simply jess

GPOYW: Not letting today’s crappy weather and frizzy hair get me down!

Also, I’m down 4.7 lbs from last week and feeling great! #CaboCountdown

A Diptic photo recap of yesterday’s fabulous Valentine’s brunch

15 pretty ladies, yummy food, lots of pink and red, many (many) mimosas … just the perfect way to get our girlfriends together on a Sunday morning and celebrate a day that’s not just about boys, fancy dinner reservations and flowers, but more about simply spending time with the people you care about.

Pictures from top left to bottom right: 1) part of the table spread (including bacon-wrapped potato bites, mini crustless quiches, coffee cake muffins, low fat strawberry scones), 2) our make-your-own mimosa bar, 3) the hostesses - me and kate, 4) a red and pink heart garland on our front door, 5) french toast sticks with maple syrup *yum.

GPOYW: taking a moment for a quick boyfriend shout-out

Andrew accompanied me to one of my childhood friend’s weddings in Houston a couple of weekends ago and we honestly couldn’t have had more fun. I knew there’d be a lot of people I hadn’t seen since high school and anticipated tons of schmoozing/reminiscing/”what have you been doing for the last ten years!’ convos, and felt bad that Andrew would have to sit through all that. But he was SUCH an amazing sport. Dancing with my friend’s parents, gossiping about the ‘high school jess’ with my old buddies, stalking the dessert table with my girlfriends… it was so nice and I felt so proud to introduce him as my boyfriend of (almost) four years!

Andrew, thanks for the being the best +1 a gal could ever ask for!

Horizontal stripes aren’t always the best look for me, but I’m really loving this new sweater from my mom. Thanks mama!

GPOYW: Me and the [not so] little sister

Kylee, kudos on being the cutest, sweetest, most fun 13 year-old I know! Also, don’t forget my two pieces of sisterly advice for 2012… be nice to everyone (don’t get caught up in cliques or thinking you and your friends are cooler than anyone else) and always ask your teachers for ‘extra help’ (even if you think you know the answers, showing that you care and that you’re willing to go the extra mile will give you the A-dizzles.) Love you!

GPOYW: I Love Where I Live Edition

Sometimes I take it for granted, but DC really is a beautiful city…

GPOYW: Feeling good today!

Life has been nuts lately. With all the end-of-year work stuff, being a new ‘doggy mommy’, holiday parties, weddings, travel planning, getting everything set for friends and family who are staying with us over the next few weeks… I’ve felt like a machine.

Things are starting to calm down, though! Tonight I’m going to see the Washington Ballet’s Nutcracker with a few lovely ladies, we’ve got some fun plans for the weekend and I’m getting pretty darn excited to wrap up this year in style.

Hope everyone is doing well!

GPOYW: When all else fails, throw on a cowboy hat!

I know. Super lame ‘costume’, but I just wasn’t really feeling Halloween this year. I lost my voice, we couldn’t have our annual house party, I didn’t get tickets to any of the big DC bashes… It was just kinda shmeh. But I did get to drink vino, eat cupcakes and watch Hocus Pocus with these ladies!

All the more reason to go ALL OUT for Chrismukkah!

GPOYW: Vino tasting at Tarara Winery in Leesburg, VA

What better way to spend a Saturday afternoon than with lots of wine, outlet shopping and a mini road trip with college friends?

Do you recognize some other Tumblr ladies? (Katie, Dani and Casey)

GPOYW: An overdue mushy gushy boyfriend shout-out

Andrew, thank you for being my travel buddy, dance partner, co-chef, confidant, cheerleader, roommate, big spoon and best friend for the last three years. I am so lucky and happy to have you in my life.

GPOY: Cheers to my roommate, strong appletinis, and fun southern weddings!

GPOYW: Babes With Beers

Our old roommate Lia, who left us for law school in the far away land of Portland last year, popped in for a quick visit last week. She’s doing great and we had so much fun catching up, but my favorite thing about our mini-reunion was how, even though we’ve been 3000 miles apart and have (shamefully) been terrible about keeping in touch, being with her felt totally natural. Like a single day hadn’t passed and we were instantly back to our old dorky roommate ways. I love that! Sign of a true friend, I suppose…

GPOYW: Me and Mini-Me in ‘Blossom’ Inspired Hats

Don’t let the braces fool you, this 12 year old is a full-fledged diva in the making. Still can’t believe how fast my little baby sis is growing up…

GPOYW: (The Failed Attempt Of) Andrew and Jessica’s Easter Sunday Photo

GPOYW: Performing “Party in the USA” with a country western band

Yes, that is my hand in the air. Why? I don’t know. Thank goodness I had a big group of friends cheering me on, otherwise I probably would have been booed off the stage. No kidding.

For those DCers who don’t already know, Hill Country has drink specials and full band karaoke on Wednesday nights. It’s worth checking out.