Thirsty Thursday and Happy Hour Fun!

I cannot believe we've finally made it to Thursday!  This felt like one of the longest weeks in a veryy long time.  However, although it's only 8:00 in the morning, the weekend is almost here (everyone knows Friday doesn't really count).  So tonight we're going to do it up as always: in style and having a blast.

Once I get done at the gym.. let's take a detour right there.  I usually run 5 or 6 miles at the gym (not bragging, it's only dec), but since I've gotten one shin splint (yes, just one), I can't run for a few days.  Does anyone know what it's like wanting to run but you can't because your leg feels like it could just snap at the ankle?  I'm sure someone does.  Soo, I go into the gym now and walk (which I feel it's better to walk 4 miles than to go home and do nothing) in front of all of the beautiful guys.  And, of course, the week I can't run is the week every hot guy brings every one of his hot friends to workout.   Awesome.  But, I would still like to thank Fort Belvoir for supplying the eye candy that is necessary to inspire me to walk, instead of run.

After that I will go home and speed to get ready and then head out to Arlington (I really just need to get a place out there), and meet some of the crew at Union Jacks.

Doesn't this just look so quaint and fun..

Should be a good time.  And, it's always very "adventurous" getting home at 2:30a and waking up at 6:30a to work an 8.5 hour day not doing too much of anything.

I guess we're supposed to do this when we're young, before we run out of steam.  I foresee a trip to Starbucks early tomorrow morning...

Who's that chick?

For the people who know me, they know that I am by no means a touchy-feely, overly-romantic kind of girl.  So, when I tend to have really corny, romantic ideas, I tend to surprise myself.  Let's take the last 24 hours, for instance:

Yesterday I decided that I wanted to go somewhere this weekend... but not just anywhere... somewhere quiet, relaxing, where there's nothing to do but be there.  And I decided on Winchester.

Why Winchester you may ask..

Because Winchester (well, it's actually Stephens City) has a lovely drive-in movie theatre.  The movies that are playing: Cars 2 and Captain America.  Who can say no to talking cars and men in uniform?  Not me.
Of course, for some odd reason, my mind popped into thinking about how romantic it could be.. laying on the hood of a car, eating popcorn, and laughing with a cute boy sitting next to you (sometimes when I get like this I can't even recognize myself).

And it doesn't end there... the movie is followed by a little overnight stay at a hotel and then Saturday brings a trip to a nearby farm (Hollin Farms) where you can pick your own fruits and vegetables, have a nice picnic lunch, and, of course, be overly romantic.  (The more I talk about this, the more lame I feel).

Then, to top it off, I'm sitting at work today when I get an email from justflowers.com saying that I could save $7.50 on my next flower order.  So I think to myself, "Self, how cute would it be if someone had surprise flowers delivered to your house, or even to your work".  (I may have just out-girled myself). 

Really, who would mind waking up or coming in to something like this?

So, the last 24 hours have been full of thoughts of romanticism...

...Crushed by my boss yelling at someone on the phone... thank goodness for real-life!

9 Days and Counting

9 days until I touch down on my beautiful island (almost like home) of Oahu.
Unfortunately, I no longer know any sailors stationed there and so will not have anyone to attend "Dukes on Sunday" with, but I'm sure I can make some friends :)

In order to celebrate my "last weekend" (the third last weekend), before I start grad school, I spent the whole weekend running around.

Thursday night out until 2:30; Friday night out until 4:30; and Saturday night out until 4:00.  Somewhere along there I picked up a cold.. that is not okay.

The glorious crew at Whitlow's Rooftop

Friday night we decided to be different, with completely different lives and personalities.  Kelly was a model, I was a lawyer, and Richelle was a cardiologist.  When we do things, we go big.  Celebrating Kelly's booking and my 27th birthday (neither of which were legit), we ended up getting more drinks from the bartender than we paid for.  Now I see why guys pretend to be something they're not.  They do it to pick up chicks, we just did it for free drinks.  Either way, it seems to work!

(from left to right) Model, lawyer, cardiologist

Of course, I'm some work, so I drove up to Fort Meade to see what my new classroom (19 days) is going to look like.. quite interesting AND intimidating.  Let's keep our fingers crossed that everything goes well!

soon-to-be classroom (I'll get there an hour early on day 1 to test it out and see which seat I like the best.. not like I'm OCD or anything...)

So here I am, Happy Monday everyone, with no voice and no motivation to be anywhere but out and about... I am currently sitting in the dark, getting hotter and hotter as the lack of power means no AC and more heat.  What a wonderful day to start the week!

Personalized Stamps

There's nothing like being half-asleep at work and looking down and seeing the Spider Kellys stamp on your hand to remind you what a good time last night was.

I would actually like my own personalized stamp... B squared (the number) is what I want it to say... hints for Christmas gifts people!

Fun story:  I'm at Union Jacks yesterday when a girl walks up to me and says, "OMG, what a cute dress!", "Thanks!", "Where is it from?", "Forever 21", "Oh I wish I could fit into their clothes... I'd need two dresses put together to fit me.  Anyways, what's your name?  My guy friend and my other friend were trying to guess what it was.  We were thinking Allison or Stacey.", "It's Brittany.", "Brittany, that's a pretty standard white girl name... well, have a good night!".

Interactions like those are why I love people and why I have so much missed going out!

It's times like these when I wish I was a boy... or knew more about cars..

Good morning everybody!  Well, afternoon now.  Half of my morning was taken up by other events, so I still don't feel like it's 12:30 yet... except for the rumbling in my stomach, only getting louder as I continue to go without food.

Today's events:  get to work at 7:25a, should be a good, easy, slow day.  Everything is planned (because who am I if not a planner) and then ring, ring, my office phone is ringing... and guess who it is... my sister.  Turns out she's broken down 4 minutes from my work in the middle of the road, on the verge of tears, having some guys help push her car out of the road.

Of course, being the FABULOUS sister that I am, I drive right to her (when I should be at work doing work).  We call Camille (my mom) about 4 times to figure out what we should do.  See, normally in this situation we would call Jim (my retired dad) and tell him to take care of it.  Only problem, Jim decided this morning that he was going to take the train to New Jersey to visit Helen (my grandma).  So, no one really knows where he was at the time of this predicament, but it certainly was nowhere beneficial to us.

Big Ed came with his tow truck and bad attitude, adding to the stress and unhappiness of the day.  We then followed him and Ash's broken car to the car place.  (Ash is my sister, for those who can't keep up with the details of a story.)  Then it was off to Subway to get her lunch and deliver her home.

Man, I wish I could have stayed home... but there was no way I could take off from 10a-4p claiming it was all car trouble..  Although, in retrospect, a trip to the pool would have been nice.

So, here I sit, feeling a little better now that everyone is where they are supposed to be.  I'm currently sitting in the dark working (we're conserving energy after yesterday's power outage.  Look at us going green!)  I can't lie though, it's nice working in the dark.  Oh, and to add to the excitement of the day, I told my co-worker that, "Some of my best work is done in the dark!".  Sometimes I think the filter from my brain to my mouth is old...  Well, at least now they know something else about me!

The good news about this situation, I have on a really cute dress that got to see more people than just my co-workers today.  And, I have a sub for lunch.  Which means, if I ever get the courage to eat in front of people, I'll have a nice Italian BMT instead of cereal and cherries for lunch.

Flashback!

So I tried "Google-ing" myself (because I'm bored and like to know where I stand in the public eye), and I found one of my good friend's high school blog.  Complete with her thoughts about high school and photos of friends... Check this one out: my ex boyfriend Matt and I when we were 16!

Sometimes it's refreshing to take a trip down memory lane..

The Real Thing

Okay, so this blog used to be for one of my classes... but, since I have recently graduated and no longer need it for class, I'm going to try my hand at writing this for/about myself.  Here goes...

So, I start grad school in 3 weeks... WOW, it seemed so far away until my professor posted the syllabus for class and I have research questions, a hypothesis, and 3 chapters of reading to do before the first class!  I guess this is the fast-paced, structured life I was looking for... I really do enjoy it... Might enjoy it more once I find out how to get to class (at Ft. Meade, an hour and a half away) and make some friends..  Thank goodness for being outgoing...

In order to celebrate "my last weekend" as I started calling it (the last weekend before I have NO life for the next year and a half), I decided to try some new things... So, Saturday I joined my best ladies and a guy close enough to be my brother, for drinks in Clarendon and clubbing in DC... let's just say that I had enough fun to extend "my last weekend" to next weekend... assuming my textbook doesn't come in before Friday (when I have to get home and turn into a book worm).

So Arlington, Ballston, Clarendon, all beautiful places..  I hope to one day have a place in Arlington... it's just so elegant and classy.  We started at Hunan where we had some amazing sushi and beer.  Disclaimer: sushi and beer isn't the most delicious combination.. however, the shooters at the end of the meal went perfectly ;)

Once we finished at Hunan, we made the trek to the Metro (in 6 inch heels I was feeling much taller but a little more wobbly.. serves me right for getting shoes a size too big!).  A few Metro stops and a couple of Metro photos later (to celebrate the occassion of me actually using public transportation) we got off at Farragut West and walked down to Eden.  Definitely a better club experience than my first!

I spent the night picking out pretty guys and killing it on the dance floor with my meatball, and other half, Rachel.  But, 5ish hours later, my feet had had enough and it was back to the homestead for a good night's (actually early morning's) sleep.

The next afternoon it was out for brunch at Linda's Cafe in Arlington.  No photos will accompany this section since there was no was makeup, hair, or bras put on for the occassion. 

Then it was back home to watch "Unknown" with Josh while Rachel skated her little butt off.  The way to explain "Unknown"... cluster-f.
And to close out the exciting, fun-filled weekend, we saw "Horrible Bosses"... hilarious movie, and I have officially announced my crush on Jason Bateman.  Get it with your blue eyes Jason!

That's all for now... now I'm sitting at work for the next 8.5 hours... Joy.

Let's get personal

Hey everyone!

I started this blog as a class project, but since the class is over, I think I'm going to take over this spot.

I'll be sharing some stories with you, funny, personal, serious, etc., to give you a little peak into my life.

Hope you enjoy!

--I'll start this one by saying that I graduate in T-7 days!  I cannot believe that 4 years of college have flown by so quickly.  However, I'm going to save more details for later.  I'll be back to talk about the "big day", share some photos, and reflect on my life for the past 4 years. 

I'm currently starting to write a toast for my graduation party.... I mean, come on, I can't graduate with a degree in Communication and not give a speech commemorating my experience!

Any ideas??

A charming staff in a charming location

The Hotel Bel Ami Paris is known for its modern, yet quaint style, and its charming staff.  The staff aims to make guests comfortable and their stay enjoyable.

"The hotel is perfectly located near the church of St. Germain des Pres (close to 2 metro stations) and unlike most parisian hotels, it is modernly styled and very tastfully decorated. The rooms are small but very nicely designed, and you definitly fill pampered. The hotel staff is extremly nice and helpful, and breakfast is rich and luxurious. There is free internet in the lobby, and live jazz playing in the bar on the evening. All in all It was a great stay at a wonderful hotel, and a place I will definatly come back to." - Natalie, Israel

Located on the Left Bank in the artists' enclave of St. Germain des Pres, the hotel charms with designer-appointed rooms.  The hotel is also the home to the B.A Bar, where on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, a jazz pianist plays as guests feast on hors d'oeuvres and cocktails.

St. Germain des Pres is surrounded by many of the must-see sites of Paris.  It is situated around the river Seine, the Tuileries Gardens, the Invalides and the Tour Eiffel Quarter, as well as the Luxembourg Quarter and the Latin Quarter.

St. Germain des Pres is the intellectual center of gravity: housing bistros, bookshops, galleries, nightclubs, and publishing houses.  It is the location of the Cafe Les Deux Magots, frequented by the writers of the "Lost Generation" of the 1920s and 1930s; as well as by post World War II Existentialists, at the Cafe de Flore and the Brasserie Lipp.

Le Procope

St. Germain des Pres is the location of the oldest church in Paris, the St. Germain des Pres.  It is also the location of the world's first coffeehouse, le Procope, founded in 1686.

The Hotel Bel Ami is located in a creative district, full of things to do and see, but without the hustle and bustle of the Parisian lifestyle.

Il y a tout ce que vous voulez aux Champs Elysées!

Hôtel Lancaster is located right off of the Champs Elysées, and in Paris, it doesn't get any better than that.  The best thing about this hotel is its central location... but that's not all it has to offer.

This small and beautiful hotel is a gem, a luxurious hideaway, found on the busiest street in Paris.


Entrance to Hôtel Lancaster


The hotel has an elegant, private-home feel to it. It was originally a 19th century private mansion.

Room at the hotel

"We stayed here on a visit to watch the climax of the tour de france. Very central to the Champs Elysées and the good bars and restaurants, metro at 150 metres. Staff were wonderful - nothing too much trouble - especially for our daughter - and they made us feel very welcome and valued. We will be back. Food was good - lovely room which was spotless and great comfy beds." -vicandlisa, Sussex

In addition to its fabulous location, Hôtel Lancaster is most-known for its culinary delights.  Hôtel Lancaster stirs lovers' appetites at its namesake restaurant, La Table du Lancaster.  The world-class chef, Michel Troisgros presides in this kitchen.

Inside of La Table du Lancaster

His inspiration has given life to creative, light, and elegant meals. The menu is organized by theme, based on products chosen by Troisgros for their intensity, freshness, and slightly sour notes: the wit of the tomato, the burst of lemon and citrus fruit, the bite of condiments and spices, the green of fresh vegetables, herbs, and fruit, and the sweetness of dairy products.

La Table du Lancaster offers fine dining that is intimate, understated, and contemporary.

And at around $400 per night, this is a little piece of Parisian luxury that everyone can afford.

The right hotel on the right bank

"E7 is above any expectations,it is the point where your dreams end and a new world begins, a world of fantastic, spectacular & luxe."  - martonfi7, Romania

View of the Opera from hotel room

First built in 1877, it offers a warm, intimate atmosphere combined with classic French elegance and modern sophistication.

Ideally situated in the heart of the French capital close to the Louvre, Edouard 7 Hotel is an iconic hotel of Paris’ Right Bank, on one of the city’s most prestigious and historical streets.

It is positioned between Opera Garnier, Louvre, Place Vendôme, Faubourg St. Honoré and the famous department stores Galeries Lafayette and Printemps.

Opera Garnier

Galeries Lafayette

Edouard 7 Hotel is affiliated with the WORLDHOTELS First Class Collection and offers 70 superbly-appointed guest rooms over seven floors, including 12 magnificent suites. A boutique hotel in the true sense of the word, the Edouard 7 Hotel pampers guests with individual attention and unsurpassed service. 

Edouard 7 Hotel also maintains its romantic atmosphere while also catering to a younger crowd, children.  At the Hotel, children are treated like kings and queens.  Children have a menu created just for them, and they can indulge in savory French snacks whenever they like.  Upon leaving Edouard 7 hotel, children are given a cute souvenir to remember their amazing time in Paris.

The Hotel caters to children

The newly-renovated Edouard 7 Hotel offers a timeless Parisian experience, immersing guests in the sumptuous surrounds and rich culture of this magical city.

Designs of 1835 maintain their beauty in the heart of Paris

Hôtel Le Meurice is a grand 5-star hotel located in cental Paris, that houses a 3-Michelin starred restaurant, as well as a spa and fitness center with jacuzzi.

The Hôtel Le Meurice

One of the most wonderful aspects of the Hotel is its decor.  Guest rooms at the Hôtel Le Meurice have an elegant decor and marble bathrooms.  The hotel works for modern-day travelers but still maintains its original design and decor from 1835... and my is it charming!

Guest room at the Hôtel Le Meurice

Guest bathroom adorned in wall-to-wall marble and beautiful chandeliers

The Restaurant Le Meurice overlooks the Jardin des Tuileries. Guests can enjoy a daily afternoon tea in Le Dali or relax in the Bar 228 cocktail bar, which offers live jazz music every evening.

Hôtel Le Meurice is just a few steps from the Tuileries Metro station, and a 5-minute walk from Place de la Concorde and the Champs-Elysées. The Louvre Museum is just 660 yards away.

The Louvre museum

Packages at the Hôtel Le Meurice start at 600 Euros, but with its beauty, elegance, and location in Paris, it is worth every penny!

Palace Elegance at the Hotel Daniel

Hotel Daniel was designed to relieve the stress of everyday life, with the luxury of a miniature “palace”. Culture lovers, art lovers, and food lovers are brought together in this breath-taking period style, along with images from the Silk Road.
The Hotel is decorated in the style of the 18th century, blended with oriental influences. Suites, rooms, and reception areas are elegantly furnished, making the Hotel classy and beautiful, as well as comfortable and welcoming. The Hotel Daniel has 19 rooms and 7 suites, creating a small, cozy atmosphere that is very elegant with a palacial vibe.

Dining at the hotel reflects its blend of different cultures, drawing on French, Mediterranean, and Asian cuisine. The Chef, Denis Fetisson, is renowned and is excellent at blending the three different cuisines.

Restaurant Daniel offering fine French cuisine by renowned Chef Denis Fetisson

Hotel Daniel is within 5 minutes walking distance of The Espace Payot which offers a beautiful swimming pool with aquatic music and chromo therapy; a jacuzzi; a modern, updated fitness club; steam rooms and saunas for men and women; and cabins for face and body care.

The New York Times wrote a piece on the Hotel Daniel stating: "PROS: This Chinoiserie-filled boutique hotel feels graciously residential, a toile-covered home away from home. CONS: The nearby Champs-Elysées can be infernal. PERKS: Afternoon tea in the lovely sitting room is one of Paris' under-the-radar pleasures."

Hotel Daniel is a home away from home, within walking distance of a relaxing spa, the Champs-Elysées, and Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré which is a street full of fashion, antiques, business, and endless nightlife. It is the ideal location to make your stay in Paris an experience you will never forget.

Sex and the City at Hôtel Plaza Athénée - Paris

If the final episode of Sex and the City was filmed here, how can it not be classy, romantic, and sexy?

The Hôtel Plaza Athénée boasts beautiful courtyards where lovers coo in the lush floral gardens.  Lovers can then ooh and aah over the delicious cuisine of famous chef, Alain Ducasse.

Front entrance of the Hôtel Plaza Athénée

This truly Parisian luxury property is filled with elegance and charm, and located ideally between the Avenue des Champs Elysées and the Eiffel Tower, at the crossroads of fashion, entertainment, and business.



Location and Map of the Hôtel Plaza Athénée


At the centre of Paris fashion, it is surrounded by Paris's most exclusive designer shops that include: Dior, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Céline, and Valentino, to name a few.

Hôtel Plaza Athénée is perfectly placed to discover numerous Paris attractions: the Arc de Triomphe,  Place de la Concorde, the Louvre, the Musée d'Orsay, the Grand Palais, and the Eiffel Tower.

Music and theatre lovers will be delighted to discover that it is close to the Théâtre des Champs Élysées, which regularly features visiting international orchestras, opera, and ballet companies.  The famous Théâtre de Marigny and Théâtre du Rond-Point, and Palais Garnier are also close by.

"The hotel is located on the Avenue Montaigne, in the heart of the luxury shopping district and very close to the Champs Elysee. Hotel is exceptionally well appointed--luxurious yet comfortable. The decor is everything you would dream of for a weekend in Paris. The service is exceptional.  The staff is friendly and approachable and very eager to be of assistance. I don't give out many 5 stars, but the Hôtel Plaza Athénée deserves it." - Matt Clark, Los Angeles

With its views of the chestnut trees lining the length of the Avenue Montaigne, panoramas of the Eiffel Tower, Montmartre, and the sweep of Paris rooftops, Hôtel Plaza Athénée is the perfect luxury hotel in Paris.

View from hotel terrace

Once upon a time, the palace of tomorrow...