Inspiration, Motivation & Together

I've been really bad at blogging this week. Dealing with things at home & working really has really taken a toll on me. One thing I love about this blog is that I can come here & share my thoughts. Writing things down & putting it on paper soothes me. Lately I've needed inspiration, motivation & to know I am not in this alone. 

Here are some things that have been helping me lately:

Inspiration

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Motivation

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Together

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This little blog of mine showcases my life through the happy times, hard times & everything in between. I hope you can relate! Have a great weekend.

Xo,

Emily

#CityWeekly: Parks

Being a Salt Lake City native, I am a big fan of being able to go outdoors & explore. While I miss the mountains & the ability to drive up to the canyons for a cookout, the parks in DC are a great substitute and there are a variety of outdoor spots you can pick from. With Labor Day right around the corner & the weather getting cooler it’s the perfect time to get outside! 

Emily & I decided to talk about our favorite spots to relax from coast to coast in this weeks #CityWeekly. Don't forget to stop by the Vivre Blog to see Em's favorite parks in the Bay Area.

If you’re in the area, here are some of my favorite parks:

1. The National Mall

America’s playground! How could I leave this out? I always love to go to the National Mall to see the sights. It really is gorgeous & reminds me how lucky I am to live here. You can take a stroll along the Mall & see the Capitol, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial & much more. During the summer the Mall also holds Screen on the Green, which is one of my favorite summer activities! They play old movies & you lay out on the grass with a group of friends. It’s perfect! You can also attend Jazz in the Garden at the National Sculpture Garden on Fridays. Sad to say these events will soon be over, so head to the Mall if you want to catch the last bit of summer fun!

2. Rock Creek Park

Rock Creek is an expansive park that runs throughout the city. If you love to be outdoors & you’re in DC this is your spot. I’ve even spotted deer here before! It’s crazy to see in the city but I love it! There are different areas of the park that you can go to. Looking for a playground? Rock Creek has one! Want to go horseback riding? You got it! Historical sites? Of course! If I could compare this park to anything (dare I) I would say it’s most like Central Park. It has a little something for everyone.

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3. Georgetown Waterfront Park

Georgetown has always been one of my favorite areas in DC, - partly because it is such a great spot to people watch. During the summer, you always see families playing in the splash park with their kids or people hanging out on the restaurant patios, taking in the views of the river and Roosevelt Island. The waterfront also has a boathouse where you can rent kayaks, paddleboards & canoes. I can’t speak on the cleanliness of the Potomac though… During the weekdays, it’s a nice place to wind down after a hectic workday, and over the weekends, it’s a great place to have a drink!

4. Great Falls

When I first moved to DC, I lived in Great Falls for a couple months, so this place always brings back great memories. It’s a cute town with gorgeous houses (some with areas for horses) & it’s home to Great Falls National Park. I recommend going on the weekend when you have time since it does involve a bit of a hike. You can park your car for $5 while you take on the trail. It is scenic with waterfalls throughout & it involves enough of a workout to keep you going. Pack some food, grab some friends & take in the great outdoors!

5. Gravelly Point

Who doesn't love a great view of the city? Oh & did I mention you can watch the planes take off + land here? This is a great place to go for an afternoon. The park has shade, picnic tables & a pier you can look off of to see some of the cities famous landmarks. This park is very different than the others, but it's very cool! I have always loved watching planes, it reminds me of being a kid again. Be sure to bring a blanket to lay on to get the full experience. Have fun!

What are some of your favorite parks? Let me know in the comments below.

Have a great week!

Xo,

Emily

Sundays Away

I haven't lived close to home in 3 1/2 years, which is crazy when I think about it. When I lived near home, in college, I would always go to my parent's house for Dinner every Sunday night. I would bring friends home & we would have "dinner at the Attwood's." It has always been one of my favorite parts of being close to home.

Lately, I've been homesick. Which happens & when it strikes I like to make myself feel as homey as possible. When I came across The Londoner's, Lemon & Garlic Chicken I knew I had to make it. Not only because it's her Moms recipe but it also reminds me of a chicken dish my Dad would make. This Sunday was the perfect time to settle in & make myself some comfort food.

To get the party started I served crackers & cheese. The cheese is a goat cheese coated with chili sauce. It's delicious! If you're near a Trader Joe's I highly recommend it.

After my cheese & crackers it was time to start cookin!

After getting the chicken ready, it was ready to pop into the oven for 55 minutes.

The aroma filled my apartment & I anxiously waited... 

While waiting I prepared a small salad (it was just me after all.)

The chicken was ready & I served myself a nice plate.

I may not have been home but I enjoyed a Sunday evening to myself. Next time I will invite more friends for "dinner at the Attwood's." I hope you all had a lovely weekend!

Is there a meal that reminds you of home? 

Xo,

Emily

26 Things I've Learned at 26

Lately I've been thinking about what I have learned with my age. Who I am now versus who I was in my early twenties is totally different. Life has been a roller coaster, it's had ups & downs. Each experience has taught me something making me who I am, here are 26 things I've learned:

1. Family is everything

2. It's ok to miss home & the "good ol' days"

3. Friends come & go

4. Don't compare yourself or your journey to others

5. Do what makes you happy

6. Surround yourself with people who lift you up

7. Cut out negative people

8. Try to let the little things go

9. If you didn't like the date don't go out again

10. Life experiences are more important than what is in your closet

11. Follow your heart

12. Know when it's time to move on

13. Going home after a night out is always a good idea

14. Don't drink too much or you'll pay for it the next day (you are not 21 anymore!)

15. Try new food

16. Exercise even if it's just walking more

17. A good cry always helps

18. Splurge on Lush products & soak into a bath after a stressful day

19. Call your Mom or "your person" they will always make you feel better

20. Stand up for yourself

21. Don't discount your opinions or thoughts

22. Friends can be your soulmate

23. Don't settle, a guy won't solve your problems

24. Be proud of where you're from & what it taught you

25. It's ok to do things alone (I still struggle with this but I am getting better!)

26. Save money for your future

What are some things you've learned along the way? I would love to hear!

Xo,

Emily

One Last Night

After an amazing brunch + sweet treat it was time to head to Old Town Alexandria (one of my favorite neighborhoods!) Zach & Tony met up with us in Old Town then we got on the water taxi to check out National Harbor. I still had never been & I figured it would be fun.

The National Harbor is a new development in Maryland right outside of DC. I really didn't know what to expect because I am going to be honest, I didn't really research it! But I did know that there is a large ferris wheel. Who doesn't love that?

^^Pulling into the National Harbor.

^^"The Awakening" sculpture. Zach was really excited about this. It's located near the pier where you can hang out & kids can play on it. 

After walking we sat down for dinner at Rosa Mexicano. 

^^Jim came to meet up with us! Amy & I got super lucky with these three cuties...

^^We even got to watch Willy Wonka with dinner (totally unexpected it just happened to be playing.) Not to mention we had a great view! 

After dinner we got ready to go onto the Ferris Wheel.

Then we finally got on & the fun really began...

^^Luckily I had good company, I am pretty afraid of heights (eek!)

The view was also beautiful. I love being near the water & taking it all in from above.

After the Ferris Wheel we walked around with ice cream in hand (of course!) I also showed off some of my sweet Shakira dance moves ;).

It was such a great night. I live for weekends filled with good friends, yummy food & fun. I am anxiously awaiting Amy's next trip & anyone else who wants to come visit ;)!

Do you have a favorite place to take visitors in your city or town?

Xo,

Emily

Ladies Who Brunch

The time I had with Amy was running out, I wasn't ready for it to end.  I had an action packed day planned with good food, exploring & friends. It was a day aiming to please & I think it surely did.

We woke up early to get our butts out of bed. We were going to Le Diplomate & had no time to spare. I had heard so many great things about this place & I was eager to try it. I am glad Amy came in town it gave me the perfect excuse!

^^ I knew it was going to be good from the looks of this pretty little place. It feels like you've been taken to Paris in the heart of DC. We opted for outdoor seating to get prime people watching just like the Parisians do.

^^With lattes in hand we were ready to dive right in.

^^We decided to start off with the Mushroom Tart & OMG! Buttery, cheesy & flavorful. This tasted like heaven. It got our palettes warmed up for the rest of the amazing brunch that was about to ensue...

^^We wanted to truly be French at this brunch so we ordered things we normally wouldn't get on regular menu. I love creamy polenta & prosciutto so we ordered the poached eggs basquaise. It was a good mix of flavors & it's perfect for dipping bread into.

^^We also ordered the eggs boudin noir. Eggs, blood sausage, grilled onions & asparagus. It was delicious!

After brunch we headed to Georgetown to meet with Jane for a treat from Baked & Wired. 

^^ Amy & I shared the chai latte cupcake.

It was a perfect start to a great day...

Xo,

Emily