Out with the old...

After 8 years of service, my old Mac has finally kicked the dust. It saw me through undergrad, nearly all of grad school, international travel, first jobs, and more. More sentimentally, this little guy's faulty internet connection in the freshman dorm forced me to introduce myself to my neighbor - and current boyfriend - in hopes of tech help.

After a relatively painless experience at the Apple store, well for me - my wallet took a beating, this new beaut made its way home with me. Now that I have a fully-functioning computer, I can't get off the thing. Hopefully this translates into more productivity and not just more pinning.

(Long) Weekend Things: Halloween and Making Moves

I think I win the award for least consistent blogger as of late.

Work, school, applications, pending moves, long distance relationship, the list goes on with excuses. I created this blog as a reminder to stop and appreciate what is going on in my life, and I need to get back to that!

I made my way down to Chapel Hill this past weekend. Last time I was there earlier in the fall, it was all fun and games with a girls trip conveniently to my boy's town.

This time, it was business (but it was also Halloween so we played a little).

Maybe other long distance couples can relate, but were reaching an interesting inflection point where a lot is on the verge of happening. It's exciting, stressful, wonderful, and terrifying.

I graduate in May, he has three more years of grad school (thanks a lot PhD). So if I do not move there, were locking into a few more years of distance. Not ideal. I love NC. I love this man. My graduate degree and experience is better suited to DC, but I feel like the rest of my life is waiting for me in NC. My heart is being pulled to NC, but my stubborn, independent, and rational side says to be careful about moving for a boy (even if we have been together for 5 years!).

Are you tired yet? Yea that dialogue is getting old in my head too. So this past weekend I had a million (or like ten) informational interviews. I started the fun process of networking, discovered some avenues that could be a good fit, and started to see this move as something that could work. Baby steps people.

When I wasn't trying to play chess with my future, we made the rounds at Holiday parties. We love a good couples costume. Last year, my man and I went with this. This year, separate parties called for couples with both of my other halves.

Round 1: Average Joe's Dodgeballers

Round 2: Beauty and the Beast

(FYI: This dress was a good will find the weekend before. Best $7 I've spent in awhile)

What were you for Halloween?

Have you ever moved for someone you love?

Thanks for visiting :)

Surviving Grad School on a Slow Cooker: Mexican Chili

When the temp drops, I crave cozy food. Chili was a family favorite growing up, so I always equate it with comfort.

Now that school has hit the point in the semester where all structure to my life has gone awry, I wanted something that would require minimal effort, produce maximum flavor, and be a healthy alternative. Enter the slow cooker and skinnytaste.

Skinnytaste has an entire section dedicated to the slow cooker, and I plan to try them all.

The Chicken Taco Chili Ingredients were calling my name.

I should make a confession. I am really not a good cook. Like really. But this was so so so easy. I bought what she told me, threw it into the pot, let it cook 6 hours, and had lunch and dinner for the entire week.

I went through variations. Sometimes I ate it just as chili, sometimes as a Mexican dip for some tortilla chips.

Other times, I served it over rice, or I rolled up all the above ingredients in a burrito - with avocado of course!

How would you serve it up???

The Look for Less: Chambray Dress

Chambray has been all over the place lately, and the dress version is a personal favorite for summer. On a grad school budget, I try to opt for the lower priced options for trendy pieces. Whatever your price point - check out the options below.

1. $450 - Burberry Brit Chambray Belted Shirt Dress
2. $278 - Rebecca Minkoff Chambray Rick Dress
3. $218 - Joie Rathana Dress
4. $115 - Madewell Chambray Eyelet Dress
5. $99 - Fashion Star Dress, Sleeveless Chambray Shirt dress
6. $98 - Quotation: Sanctuary Shirt Dress - Chambray
7. $70 - Gap 1969 Chambray Shirt dress
8. $62 - Aqua Shirt dress - Chambray Sleeveless
9. $45 - Top Shop Speckle Roll Sleeve Mini Dress
10. $25 - Mimi Chica Self Tie Chambray Shirt Dress
11. $17 - Old Navy Chambray Belted Shirt Dress
12. $17 - Old Navy Chambray Belted Shirt Dress

Italy To-Do's Before Departure

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Today's Workout: 45 min elliptical, 4 mile run, sculpt yoga

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Now that finals are a thing of the past (at least for the summer), I can finally have face time with my Italy to-do list. As I arrived home after my final exam - drained of any motivation - this list and I went into serious stare-down mode. I didn't want to check anything of it. It didn't want to get anything checked off. The battle raged on through the night.

Yesterday was more productive. As part of my stint with the State Department I needed to get coverage in the event of "death or dismemberment" and "repatriation of remains." Lets just say that task didn't have me feeling all warm and fuzzy. Other things I need to think about: changing my phone to an international plan or freezing my account? Taking advantage of the embassy pouch mail and have some necessities shipped ahead of time (their pouch mail charges us the regular US-shipping rate)? Getting all prescriptions filled, and getting extras in case of emergency. The list goes on....

Here is what I've planned for - anyone else have suggestions of things I may be forgetting?

One final to go...

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Today's Workout:  Does an economic theory final count as a workout?


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I am too tired to think of anything creative today. When in doubt - turn to tumblr:

http://howdoiputthisgently.tumblr.com/post/49451965432

See you guys tomorrow when I am officially on summer vacay and a normal functioning human being again.

Running around the Minnie-apple

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Saturday's Workout: Sculpt at CorePower Yoga Maple Grove (Minnesota Studio by my parents' home)
Sunday's Workout: Run with my brother and dad around some Minneapolis lakes
Today's Workout: Sculpt at CorePower Yoga Georgetown

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Going home is always interesting. I love living in D.C. and I think I often get too busy and caught up into my life here to miss home. As soon as I step off the plane I get flooded with warm-fuzzy feelings of nostalgia and remember why I love Minneapolis so much.

A lot of my high school and college friends still live there, so it can be quite the juggling act when I am back to make time for everyone. Of course, in true Minnesota-nice style, everyone gets along well so its easy to merge groups of friends.

At the airport on Friday I took advantage of Starbucks' current frappacino promotion. I know Jordan isn't a super common name for a girl....but I'm not sure how the barista came up with this....

Saturday night we went to check out a newer restaurant in downtown, Union.

I was loving the views, and the food was almost as impressive.

After dinner some friends stopped by my parents' home so we could catch up. One of my former college teammates and best friends is dating a guy on the men's team from our university and he just broke 4 minutes in the mile! He ran a 3:58 a few weeks ago at a race at Notre Dame. He is only the 397th person in the world to break 4 minutes. My dad is a serious running junkie (his best was a 4:11) and the two of them talked each others ear off until late into the evening, while we girls talked about much more pressing issues - like who's going to be the next one to get married. Spoiler alert - I think my boy and I need to be living in the same state before were in the running.

The trip was a blur but it almost felt like a reset button for my life lately. I am trying to juggle a full time job, full time graduate school, taking care of my dog, making time to run, and still having friends and a life here in D.C.. I was starting to get overwhelmed and this past weekend allowed me to take a deep breathe and remember how truly lucky I am.

Friday During Finals

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Today's Workout: At home total body (see below)
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I feel like a Friday during finals week is just a tease. Especially this one - as I am flying home to MN after work this evening to attend an event on Saturday, and will fly back on Sunday. While I am so excited to see my family briefly, I am going to be studying on the plane, in the car, pretty much anytime I can get.

I was up late studying so that morning run before work I had on the books got scratched off....so I'm going to bust out a little workout at my parents house when I get home. Something along these lines...

Happy happy happy Friday to all!

New Month, New Goal

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Today's Workout: 45 min on stationary bike, 3 mile run

Monthly Health Goal - Sculpt 3 Times a Week:

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I leave for Italy in ONE MONTH! I can't believe its almost here. I know that while I am abroad, I will be limited mostly to running and at-home workouts, so I want to make sure I get my fill of sculpt this month before I go - and I'm shooting for 3 times a week. I have raved about sculpt on here over and over - but seriously - go check it out!! Do you like yoga, barre, or body pump classes?? Well this is all three tied into one. And better yet - you get your first week of classes free - so what do you have to lose??? Go here and find a studio near you and I promise you will be glad you did.

I have to cut this post short because work and finals are ruining my life. I will leave you with this little gem though. Cracks me up every time I see it.

Weekend Things - Running, Shopping, Eating

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Saturday's Workout: 12 miles

Sunday's Workout: 3 miles, Sculpt Class in the evening

Monday's Workout: Rest

Monthly Health Goal - No Eating After 8:00 pm

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Is it really Monday already??

Friday was welcomed with open arms after a tough week. I stayed in and got through my mountain of hw. I know - so riveting - I expect Bravo to contact me about a reality show any day now.

An amusing part of Friday - we had been told by neighbors that the home we moved into used to be the residence of Jenna Bush - but we always figured they were pulling our leg....until we got her mail.....

Saturday I met up with a friend who will also be running the Nike Women's Half this upcoming weekend, and we decided to run the majority of the course - per her request - it's her its half and she is a little nervous.

Saturday afternoon we made some rounds picking up craigslist goods for home updates - more on this later. Saturday night was spent soaking up good weather on Lauriol's rooftop.

Our eyes were bigger than our stomachs. We all had plenty leftovers.

Sunday called for a quick run with the roomie, ending on M Street for a little shopping.

Sunday night I sculpted-it-out at CorePower yoga. I forgot how much I loved to hate this class. Such a good workout. So rewarding. Here is an awesome article about the Sculpt classes in the Washingtonian.

And during my weekly trip to the grocery store, as I was looking for some frozen fruit for smoothies, I saw that Jamba Juice has pre-packed mixes now. I had to snap a photo to send to my dad. He loves loves loves Jamba Juice. He always gets a smoothie after long runs, and talks about wanting to open a location once he retires. You read that right, once he retires, he wants to start a business.....

And before you say anything (MOM!) I know I need a manicure. I know I know. Its on the list.

Happy Monday, All!

Graduate School Spring Fling

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Today's Workout: 35 min fartlek

Monthly Health Goal - No Eating After 8:00 pm:

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Ah Graduate School Spring Fling....

Just when you thought the days of school-organized semi-formals were over, think again. Our spring fling was the night after the Sumeria Gala, so I was already a tad tired, but had committed to the admissions office that I would attend a little student photo session prior to the dance.

On to the dance....



The Food and Drink (photos borrowed from friend here)...

The Decor...

The view (with an extra treat of Cherry Blossom Festival Fireworks)....

Great times with great friends.

Sleep Deprived

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Today's Workout: 4 miles biking, Sculpt Class at CorePower Yoga
Monthly Health Goal: No eating after 8:00 pm:

Monday April 1 - success

Tuesday April 2 - success

Wednesday April 3 - success

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Grad school is running my life right now and I haven't sleep much in too many nights.

Me this morning...

Somehow Tubby pulled off this look cuter than me...

I have to rally because tonight I will FINALLY get to visit my beloved CorePower Yoga studio that just opened this past weekend in Georgetown. I have been blowing this place up because their sculpt class is just that good. Former teammates and I would go here religously to get worked in the off-season. I have a group of gals joining me and am dying to see their reactions.

I'm hoping I don't get too destroyed because this weekend calls for 2 events that require heels and my last long run before the Nike Women's HAlf at the end of the month....

Happy Thursday all!

Wish list Wednesday - Modcloth part 2

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Today's Workout: 40 min tempo run, 4 miles biking

Monthly Health Goal: No eating after 8:00 pm

Monday April 1 - success

Tuesday April 2 - success

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Many of the outfits I show love to on this little blog come from one of my all-time favorite online shops - Modcloth. Modcloth offers great styles at almost an always grad-school friendly price. I showed this site some love previously - seen here. As made obvious my my weekly wishlists, I am a fan of online stores that allow me to put some favorites into a cart - even if it is of the "wish list variety." I don't remember the last time my list on Modcloth had less than 50 items in it. Here are some of the items making an appearance:


Defined the Scenes Flat in Coral (Also available in blue)

Lady Love Song Dress in Sapphire

Full Course Load Bag in Stone (Also available in yellow, sage, red, rose brown, and navy)

Eduring Elegance Flat

Chic My Name Dress

Jonquil You Be Mine? Top in Yellow (Also available in Mint)

Time of My Life Dress (Also available in multiple colors)

Spring Things

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Saturday's Workout: 11 miles

Sunday's Workout: 3 miles, barre class

Today's Workout: 45 min cross train

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Today is April 1. When did this happen? How is the year going by so fast?? Lots and lots of developments on my end....

Plans for the Italy internship are set! My flight is booked, apartment secured. Flight for the boyfriend to come visit booked. Flight for the parents to come visit booked. To-do list of things to handle before I take-off....growing.

But I can't wait to spend a summer working here....


As for current events in D.C., things have been busy. I was greeted with a lot of commotion on a morning run around the SCOTUS Building this past week. No matter your political views, I'm always humbled to be reminded I live in the center of a lot action.

I was fortunate enough to attend a Women in Foriegn Policy event last week at the White House, and snuck a quick pic. (Don't tell Secret Service)

While heading to class I stumbled across a new display of books that had been recently published by faculty of our University.  Another "pinch me, I'm lucky to be here moment."

I was also hoping to see some Cherry Blossoms on a run this weekend around the tidal basin given our fantastic weather, but they haven't quite made an appearance.

Sunday was spent relaxing and celebrating Easter at a friends house.

Spring is off to a cahotic start, but I'm sorta loving every minute of it. So many exciting things are on the agenda, and I'm just enjoying the ride.

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend!