Ravens Nation

The Ravens belts are out for Super Bowl XLVII...

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and there is definitely purple in the air, here in charm city.  

  

Our spirit, heart and soul #52. Let's go Bmore!

The Tavern's New Look

The Mt. Washington Tavern is back in business. They reopened their doors after a devastating fire in 2011. The renovated space looks great, complete with a brand new shuffleboard table and a beautiful upstairs bar.

 

The upstairs dining room is my favorite space. It's filled with equestrian decor and Preakness memorabilia.

Coat Hooks

Jockey Silks

The original American flag that survived the fire is proudly displayed along with photographs of the firefighters.

 

Registering

It's exciting to start thinking about the wedding registry...even though there are plenty of other things that need to be done. I was looking at a Le Creuset Tea Kettle and told JCW that I liked it except where it said "Le Creuset", he quickly informed me (with a grin) that was just a sticker and that we would be peeling it off.

Another option would be this Copper Tea Kettle and than I wouldn't have to be reminded of my Le Creuset wedding brain moment.

We love sparkling water so the idea of being able to make our own with this Sodastream sounds pretty cool...our carbon footprint is already thanking us.

Speaking of carbon footprints, JCW has been obsessed with the Nest Thermostat after seeing it on Sunday Morning. Nest can lower your heating bill by learning your schedule and programming itself. You can even control it from your phone. I tend to steer away from anything that looks too modern so my only qualm is purely aesthetic.

I have wanted a garmet steamer forever but I am undecided on an upright or handheld. One perk of the upright is feeling more like LC from The Hills while steaming clothes and pretending I am at my fashion internship.

What were some of your favorite items from your registry?

Farewell Rugby

Ralph Lauren is closing it's Rugby label on February 2nd.  My last and final purchase was one of their cable knit sweaters. I can't help but wonder if they had lost some of the patches/logos and just stuck to the basics maybe they wouldn't have folded? There's a fine line between a classic edge and something that resembles a costume. I have picked up some great pieces over the last eight years and I am sad to see the label close. They are offering an additional 20% off with the code TAKEOFF20.

Tomboy Style

I finally got around to ordering blogger Lizzie Garrett Mettler's book Tomboy Style: Beyond the Boundaries of Fashion. I placed it on top of a garden stool that was stacked with Rizzoli books. That made it pretty clear if I where to ever publish any type of coffee table book, Rizzoli would be the way to go...it's an awful lot of fun to fantasize about. 

I would say I have a touch of tomboy which probably stems from having a mother that was/still is completely obsessed with Diane Keaton but my sister is a tomboy through and through. As soon as she was old enough to speak she refused to wear anything with a bow or ruffle and wanted absolutely nothing to do with anything girly. It's funny how siblings can be so different when they are young.

Image: Tomboy Style

The Tomboy Style blog is a great read if you have any interest in vintage cars... 

 

Image: Tomboy Style

...or touring the Patagonia headquarters.

 

Would you consider yourself to be a tomboy?

  

Chicago Architecture

Between a show at Second City and the Architecture Tour, we were total tourists in Chicago.

Seeing the city by water gives you an entirely different perspective and the architecture is beyond impressive.

EAS & JCW

We saw one of the drawbridges lift for some sailboats.

We had a wonderful time in Chicago and I can't wait to plan another trip but I am going to hold off until it gets a little warmer.

What are some of your favorite things to do in Chicago?

Chicago Holiday Faire

After an entertaining breakfast at Pierrot Gourmet, the Queen of Cashmere surprised me with a visit to St. Chrys's Holiday Faire.

 

I finally got to see all of the Carrie Dunham bags & covers after posting about them last year.

It was a pleasure to see Maryland based company, Smathers & Branson and all of their needlepoint goodies.

 

I was introduced to Monogram Goods and it was a very welcomed introduction.

 

I thought these Monogrammed Beaded Clutches would add just the right amount of sparkle...move over Judith Leiber.

The Windy City

This past November we went to Chicago and were very lucky with rather unexpected mild temperatures. The Bean in Millennium park was beyond mesmerizing.
 

We stayed at The Palmer House. I loved the lobby (complete with Starbucks), the staff was very kind and I was thrilled that our room had his & hers bathrooms/closets.

It was a ton of fun catching up with the Fashionable Caroline at the RL Restaurant.

 JCW taking in the views
 

We went to the French Market and I had total food envy over JCW's pastrami sandwich from Fumare...you can see it peaking out in the edge of the picture.  

 

There is more to come from the Windy City...but first let me wish Lawyer Liz a very Happy Birthday! xx

 

Comfort of Fashion

I have to thank this sweater for helping me conquer my stomach bug over the weekend...I couldn't have done it without you, Nurse JCW and lots of Ginger Ale. I may just have to order the lilac in the spirit of the Ravens but than again the mint green does match the blog.

 

Christmas Recap

JCW started prepping and cooking several days before the holiday.

 

His nephew and sister on Christmas Eve at our house.

 

It was a white Christmas, so we hit the fields.

 

EAS & SAS

 

JCW & EAS  

 

JCW made an absolute feast, which started with French Onion Soup...

 

and move on to Maryland Crabcakes.  

 

For dessert he made a Pumpkin and Pecan Pie from scratch but some just opted for Ice Cream.

Let the Planning Begin

We have officially set a wedding date! To kick off planning I received a copy of Town & Country Weddings in the mail. Micaela English from the magazine wrote a great piece on bachelorette parties.

The first step is going to be the dress...maybe I will do something sleek and sophisticated or possible go with all of the standard bows and whistles and really feel like a bride.

Image: Oscar de la Renta Facebook

I have been fantasizing about veering from tradition and pre-ordering the only dress from fashion week.

Any words of wedding wisdom before the whirlwind?

3 Things

 

Fresh Bottoms

 

Devon Baer Ruffle Tunics

Nespresso beverages out of Tartan Mugs

What are you currently loving?
 

Making Merry

I am already missing all of the Christmas parties and holiday get-togethers.

 

 These cocktail napkins kept showing up everywhere.

 

Festive Santa Pants

 

 I loved seeing everyone's holiday decor...

 

and it was fun catching up with furry friends.  

 

 Chick-fil-A Nuggets...total crowd pleaser

Snowman Pants

Joey Relaxing

A Pinterest worthy bar

Glasses awaiting the signature cocktail

Such a clever idea to have guests bring something to stuff a soldier's stocking.

Candy Bar Favors

Special thanks to everyone that included us in their holiday get-togethers....you inspired us with your creativity and made our season even more joyous. xx