Day 1833

Two electricians, five hours, three dead outlets and ten holes in my wall/ceiling later, and the electrical work in my kitchen is NEARLY done. That's right, we're not finished yet. Once again, my kitchen electrical work was completely not up to code. Three outlets had to be moved, and somehow the original wiring was so convoluted with what breaker went to which part of the unit that they had to totally rewire half my condo. I mean, who puts the bathroom, oven and living room all on one breaker? Oh, that's right. The people who built my building did. Did I mention that my walls are made of cement and plaster? Can't wait to get that bill from the electrician.

Alas, progress was made and I'm just glad that now it is all done correctly.

Day 1830

First off, Happy Veteran's Day to all those who have served and their families and loved ones. Having a few vets near and dear to me, I appreciate the sacrifices made and honor you all today and every day.

Now, about the kitchen:
Today was Demolition Day! I planned on getting it all cleaned up and then to start painting tonight, but after close inspection of the aftermath, I'm getting a bit worried that this semi-diy project is turning into an all professional job. Parts of the wall that will be seen after the cabinets and appliances are reinstalled have been ripped all the way down to the plaster and cement, meaning that now I'm going to have to build those parts of the wall back up to make it all smooth and even. Ugh. I'm already for this to be over and done with, and it's only just begun. Anyway, here is the state of my kitchen tonight:

Day 1827

Today marks five years since dad passed away. I don't even know if it feels like five years or twenty-five years, but I know that it doesn't feel anymore like it was just yesterday. That pain and grief is gone, and now I'm left with a different feeling, one that I really can't simply describe. For the first time in five years, today just sort of feels like any other day. I feel both relieved and guilty that it is not hitting me like in years past. I smiled while hearing his voice in my head, yet had that overwhelming grief took hold of me, but just for a mere moment. Mostly though, I feel somewhat at peace today; peaceful in knowing that I will be okay, I will continue to get stronger, and I can go on after all this time. Most importantly though, I love him and miss him all the same, and I know that I was such a lucky girl to have him as a dad for almost 27 years. Damn, now the tears are coming...knew I couldn't go all day without them. Not today.

Day 1825

201 days since my last post. Honestly, I have no idea where the time went or why I haven't felt like blogging, but lately I've been itching to start writing again. This week, I start a major remodel of my kitchen, so I thought this would be the perfect time to start back again and document the updates.

It is getting entirely gutted, everything goes, and hopefully by the time I head home for Christmas, I will have a beautiful, brand-spanking new kitchen!

Out with the old!











Today I painted a few sample strips around my kitchen so I can finally decide on a color to go with. Decisions, decisions!





Friday is demolition day! It looks like I'll be sans kitchen for at least a month, but it will be so worth it in the end. So excited to get this huge project underway!

Day 1624

Taste of the South 2011 has officially come and gone, and I must say, it was a huge success! With the help of our amazing, supportive donors, this year we will be giving over $200,000 to charity. Makes all that hard work so well worth it!

Day 1612

Yes, I know. I know. It was been so ridiculously long. Next Saturday is my huge black tie gala that I have been working on now for 11 months, Taste of the South, after which I will finally get some free time back. At least until I take up some other cause. But today, I really feel like getting my write on again. Don't expect Shakespeare tonight though, because today, I talk fashion, and I must share with you my latest obsession.

Oh, Lanvin.

I'm not sure what it is about the legendary Fashion House, but I am in love. Every time I see a dress I am absolutely in love with, it turns out to be Lanvin. If I could only wear one label for the rest of my life (money no object, of course), who would I wear? Lanvin.

Satin wrap front dress? Obsessed.



Plisse Kimono Gown? Gorgeous.



Python-print silk halterneck gown? Amazing.



So when I was browsing dresses last night for the upcoming White House Correspondence Dinner (oh yeah, I'm going this year...but that is a whole other slew of posts), I come across the most perfect formal yet chic and will totally show off my just back from Miami tan plus will look just as hot as all those celebrities crashing our prom. And who is it designed by? Of course, Lanvin.

Hello, perfection.



The Lanvin pleated chiffon strapless gown. Simple. Nude. Elegant. Beautiful.

Anyone have an extra $2,830 I can borrow?

Day 1542

After weeks of false alarms, the snow finally came down hard last night. Today the roads are mostly cleared and it's back to business as usual in Washington. But last night, the city was in pure chaos. Due to fallen trees and live wires, well over 400,000 people in the area lost power (including me). Thankfully, I came home from work today with heat, lights and a freezer full of still frozen food. Many are still not as lucky. I heard stories today of commutes last night taking up to 9 hours...insanity. Metro and buses stopped service, roads and highways shut down, including I-95, which stretches from Miami to NYC and beyond.

I suppose it was lucky then that I had to work until 9 PM last night. Rather than suffering through the commute time and freezing roads myself, I heard report after report from coworkers, family and even the US Capitol Police officers that work outside my office. So when my sister called to say the power just went out in my condo building, I decided there was no way I was going to risk the drive home. I bundled up, pulled on my Hunter boots, and walked about a half mile to my friends' apartment to crash on her couch for the night. Yes, I did have to wear day-old clothes to work again today (but geez, I did shower and have fresh hair and makeup). But I was safe and warm last night, and able to open up my office bright and early this morning.

So not as bad and the grumpiness I displayed last night...and I greatly appreciate my friends for letting me stay the night! On the walk over, I did manage to take my gloves off for a few moments to snap a few shots.

U.S. Capitol Building (love the snowman those staffers built in the background!)



Supreme Court Building

Day 1533

All of you should know by now of my charity work with Taste of the South (TOTS), a Washington, DC based organization made up of Southerns who work their tails off to raise money each year for Southern charities. This year's event will take place on Saturday, April 16th at DAR Constitution Hall, and Arkansas is the featured state! Our selected charity is Children's Safety Center, located in Springdale, AR, a child advocacy center for abused children.

I have been a busy, busy bee working as both the TOTS spokeswoman and also running Team Arkansas. We haven't secured much of our fundraising yet this year, but so far, we have secured Walmart as this year's presenting sponsor for the event (and we love them so much for all their support), and the University of Arkansas, North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce, Jonesboro Chamber of Commerce, the Arkansas Governor's Office and Union Pub have agreed to sponsor our efforts with in-kind donations. Nuclear Energy Institute, Politico and Entergy are also coming back as major sponsors this year for Arkansas, and we are hoping to add to that list!

Also, Jeremy Pittman with Palette Catering in Little Rock will serve as our featured VIP Chef for the this year's black tie gala. If you've never eaten at Palette, you are missing out! Their food is delicious, and I cannot wait to see what menu they come up with for this year's event.

In addition, we have a Honorary Congressional Host Committee, comprised of Members of Congress for each of the Southern states. Both Senators Mark Pryor and John Boozman have signed on again this year to serve as Honorary Hosts, as well as Congressmen Mike Ross and Steve Womack...and hopefully Congressmen Tim Griffin and Rick Crawford are coming in with their endorsements within the week. On Tuesday, April 12th, we will have a Congressional Reception in the Russell Senate office building to honor our charity, our committee and our major donors for the event, and hope all of our Arkansas Congressional Delegation will be there to assist us in this!

Today we got our first big bit of press, from Roll Call, a Capitol Hill newspaper based in Washington. Check it out here, and to learn more about our event, check out our website at http://www.tasteofthesouth.org

If you are interested in sponsoring or attending Taste of the South 2011, let me know! Our sponsors are what make our party as fabulous as it is, and we appreciate all that you do for us and our charities!

Day 1532

Well I must say, I was somewhat disappointed by the women's fashion this year at the Golden Globes. I thought many were just boring and predictable, and most hair was just not right. There were some obvious risk-takers (January Jones and obvi Helena Bonham Carter), but for the most part, the dresses were very conservative. Regardless of the overall snoozefest, there were a few ladies who I thought looked Ah-mazing.

My favorite of the night:
Eva Longoria in Zac Posen



Wow, now that's the way to bounce back from a philandering husband. Even though the dress is still somewhat conservative, she looked smoking hot.

Close runner-up:
Anne Hathaway in Armani Prive



I'm intrigued by the nod-to-Dynasty gown, and thought she looked fantastic in it. The color was fantastic on her, and her hair and accessories were perfection.

Other great looks of the night:
Kyra Sedgwick in Pucci



Mila Kunis in Vera Wang



Emma Stone in Calvin Klein



Dianna Agron in J. Mendel

Day 1524

Despite the loss of my beloved Arkansas Razorbacks to The Ohio State Buckeyes, my quick vacation to New Orleans and the Sugar Bowl was an incredibly fun time. Great food, great drinks, great people...what more can you ask for?!?! It was really wonderful being able to play and catch up with some of my college girlfriends...since most don't live in Little Rock, I rarely get to see any of them during my trips home. Smash, I had an especially fun time spending the trip with you! Laissez Les Bon Temps Roulez!