The Difference between Boys and Girls

On Sunday I woke up to see the following email exchange between Mark and his friend Nima, and then eventually Mark, Nima, his girlfriend and me.

Here is the difference between boys and girls:

Mark sends a date and a one word question.  Nima replies with a one word response.  And so now we have plans.  Needless to say my commentary in the email took more words than the entire planning process.

This email chain did two things, get me excited for dinner and make me laugh.  It has also made me start thinking about where, what we'll do for dinner - but again, that might be difference between boys and girls.

Happy Monday friends,  look for a moment to laugh wherever you can find it.

2010: A big year, like HUGE

Hi friends,

Welcome back and welcome to 2011.  On a personal note, I can say that I have never grown, learned or celebrated more than I did in 2010. 

With my best friends and bridal party after a surprise DC bachelorette party

When I went from a Miss to a Mrs.

Enjoying the sunshine in Mexico

One with nature in Jackson, Wyoming

The Graduate

Moving day

The Golden Triangle in India

Birthday Stone Crabs

New Years Eve 2010

I am so grateful for this journey and excited for what comes next. 

Only the best for all the best. 

Cheers to 11!

Run, Carly, Run

Almost two weeks ago I signed up for the lottery for the annual Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run.  I have previously signed up for this event, and was not previously selected.  The longest race I have ever run is 3.2 miles.  I am challenging myself to run more than 3 times that long.

When I signed up the first time I, and didn't get in, I told Mark that when I ran the ten miles I would treat myself to a pair of these...

Brian Atwood Maniac Pump

For now the goal is just to train and run the race.  I'll worry about what my reward is when I cross the finish line.  But, in the interim between now and then I'll keep you posted on the training, the ups and downs and what, besides shoes, is motivating me.  If you have any tips I'd love to hear from you!

Thankful on Friday

As we go into the weekend, and also the first full week after Thanksgiving I am taking a moment to count my blessings.

This week, among many other things, I am thankful for:

• My dad celebrating his 57th birthday - every birthday, I think, should be treated like a big birthday!

• Having a favorite flower and a store that nearly always stocks them, and being able to treat myself to them nearly whenever I want.  **Extra points for recycling!

• My little neighborhood has little restaurants, and very happily my husband is picking up take-out, also, very thankful for a quiet Friday night with nothing to do.

•   Thankful to be celebrating birthdays and Hanukkah with family this coming Sunday, and doubly thankful that when I call my mom and cousin for a recipe they can recite it from memory in a moment's notice - I'll let you know how this one turns out!

• Youtube.  I am thankful that today after seeing a piece of art with a song lyric on it, and then having it stuck in my head all day, I was able to find the song and get it out of my system.

• My very old boots that have survived many snow storms, moves, faux Florida winters, and all the wear and tear of everyday abuse, and yet I cannot wear them without getting a compliment.  They have no label, they were purchased at Nordstrom Off the Rack and they are my favorite for Fall, and now that DC's weather has officially snapped, winter too!

Kick your feet up this weekend, until next week - Carly

She's a Daddy's Girl

That's me.  To be fair, I am also a mama's girl - but that is sort of the beauty of having two really amazing parents.   Today's is my dad's birthday - and I generally like to think of myself as his best birthday present 26 years ago.

Along the way my dad has given me more than a few gifts.  

My dad is the reason I make faces, test out accents and enjoy the spotlight.  My dad is the middle child, and he adores his big brother and little brother - giving my sister and I a model for real sibling love.  He admires his parents, so, and I think gets many of his dance moves from them.  He loves my mom, her dog, and their kids and never hesitates to tell them so (maybe not the dog as much).  He is the best boss, and truly the benchmark to which I have held every employer to.  He lives his life with integrity, honesty and compassion - those are priceless values.  He is the reason I can make a jump shot, know how to properly make an "awesome bite" and quote movie lines.  He has a drink, and it's always with a twist of lemon.  My dad has good taste, when I was growing up he was often called upon to give a second opinion on an outfit as I walked out for the day.  My dad can tell a story, give a speech, and dance with the best of them.  He is sensitive, he cries (it's not just my mom that I get that from).  He loved our wedding.  He is "old fashioned" because he believes in hard work, getting the job done and doing the right thing.   He is a strummer, a singer, a golden-rule player.  He is also my friend.

He is the reason that my sister and I can stand on our own, believe in ourselves, live our lives with integrity.   

Dad, happy birthday, I love you.

Thanksgiving Blessings

This morning I made baklava and mini pecan pies. My sister made honey glazed corn bread with a recipe borrowed from a friend.  My mom made three pumpkin pies, pecan pie, cranberry scones, and a turkey (just for leftovers). 

In the other room my husband and father are discussing business and books and music, and life.

Pretty soon we'll all make an apple pie that we could probably all make in our sleep.

In a few hours we will go to my great Aunt J's house and I'll see my cousins, aunts, grandparents and celebrate all of the things we are thankful for.  But, truly we are really most thankful for each other.

This year has been a year of triumph and successes, trying and tears, new discoveries, beginnings and the continuation of the journey we call life.  That life is made more tolerable, more sweet, more enjoyable and that much more valuable when surrounded by people you love, and the people who love you.

I wish you the most peaceful of Thanksgivings, and hope you'll have a moment to consider and celebrate all of the ways you are thankful. 

Thank you for reading and allowing me to share my journey with you.

Happy Birthday to Me, Almost

Twenty-three is old. It's almost 25, which is like almost mid-20s.

Jessica Simpson, American Singer (1980 - )

Thanks Jess...

In a week I will be 26.  I have always put pressure on 26, because it's my birthday that will match my birth date (26 on the 26th).  It is completely arbitrary and I am not quite sure where I came up with it, but never the less, I feel pretty good about turning 26.  This has been quite the busy year.

In polling the Internet I came across many lists of "What to Do Before You're 25/30", and while there were some items on that list that will probably never happen there are a lot that have.

At 25 I, celebrated love and marriage with all of the women in my life, spent a weekend of slumber parties with my best girlfriends, ate late night pancakes at the IHOP - which sounds like as much of a bad idea as it was, planned the best party of my life, paid for said party, danced with my dad, danced a choreographed dance with my husband, gotten a massage and facial, been pampered with my mom and sister, gone to Mexico, scuba dived, ate real tacos in Mexico, tried tequila straight, bought a TV - finding the right TV is surprisingly hard, gone to the movies, got snowed in, played in the blizzard,  planned a trip, had a Passover Seder, went to Yellowstone National Park, climbed serious mountains, ate buffalo meat, saw a bison - this close, bought a house, packed up our entire condo, moved, cried, made a home back in DC, celebrated the 4th of July from the top of the town, went to India, got sick in India, rode an elephant, tested my strength, mentally and emotionally, started a blog...

25 has been a great year, and I know that 26 will only be that much better, with even more to celebrate and that much more to be thankful for.

Counting down...

A Moment of Summer

As it gets colder here in DC, and as I count down the days until we go to Florida, I realize how long it has been since I've been home - almost ten months.  I have seen my parents and family in that time, but it's not the same as being home.  

Home, now that I don't live there, is about my mom and dad.  Today is my mom's birthday - (Happy Birthday, Mom) and since you haven't met my mom too many times here on TDB, I figured I would play catch up.

My mom is hard working; a friend to her friends, to her kids, to her kids' friends; she believes in the fourth quarter, in good company and in her daughters; she is a back scratcher, a hugger, a phone call away; she is a crier (she is where I get my "on like a faucet" emotions from); she is a do-er, and she just does; she goes above and beyond (can you imagine your mom getting on an airplane at 6am with frozen matzo ball soup and a cooked turkey and flying to your dorm to make a Passover dinner for you and your friends, none of whom celebrate Passover?); she is unintentionally funny; she is fiercely protective; she will climb mountains for the causes she believes in; she a baker, not because she knows people love cookies, but because she knows people love when other people think of them; she is a cheerleader; she is still a beach babe (seriously, not a Sunday goes by when you won't find my mom at her temple, the shady spot between the palms); she is generous of her time, energy, and spirit; she is a mom to everyone who meets her; she is my best friend; she is a moment of summer all throughout the year.

Happy Birthday, Mom - and many more!

On Finding Inspiration

Thirty years ago today my parents got married.  

My dad had the remnants of an Afro, my mom had stick straight hair and wore a simple polyester gown.  They were engaged for nine weeks - not a lot of time to plan a wedding by today's standards but long enough to plan a marriage.

My bouquet wrapped with lace from my mom and mom's veils, 1313blog.com

My parents follow in the footsteps of their parents; my maternal grandparents have been married for 56 years and my paternal grandparents for 62 years.  As I grew up I would observe my grandparents, and the "funny" things they would do, and now that I am older I see the same things in my own parents.  

They look after each other.  They have stories and memories that could fill books.  They do the little things; pick up the dry cleaning, make the perfect cup of coffee, prepare a sandwich just the right way.  They are for each other the right fit: a partner, a friend, and a love.  They still flirt with each other.  They sing, and share the same music; the music of their own lives.  They are fierce parents (and grandparents) and have created homes that welcome their children, and (grandchildren, and great-grandchildren).  They are still very much in love; my dad proves it to me every time he makes comments on my mom's new hair cut, toned arms, great smile.  

I am so lucky to have an example of a long and fruitful marriage to look at, learn from and aspire to.

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad, wishing you many, many more years of love, happiness, and health.

 

On Standing Up and Being an Ally

Ellen talks about it, Anderson Cooper talks about it, Fort Worth City Council Member Joel Burns talks about it, and it's only fair that we start listening: no one chooses to be different, no one wants to be an outsider, and no one under any circumstances should be made to feel like an other or unloved in any stage of their life, ever.  

In light of the teen bullying crisis across our country my dear friend Jaci, and a true GLBT Ally, has created an online community found here: http://weareallies.tumblr.com/ All members of the GLBT community and their supporters are invited to share their story and their support.  

Here is my story and my pledge of support. 

I grew up in the suburbs of South Florida; at the cross section of Cowboy Country and Rodeos and the designer boutiques and synagogues.  I fell into the latter camp.  Growing up I did not know GLBT teens, and the adults that I did know were all by association; the former rabbi at our synagogue, the Cantor, a hebrew school educator, a music teacher -- come to think of it our Temple was a pretty balanced experience.  

Not until college was I fully immersed in an environment of young adults who were actively engaged in finding and being themselves; gay, straight, still deciding, it didn't really matter at American University. 

At AU, I truly believe that students were able to answer the question "Who are you?" and not "What are you?"  We are all human beings and that will always be the answer to the second question, nothing more, nothing less.  

In my four years as an Eagle, I was very lucky to make friends with some of the most unique, spirited, passionate, creative, dedicated to whatever their cause, kinds people I could ever hope to exist.  That family of friends is all kinds of different; artists, actors, politicos, writers, friends, lovers, marrieds, singles, and we are all better for having each other in our lives. 

I don't see this as a political issue, this is a human issue.  We are better people when we love each other, and don't waste our time with the folly of hatred, bigotry, racism, sexism, and narrow mindedness.  I am better because of the people in my life who have broadened my horizons and shown me the very beautiful and colorful ways of living, and loving.

I will never forget the day that Mark and I got married; we were surrounded by all of our friends.  I was so lucky to be able to get married, and publicly make that commitment to the man I love.  Towards the end of that night, after a swing on the dance floor with my very talented friend I whispered in his ear, "I can't wait to dance at your wedding."  

And I'll hold onto that promise until we can all dance and celebrate each other.

If you are so inclined, please share your support at http://weareallies.tumblr.com/ and share with your friends and family.

Sign on the Dotted Line

When planning our wedding there were a few things I really wanted for the ceremony: a chuppah, a broken glass and a ketubah (the Jewish wedding contract).  I am Jewish and Mark is atheist and raised Catholic, and so planning a ceremony that reflected our individual backgrounds, and shared future was important.

The ketubah became a pet project for both of us.  If you google search "ketubah" you'll see endless varieties; Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, Interfaith, Second Marriages, GLBT marriages.  And yet, none of these really clicked. Our wedding officiant, Cantor Debbi Ballard was very supportive of us creating our own ceremony that was unique and personal to us, and she encouraged us to apply that same consideration to our ketubah.  So, just like our invitations, the ketubah was written by us and designed by me.

We treated the text of our ketubah like our own vows, and agreed that the it's text would be the guide for our future.  I am really proud of what we wrote, promised and agreed to.

On Saturday, the twenty third day of January,

Two Thousand and Ten,

Mark

and

Carly

joined each other before family and friends

to enter into a mutual covenant of marriage,

and with love and compassion

each vowed the following commitments:

To Ourselves-

To continuously improve our minds, bodies and souls

To push ourselves to achieve goals

To do good in the world

To love life, arts, sciences

And above all to have a sense of humor.

To each other-

To be friends, Partners and Lovers

To be honest and build a relationship on trust

To be kind, to communicate

To be a source of strength and balance for one another

To grow together.

To Our Family-

To create a nourishing home for happy and Healthy children

And an open home to all.

Our commitment to the above seals this document

Our ketubah was written with a focus on each of us and us.  It was important to us for the document to guide our marriage and focus on the growth we would want to experience and embrace so that we could continue to grow together over the journey of our lives and our marriage.

We signed our ketubah, and had our best man and maid of honor (Mark's brother and my sister) serve as our witnesses.  In the Jewish faith the signing of the ketubah meant we were as good as married, so we sealed it with a kiss.

Life Lessons in Shopping

Rarely does shopping provide too much in the way of "Life Lessons."  

Sure there are a few: if you see a splurge but must-have item walk away, and if you're still thinking about it in 2 days go for it, or if you find the best fitting pair of jeans/swimsuit/bra buy multiple pairs because there is nothing better than a great pair of jeans/swimsuit/bra.   

But now I'll share a life lesson that was reinforced by shopping.  Almost a month ago I bought a beautiful pair of boots.  They were designer, and gorgeous and would probably last forever, however they were very expensive.  

Salvatore Ferragamo Fersea via Zappos Couture

I couldn't stomach the idea of wearing them and scratching them up, and I knew they weren't for keeps when I found myself looking at other boots online the very next day.  

In the online search the next day I found another pair that was definitely within my price range and seemed to hit all the right notes of what I was looking for.  But, I waited.  I had lots of excuses.  I was going to India in a few days, and I hadn't tried them on yet, and I wasn't completely sure how they would fit, so I told myself when we get back from India I'll go to the store and just buy them.  How clever, then I would also save on shipping!

When I got back from India they were sold out.

Poor little blogger girl lost her boots?  Not quite.  There are many, many boots out there, but the larger lesson learned and reinforced by my life that exists outside of my favorite online stores and this blog is that life doesn't wait, and that the unexpected does happen.  And we must always be ready to go and take it head on and win - yes, I'm that competitive. 

Wishing you a weekend full of adventure, wherever you may find it.

Simple Things

I was off the computer yesterday and in a way being detached from all of the technology that surrounds me was a welcomed break.

So in a moment of reflection I thought of some of my favorite things, that happen everyday, and that don't ever go out of season or style.

10. The first fall breeze
9. A sweater that's too big so you can pretend it's a blanket
8. Holding hands
7. Soup, any kind but really by any kind I mean matzo ball or chicken noodle (which is really the same thing)
6. Grilled cheese sandwiches
5. Touching toes in bed
4. Old pictures
3. Popcorn and m&m candy
2. My family's support
1. My husband

Surround yourself with your favorite things, I am.

Halfway Around the World, and Back

Last week there were no new posts.  Why?  Because, Mark and I went to India.  

A few months ago, before we found a house, before we moved, before the start of this blog, Mark got an email about an 8-day trip to India for a once-in-a-lifetime price (www.gate1travel.com).  In true Mark fashion he told me about it and then the next day when I was getting a pedicure with my mom I got a text message that said, "We're going to India - and there will be an elephant ride!"

So, we went to India, and yes, there was an elephant ride!

India is unlike anywhere I have ever been, and the experience is very powerful, delightful, and intense.  The sounds, foods, smells, sights overwhelm all of your senses, and I am still digesting everything we experienced. 

But, for now, to borrow from our new Indian friends, I'll leave you with "Namaste".

Jaipur

Jaipur, Elephant Ride

Jaipur, Pink City

Jaipur, Maharajah Temple

Hindu Women on Way to Festival for the god Ganesh

Jaipur, Spice Market

Agra, Taj Mahal

Singing in the Rain, in Style

Yesterday morning I woke up to a thunder and rain storm.  By the time I left for work the rain had stopped and the streets were no longer flooded.  Leaving work I was confident that the rain would be over.  I was wrong.  I own an umbrella, it was at home.  I own a rain jacket too, it was hanging out with my umbrella.

So, as I walked/ran in the rain from my bus stop to my house I thought of the ways to brighten up an other otherwise dark and dreary day.  These might do the trick:

Sportswear Jackets by Columbia
Boots by Chooka

I love how each piece is a great shot of color.  In DC, color can go a long way amidst a sea of gray and black especially on a rainy day.  

Here's hoping for a bright, colorful and wonderful weekend!

Realizing Resolutions

Tradition tells us that on New Year's Eve in addition to making plans, finding an outfit and getting ready you should also take some time for reflection and resolve to do better in the new year.  For me something has to give, and it's usually the resolution part.  However, this year was different.  

This New Year's Eve Mark and I were getting married a few weeks later and so charting the year with goals, and plans seemed to be more natural than before.

I will share with you some of my goals for the year, and the progress so far:

• Continue yoga practice so that I can finally touch my heels to the ground in downward dog 

This isn't me, but that's the goal.

•  Read 1 book a month, this seems fairly achievable, but I need to work on it.  I picked up a few duds that derailed this goal...

• Run 5 miles without stopping, this goal was designed so that I could seriously treat myself to a new pair of shoes, at the time it was the Brian Atwood Maniac Pumps

Brian Atwood Maniac Pumps

 

 

•  Bake more and take chances with my baking.  This has been a success, as evidenced here, and here, here, and here.  A large part of this goal was that with baking, more so than cooking, if you make a mistake it's obvious; there is no denying a deflated souffle, a dry cake or crumbly cookie.  Baking forces you to take a risk with every open and close of the oven door.  

• Be published again.  This has been perhaps the most personal goal.  In my former job I had been establishing myself as an expert in the fashion/premium denim field when it came to fits and what celebrities were wearing.  I had been quoted for the AP, In Style, Life & Style and Real Simple - and with every snippet of an article, it was always a thrill. Today I realized that thrill again when I got to write for the DC Ladies blog.  This blog is a community of women in their 20's-30's-40's who write on events, travel, food, fitness and life in general.  I will be writing there every two weeks about food. 

Thank you for being a part of this journey so far, and I'll keep you updated on that downward dog thing, as I continue...

Things to look forward to this week: The magic of oven dried tomatoes, seriously wow!, homemade pizza party, some more sweet treats, Wedding Wednesday and more!

It's Easy Being Green

Moving has really made me think about what we use, and how we use it.  We have always been  very conscientious about not overusing paper towels, recycling, bringing our own bags to the store and shopping at our local farmer's market so we have produce without packaging.  

But, now that we live in a bigger house there is even more to be aware of and I am thinking twice about what items we buy to equip our new kitchen.

We got the Bamboo Cutting Board with Colander as a shower gift and it has proven to be a great item.  It is a space saver by not having two have two separate pieces of equipment and the bamboo serves as a great cutting surface while also being a more readily renewable resource.

Moving to DC meant no more tap water, this is something I hope is resolved in time, but in the interim we are using the Brita Green Grand Water Filter and Pitcher.  This eliminates the use for bottled water which is a major save for the environment - plus the green is so cute!

If you're heading to the store in DC you'll be wise to bring your own bag and save the $0.05 tax, and of course by bringing your own you help the environment too.  This Envirosax "Planet Green Series Bag"  is a great green option, while also being compact and chic. 

Now this canvas tote I couldn't resist, since our new neighborhood is called Bloomingdale (not Bloomingdale's) I thought the "In Bloomie's We Trust" Recycled Cotton Canvas Tote would be a great bag to bring to Bloomingdale's Farmer's Market; I'll show some neighborhood pride and be acting green.

Something else to consider when planning a greener lifestyle is length of use.  I apply this thinking to my fashion choices as well.  I prefer to spend more on an item that will last me years and years that and won't soon end up in a landfill or worse the ocean, and won't contribute to our general collection of excess stuff.

These are great investment pieces that will pay dividends:

As you know I am an avid baker and every time I bake I put a piece of tin foil, wax paper or parchment paper down on the pan.  Those days are over!  As a housewarming gift (thank you!!!) I got a new Silpat mat, these French pastry mats are time tested and will last nearly forever, saving lots of foil and paper.

The Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Cookware might be the holy grail of cookware.  These pieces are built to last and therefore not need to be replaced for a very long time.  We also got a few of these pieces as a wedding gift and are happy to get cooking.

Each of these choices are based on what works for our lifestyle.  But for me, just like when I cook I want to use the best ingredients I have access to, I want to use the best equipment and tools too.