Christmas in the Keys

We escaped to the FL Keys for a few days before heading back to D.C. A couple extra days of sunshine never hurt anyone. Hope everyone is enjoying the holidays!

hey good lookin'

For months (maybe longer), Mark has been telling me that he wants to buy me new eyeglasses from this site called Warby Parker. He's clearly not happy with my current frames, and I really can't blame him. Then yesterday, one of the founder's and CEO of Warby Parker was in D.C. and after Mark heard him speak at Georgetown, I think he developed a tiny man crush. Once again, can't blame him. 

So last night we headed out to their Class Trip event, loaded a custom-designed bright yellow school bus and I got to finally try on these infamous frames. Happy to report that I drank the kool-aid. The price is right - just $95 including lenses, and for every pair sold, they donate a pair to someone in need. (Think Tom's but for eyeglasses.) And if you're one of those people (me) who can't shop online because you're nervous about the fit, they offer a program where they ship you (for free) five pairs of glasses to try on so you can be sure about your selection. Now I feel like Mark...totally going googly eyed over this company. 

Austin Comes to D.C.

The great folks at the Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau invited Live Laugh Snap to the Gibson Guitar Showroom for the Austin Airstream Road Tour. As soon the invite appeared in my inbox, I knew it wasn’t going to be hard to convince a couple of the guys to tag along.

We drank Shiner Bock, ate Texas BBQ, toured the 1970s fully decked-out RV, drooled over one-of-a-kind guitars, and had front row seats to the Austin-based Marshall Ford Duo. Not bad for a weeknight! Otherwise known as the Live Music Capital of the World, Austin is definitely on my cities-I-must-visit list. I almost went last month to celebrate a girlfriend’s birthday, but couldn’t splurge for the $600 plane ticket. That’s ok though, now that I’ve had a small taste, it won’t be long until a trip is planned! Check out some pics below and also this music video which showcases some of Austin's local musicians.

Election Night 2012 on U Street

This is what my neighborhood looked like on Election Night 2012 after Obama was re-elected as President. Screaming, dancing, hugging and crying! U Street was completely shut down because of the celebration. Such an exciting time to be in Washington, D.C.

Fall in the Country

I totally crashed a guys trip last weekend, packed up the poodle and tagged along with the fiancé to visit our good friend Andy in Baltimore. We started the trip at a ridiculous BYOB sushi joint in Fells Point called Asahi Sushi. We woke up the next morning, after a lot of sake, and drove about 20 miles outside of the city to the beautiful country. Fall looks completely different in the country - the colors are brilliant! After a gorgeous hike in the woods with the pups, I joined the boys on the golf course to be their cheerleader. Really, I just drove the cart and laughed when one of them chucked the ball in the water, which happened more than a couple times. It was way more entertaining than it sounds. Guess you have to know these guys. Check out the pics below which were all taken with my iPhone! 

Apple Picking

Ever since we moved to D.C., I've been dying to go apple picking! It's just something kids growing up in South Florida don't get to experience. However, I do have fond memories of riding around in my grandfather's golf cart going orange picking! Nevertheless, I was really looking forward to apple picking this fall season. The weather could not have been more perfect so we rented a car and ventured out to Larriland Farm after reading great reviews. The apples were plentiful and we got to pick several different varieties including Braeburn, Stayman and Fuji apples. We also went home with some fresh broccoli. And of course, we had to stop by the market for fresh, ice cold apple cider and fried apple fritters before heading back. All in all, totally worth the trip! 

Visiting Kingsmill Resort

Thought I'd share a photo collage from a recent trip to Kingmill Resort in Williamsburg, Virginia. We spent the weekend here with Mark's parents, two of my favorite people. We went sailing on a schooner (think pirate ship!), took a beautiful bike ride around the entire resort, played golf and even had time to shop at the outlets. Kingmill is about 2.5 - 3 hours from Washington, D.C. and the drive was beautiful because all the leaves are just starting to change. During our next trip, we will have to tour historic Colonial Williamsburg. This time was mostly reserved for just enjoying each other's company.

We're engaged!

Six days ago my boyfriend took me to the rooftop of the W Hotel, overlooking all of Washington, D.C., and asked me to marry him. It was completely heart stopping! Even though we’ve been a couple and have lived under the same roof for many years, something feels different. I don’t think I have ever been this happy. I get to marry a man who I truly could not be more in love with.

California Pit Stops

Below is really just a mod podge of photos. We've been taking full advantage of our time in California and have discovered some great spots, like El Pescado Fish Market and Karl Strauss Brewery - both in La Jolla. We also made a quick trip to visit friends in Los Angeles this weekend, one of which who lives in a 100-year old house in Los Feliz. Outside he had lemon, grapefruit and avocado trees! It's rare to find this in L.A. In fact, his house is the only one left on a street now filled with apartments. 

During our visit, we also saw a friend perform in "The Late Henry Moss" at Theater 68. The play runs until early August so be sure to check it out and support local artists. A final quick note to pet owners traveling to L.A. Stay at Hotel Palomar! We were completely blown away by how wonderful they are to dogs. Upon checking in, we were even given a doggie gift basket with food and treats...for free!  Little did we know that all Kimpton Hotels are pet-friendly and don't charge extra. Must admit, they won me over as soon as I saw the sign out front welcoming Rusty, and all the other cats & dogs. Just goes to show it's the little things that make all the difference...we're now Kimpton fans for life. 

Fish Tacos at El Pescado

Enjoy a beer at the Karl Strauss Brewery

At Hotel Palomar in L.A. - the best dog friendly hotel

Home grown avocados

100-year old Los Feliz house with character 

$1 Oyster Happy Hour in La Jolla

It's Friday, finally! This week just felt off with July 4th smack dab in the middle. It's a good thing America's birthday doesn't fall on a Wednesday for another eight or so years.

Photo: La Jolla Blue Book

If you're looking for a place to unwind with some friends, order a strong cocktail or two and shuck oysters, I highly suggest heading to Herringbone in La Jolla for Happy Hour. We were there last Tuesday and had a great time. The floor-to-ceiling windows, indoor-outdoor layout, and 100-year old olive trees scattered throughout give this eatery a really cool, unique vibe.  In addition to the $1 oysters, I also opted for the "Vodka Something," one of their snake oil cocktails made with carbonated water and vodka infused seasonal berries. No complaints here.

Happy Hour also includes discounts on wine and beer, and is Monday - Friday from 4pm to 6pm. Cheers!

Photo: San Diego Food Finds

Del Mar Dog Beach

We went looking for surf yesterday but ended up at the Del Mar dog beach since the waves were pretty flat. It was high tide and we found a group of pups diving for tennis balls. They didn't seem to mind when the waves came crashing down. Rusty on the other hand pretty much stayed on shore sniffing the rocks and seaweed, but every once in a while he would feel brave and try to keep up with the big guys. It was dog paradise and the perfect way for us to end a long week. We stayed for an hour or so just enjoying the scenery, making friends with the other dog owners, and talking about one day owning a house with the beach as our backyard.

Livin' the California Life

About a week or so ago, I hopped a plane from Miami to San Diego with two suitcases filled with clothes and of course, my pup Rusty. You see, one of the benefits of working remotely and having a boyfriend in business school, is that I get to go on adventures like this one. For the next two and a half months, we’ve made San Diego our new home and so far, so good. I told my mom the other day that when you’re outside here, it feels like the AC is on. No humidity, just cool and crisp.  Life is good, no complaints here. I’m just really looking forward to exploring our new city and meeting some new friends along the way. 

Exploring DC

Sunday was a gorgeous day and I really didn't have much to do except for a few errands. I decided to take advantage of the time and go exploring around town by bike. Let me just say that joining Capital Bike Share was a brilliant decision and I highly recommend to anyone living in DC without a car. And yes, I am that dork with a bright pink helmet! 

My first stop was the National Sculpture Garden. I brought a book along and sat by the fountain sunning myself. It must be tourist season here because the National Mall was packed with people and graduates in cap and gown, and the double decker tour buses were out in full force clogging up traffic. 

Next was a quick trip to the National Archives Museum on my way to grab a bike home. Said hello to the Constitution and Declaration of Independence. Ya know, just an average Sunday. 

I felt a little guilty knowing Rusty was inside all day and not getting to enjoy the beautiful weather. I picked up the poodle and we spent an hour or so lounging at Meridian Hill Park. 

You never know what you're going to see when you come to this park. Tightrope walkers, hula hoppers, yogis and you may even catch a few arrests! Yup, saw some dude getting hauled away in a cop car for what I assume was selling or possessing illegal drugs...but that's just my speculation. Nonetheless, we had a good time and met some new friends. 

The day ended with dinner at Lauriol Plaza but of course the restaurant had a ridiculously long hour and a half wait so we walked across the street to find $2.50 sake and Kirin Light. Not a bad day at all!

Soul Food for Breakfast

When I first moved to DC, about eight months ago now, a friend drove me around the neighborhood in the pouring rain and pointed out a little diner on the corner and said go there when you're hungover and craving greasy food. I actually stuck my head out of the window to take a picture so that I wouldn't forget Florida Avenue Grill, on the corner of Florida & 11th Street. 

Well, it took me some time but I finally made my way back, only I wasn't hungover and it was 1pm on a Thursday. Doesn't get more southern comfort food than this place and I practically licked my plate clean. My scrambled eggs and turkey bacon came with a side of buttermilk muffins and spiced apples. And of course we had to order a side of the famous hotcakes. You practically had to roll us home but it was well worth it.