Day 1839

Painting is done! Let me just tell you, painting while sick with a chest cold does not exactly lend to a steady hand...that said, it took me two very slow moving days to finish this job up by myself. I do think it looks fabulous though, thank you very much. That is me patting myself on the back.

I know, I know, the paint is dark. I don't care, I absolutely love it. Just trust me...it is going to look fabulous once all put together!







Tomorrow my appliances arrive and the installation begins! The beginning to the end of the kitchen remodel is almost here!

Day 1837

Busy, busy week. First there was the electrician, then the cabinets were delivered, then the plumber and finally a contractor came to patch up most of the mess that was left behind. Hopefully, it's all good for Monday when the cabinet installation begins. Honestly, I'm not so sure. If I've learned one lesson from all of this, it is to spend the extra money on getting a contractor to run the project...so worth the headaches of managing the madness.

In addition, I've been super sick all week. A massive chest cold and then on Wednesday a horrible stomach bug attacked. Two days later and I still haven't eaten pretty much anything. Not my best.

Regardless though, work has to be done. This weekend I have to pick up my backsplash tile, paint and clean this dusty, dirty wreck of a condo I've been living in the past few weeks. Oh well, come Monday, this will be close to over. I cannot wait, but also, I am so ready for this to be done.

Plumber's mess:







Cabinets are here!







Patched up and ready to be painted.

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