freeeeezing(!!) last night. We arrived at the first point of entry, after a quick metro ride, to total chaos and a line that would guarantee we were standing out in the cold for minimum 1.5 hours. Hmm, let’s check the other entrance that is not as close to a big metro stop. Bingo! Good life decision. We were in the Convention Center within 15 minutes. Through security and into a coat check line. I debated holding onto my coat all night because I thought pickup would be a disaster (and I was right – over an hour in line). 15 minutes to drop off my coat and then it was off to the actual event.

In order of appearance: Mr. Kimberly Williams (a.k.a. Brad Paisley), Fun, the President & Mrs. Obama accompanied by Jennifer Hudson, Stevie Wonder, Vice President & Dr. Biden accompanied by Jamie Foxx on the piano, John Legend, Soundgarden. (Soundgarden?) Trying not to be bitter that my coworker’s better tickets got her Katy Perry, Alicia Keys & Usher. Oh, boo hoo, I went to the inaugural ball and only got X, Y & Z. Okay, I’ll stop whining now.

Although the heinous coat check-out process ended the night on a low note, I feel so lucky to have been able to attend this ball. Thanks Liza & Keefer for watching Linden for us!

Inaugural ballin’

sharynesque — Mon, 21 Jan 2013 17:37:59 +0000

On Sunday night we attended the South Carolina State Society Inaugural Ball with several DC friends. A good time was had by all, a lot of champagne was consumed… I felt pretty fancy.

DC: What I’d miss – Redux

sharynesque — Sat, 19 Jan 2013 13:45:03 +0000

I’ve been thinking more about this and I definitely left a few things out:

1. My doctor at One Medical Group (Dr. Snyder is awesome & so is the whole OMG concept)
2. The sausage, egg & cheese bagel from the corner market near work
3. Feeling like we’re “hip” and at the center of things/history/events, living here in DC
4. Vapiano’s Greek salad

Status

sharynesque — Fri, 18 Jan 2013 03:44:06 +0000

Not blogging is part of my 2013 life simplification plan. So that’s that. I’m going to look into ways of doing “quick hit” posts from my iPhone. But in the meantime, don’t expect to find much here.

November photo-a-day

sharynesque — Sat, 22 Dec 2012 15:59:52 +0000

So, it’s a tad belated, but here are 30 days of my Instagram pics from November for Fat Mum Slim’s photo-a-day challenge:

And here is the key:

DC: What I wouldn’t miss

sharynesque — Fri, 21 Dec 2012 15:00:11 +0000

Two weeks ago I posted on what I would miss most about DC if we were to return to California. As promised, here is what I most definitely would not miss:

1. Humidity
2. Carrying an umbrella every day
3. Metro
4. Crazy, shitty drivers
5. Expensive daycare
6. Not having family nearby
7. Our neighborhood

The Weather
Humidity is the worst weather feature ever. It rains in the summer… often. This is why I always have an umbrella in my purse. But it’s not cool and refreshing rain, and at times it’s torrential. The second the rain hits the hot sidewalks it’s a steamy hell. Y.U.C.K.

Metro
The number of times I’ve gotten nauseated on the Metro are too numerous to count. And the system is pretty much unusable on the weekends with the constant track work and 20+ minutes between trains. And although it’s generally reliable, it seems that it’s not at always the wrong time.

The Drivers
California drivers ain’t got nothing on these people. The drivers here are the most incompetent, insane, idiotic, entitled, selfish lunatics that have ever roamed the roads. Every day I think I’ve seen the most jaw-dropping move only to have it topped the next day.

$$ Daycare $$
Word has it that the DC Metro area has some of the most expensive daycare costs in the U.S. If they don’t, pity the rest of the country! Let’s just say that $20K per year puts a large hole in one’s pocket. I did a quick search of Sacramento daycares and they are about $700/month less. Holler!

No Family in DC
I’m so jealous of the people who have built-in babysitters! ‘Nuff said.

Our ‘Hood
I like to call it “an amenity-free zone.” Unless your idea of amenities include a McDonald’s, liquor stores, tattoo parlor and gas stations. No restaurants. No gym or fitness studios. No (decent) grocery store. Zip, zero, zilch, nada. And although it’s not a dangerous neighborhood, I don’t feel comfortable, say, going out for a run by myself, especially not at night. And while it’s not unsafe, it’s not exactly crime-free. Several people have been attacked/mugged on the way to the Metro, even at gunpoint. It’s been a while since any such thing has occurred though. Maybe things are turning around.

There you have it, the non-missable things about my Washington, DC.

Inaugural ball prep

sharynesque — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 16:20:10 +0000

This January, the husband and I are attending one of the “State Society” inaugural balls with several of our new friends. An inaugural ball is definitely something that is on my must-do-while-living-in-DC list. I’ve already scheduled my hair appointment at Dry Bar. But what to wear? I wasn’t about to buy a dress. Enter Rent the Runway. I’ve heard a lot about this service but have never had the need to try it out. Until now. The dress I initially wanted was unavailable in my size for the date I required it. Drat! I spent a lot of effort picking that one out. The long sleeves were perfect for a January event and I dug the plunging neckline. In hindsight though, this dress would have required some major pre-event prep on my part – a serious diet and actually going to the gym… a lot, not to mention two pairs of Spanks.

So back to the drawing board I went. And I ended up choosing this red, strapless Badgley Mischka. Red is not a color I usually wear. And strapless isn’t always the most flattering look for me (although my wedding dress was strapless). The fit is much more forgiving than that of the Issa dress, which I appreciate given that I can’t seem to ever make it to the gym and it is the season of peppermint bark and Christmas cookies. The necklace shown is no longer available for rent (foiled again!), but I’ve become obsessed with the idea of wearing a statement necklace of (faux) diamonds and jade/emerald/malachite/whatever-green-stones.

Pre-ball to-do list: Find perfect necklace, hire babysitter, secure transportation, tone up my not-ready-for-primetime arms. That’s doable, right?

A mood worth memorializing

sharynesque — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 04:19:00 +0000

I don’t know what the deal is tonight, but I am in a fantastic freakin’ mood this evening. I wish I could bottle this up. Maybe it’s because I took a late nap, that I got to go to Trader Joe’s, or that there is an IRS and tax fraud themed episode of NCIS on my TiVo… Who knows? But I want this more often. Who do I call to order a lifetime supply of this?

DC: What I’d miss

sharynesque — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 15:20:50 +0000

Now that we have the baby, we are always toying with the possibility of moving back to California to be closer to family. This got me thinking the other day. What would I miss most about DC?

1. New friends
2. Parkmobile
3. Free museums & events
4. Good Stuff toasted marshmallow milkshakes
5. Metro
6. My office
7. Potbelly sugar cookies
8. Our first house

New Friends
We’ve met so many wonderful people since we moved here in 2007. Through work, school, hobbies, parenthood…

Parkmobile
What do you mean I don’t have to feed a meter? Best. Invention. Ever.

Free museums & events
There are so many great (FREE!) things to do here. There are all of the Smithsonians (I can go to the Portrait Gallery & American Art Museum on my lunch break), lunchtime performances at Harman Theatre, jazz in the Sculpture Garden, etc. No city can match this.

Good Stuff milkshakes
Might I never have a toasted marshmallow milkshake again? It’s like vanilla, but enhanced, with a jumbo toasted marshmallow on top, with thick whip cream. Perfection. Thanks Chef Spike.

Metro
Full disclosure: This is also on my list of things I won’t miss. It’s a love/hate relationship. But it does make my commute very efficient and makes it possible to have only one car.

My office
My office has wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Mass. Ave. It’s on the edge of Chinatown, making Union Station, Chinatown, Penn Quarter, etc. all within walking distance. And it’s just 5 metro stops from home.

Potbelly
Their sugar cookies are like a stick of butter rolled in flour & sugar, with sugar crystals on top. A zillion calories & fat grams, but oh so delicious. I’m also fond of their sandwiches thanks to their hot peppers. Yummy.

Our 1st house
It’s so shiny and new. Everything works as it’s supposed to. There is minimum maintenance (both in & outside). It is our first house. The baby’s first house, which she won’t even remember.

Stay tuned for those things that I most definitely will not miss.

Blog love

sharynesque — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 02:49:29 +0000

I stumbled across a new blog, seersucker + saddles. LOVE. I wish I could rock her hairdo, but my wimpy, fine hair couldn’t pull it off. It does make me miss my short hair though. Here are just a few of my favorite looks.

1 2 3

* I’ve been unmotivated to post on the blog as of late. I am, however, pleased to report that I’m under 150 lbs. again, at 149.2 as of last Friday.

How things change…

sharynesque — Sun, 02 Dec 2012 03:25:16 +0000

In March ’07 I stayed in the hotel across the street. I can see the room I stayed in from my current hotel’s window. I don’t remember the exact room or floor but it faced 14th Street. I was here to check out the law school to which I had been accepted. At the time, I was working as a consultant and living with my boyfriend in Northern California. I was 29.

Fast forward nearly 6 years. I’m staying at the Donovan House (best hotel ever) for my birthday present from my husband (the aforementioned boyfriend). I’m an attorney. I’m married. We own a house in DC. We have a 13 month old baby. My how life can change…

Maintaining part deux

sharynesque — Sat, 10 Nov 2012 15:29:42 +0000

No change on the weight front this week. Still 151.0 even. Why am I the only person on the face of the Earth that doesn’t lose her appetite when sick? I mean, if I have to feel crappy, the least I should get in return is a suppressed appetite. Geez.

The 5K turkey trot is now less than 2 weeks away. I still can’t really breathe, so that makes it hard to hit the treadmill. Hopefully I’ll get in at least 3 runs before race day on the 22nd.

No ifs, ands or buts

sharynesque — Tue, 06 Nov 2012 00:06:10 +0000

I’m sticking to my guns regarding not buying (or keeping) clothing items that have a “but.” I really like this but… Last week I ordered this pleat front blouse with a red, burgundy and cream pattern from Banana Republic. (Currently out of stock online.) I loved the fit.

Cute, right? But upon closer inspection… the pattern is kind of weird. My husband remarked on it and the first thing that popped out of my mouth was, “Yeah, it looks like teeth yanked out with the bloody root still attached.” Um, what? So of course that is all I can see now. Don’t you see it?

Yep, this blouse has to be returned.

Maintaining

sharynesque — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 00:55:54 +0000

I’m down 0.2 to an even 151. Now I need to actually lose some real weight, dammit. This cold weather isn’t going to help. Once the temperatures drop, I marathon eat to stay warm. Or eat for mood enhancement, once the SAD kicks in. Winter is decidedly not the time to be trying to shed pounds. But I’m not happy at 151. I’d love to see 145, but for winter purposes I could live with 147-148. It would help if I went back to the gym. I signed up for a Turkey Trot, which is less than 3 weeks away. So I should probably, ya know, run or something.

Friday to save the day

sharynesque — Fri, 02 Nov 2012 12:43:45 +0000

I’m feeling a bit blah lately. I think it’s the change in weather. And the fact that my weight is not changing (or is moving in the wrong direction). I’m sure that I haven’t lost an ounce since last week (please, oh please, say I haven’t gained!) but I don’t know because I hopped out of bed and made a beeline for my bowl of cereal, forgetting to weigh in first.

In the spirit of my downer mood… Why don’t I look like this?

October photo-a-day

sharynesque — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 00:40:16 +0000

Another successful month of the Fat Mum Slim photo-a-day challenge.

[See all of my Instagram photos on Webstagram]

If you are interested in what the daily pic assignments were, I’ve included them below.

Join in for November!

Sarah Chloe

sharynesque — Wed, 31 Oct 2012 14:00:25 +0000

Shame on me for not thanking the gals over at Sarah Chloe jewelry. I’d been searching for a while for a necklace that would symbolize the baby. Do you know that the linden leaf is not a terribly popular flora for jewelry reproduction? Damn. I finally decided just to go with her name. But I didn’t want it to be so obvious. I found a charm/font I liked at Sarah Chloe, but the name was horizontal, with the chain attached at the “L” and “N.” I emailed to ask if they could instead hang it vertically, just from the “N.” “No problem!” they said. I was hoping that it would be less obvious, and look more like a squiggly pattern of sorts. I’m tres happy with it. I do want a longer chain though. It came with a 16″ chain. I really like the chain (not too shiny or a weird pattern) and am happy to report that I can buy an 18″ one directly from Sarah Chloe, which I’ll do soon. Thanks for the extra personalization, gals!

Better

sharynesque — Mon, 29 Oct 2012 00:06:11 +0000

I choose to treat last week’s weigh-in as a fluke. This week I was back down at 151.2. I’m less than thrilled with this weight but it’s a lot better than 153 something. With Hurricane Sandy on the way, I’ll be stuck inside all day with the pantry and fridge within arm’s reach, so I don’t think weight loss is on the agenda for this week. One can hope though. It was in expectation of this “sheltering in place” that I did not buy ice cream or other sweets when I went to the grocery store on Saturday to stock up on storm supplies. Will power isn’t my strong suit. But do you know what I am good at? Drinking champagne. Crack that bottle, it’s time for game 4 of the World Series. Go Giants!