Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Holiday Season To Do List

With the holiday season approaching there are many things to do in the DC area! This is how to make it through finals and enjoy the holidays:

1. I would first start by making a schedule of all your finals and any projects that will be due. This will allow you to see when you can squeeze in some self-care holiday time!  
2. Then I would make your apartment nice and festive! Nothing like a little Christmas tree and lights to get you through finals! 
 
3. I would then skip across any of the bridges into DC to visit the National Christmas Tree. The lighting this year is on December 6th at 4:30pm 
 
4. I would then, pencil in the ICE! 2012 show in National Harbor at the Gaylord Hotel. This year it features Shrek and it is one of the coolest things ever!! I went last year and was blown away with what they did! Also, be sure to bundle up.. It really is cold in there! They loan you a beautiful blue parka but gloves are a must! 
 
5. I plan on going to Mt. Vernon this year to see all the beautiful Christmas decorations and have some apple cider, I've heard it was the BEST! 
 
6. Starting on Dec. 1, I would work your study schedule around ABC Family's 25 Days of Christmas, so that you could conveniently take study breaks to watch your favorite Christmas movie and drink hot chocolate all while wearing your Santa hat! 

Before you know it finals will be done, and we will have a nice well deserved break! Work hard, but also reward yourself!! 

Happy Holidays!

~Daisy

Friday, November 23, 2012

Friendsgiving 2012

So, for the second year in a row this year, I haven't been able to go home for Thanksgiving break. That's not to say I haven't celebrated...I've just started celebrating Friendsgiving instead.

Thankfully, anytime I haven't been able to go home for Thanksgiving, I've had good friends with me, so we just do our own thing. This year was maybe one of the best Thanksgivings/Friendsgivings I've ever had! My roommates Londyn and Ashley were here, and Londyn's boyfriend was out to visit as well. We also had two of our other friends, Danielle and Becca over. Even though we couldn't be with our families, we definitely made the most of the holiday.

Since we were doing our own thing all day, we were on our own schedule, which was amazing. No frazzled, hurried, running around like a crazy person to make it to Grandma's by 1, the in-laws by 3, the other Grandma's by 5, etc. We slept in, watched the parade, followed by a marathon of every Friends Thanksgiving episode (Happy Thanksgiving to ME!), then started making all our food whenever we felt like it!

And speaking of food...just because we didn't have a mom and grandma and 5 aunts to cook for us, we didn't skimp out on anything. We had...mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, parmesan pull-aparts (thanks Pinterest!), sweet potato casserole, stuffed mushrooms, green bean casserole, corn casserole, cranberry applesauce, apple pie, and pumpkin cookies.....I think that's all. Oh yea, and wine, hard cider, and beer. :)

So our day was full of good friends, good food, good beverages, and Apples to Apples...only the best game ever. We all talked/Skyped with our families, and missed them of course, but it makes things so much easier when you have friends to share special days with. And, Christmas break (and seeing our family!) is only a few weeks away...and Thursday was the perfect way to unwind before the craziness of Finals week.

I hope your Thanksgiving was as amazing as mine, whether you were with family or friends! Check our the pics for our Pinterest-worthy meal :)
Our serving line!!


Another shot of the serving line....we were pretty proud of ourselves.

Our table may be made for 4, but we managed to squeeze all 6 of us around it.

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

'Tis the Season




Since the weather is becoming chilly, it is the perfect time of year to dress-up and enjoy a great performance.  Bordering the Potomac River, the Kennedy Center is a one-of-a-kind performing arts center.  The Kennedy Center offers a wide range of performances which include theater, dance, ballet, orchestral, chamber, jazz, folk music, and other entertaining performances for all ages.  

During the holiday season, a popular performance to attend is Ballet West:  The Nutcracker.  Tickets are available on-line to order and range from $45-$150, http://www.kennedy-center.org/




Experiencing the Kennedy Center is a must!!  I can’t think of a better way to get in the holiday spirit- -and also a great study break because I know all of us will be reaching the “insane” level due to the semester winding down. 






Another festive outing is to view the 90th year of the lighting of the National Christmas Tree.  This is an occasion that can’t be missed.  On December 6th, the lighting ceremony will be held and featured performers include James Taylor, Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, Colbie Caillat, and Phillip Phillips. Visit the website to learn! http://www.thenationaltree.org/

Cheers!


Elizabeth