Happy Friday, team!

Things were a little quiet around here because I had a busier Easter weekend than expected—but, I’ll be back with regularly scheduled programming next week. While I’ve been neglecting the blog, I’ve been out doing some really fun things in DC, so wanted to share a few recommendations with you today in case your local or planning a trip to the area:

+ Tulips DC: Last weekend, Monica and I checked out Tulips in Dupont for bottomless brunch. We had so much fun catching up over bottomless mimosas, oysters, and beignets—yes, beignets! I was going through a withdrawal after New Orleans, so I was glad to see them back in my life. Their $28 deal includes the aforementioned food and drinks, as well as an entree. I opted for the city breakfast, which was two eggs, bacon, breakfast potatoes, and toast—but in hindsight, I wish I had ordered the burger because Monica’s fries were so good! At around 2:30pm, they started playing music in the bar area, which created a really fun atmosphere that would be perfect for a birthday or get together.

+ Harold Black Speakeasy: Last weekend, I went to dinner with three friends at Aqua Al 2, a great Italian restaurant in Eastern Market. For a post-dinner drink, we went upstairs to Harold Black. If you didn’t know it’s there you would miss it since you access it via an unmarked door outside the restaurant. Our server at Aqua Al 2 arranged a table for us, but you can easily make a reservation on Open Table. Our bartender was so knowledgeable about their cocktails and even offered to make a couple of my friends custom ones based on their favorite flavors. It was such a cool, dimly lit space—definitely worth checking out!

+ Off the Record at the Hay-Adams Hotel: On Wednesday night, I met up with five of my closest blogger friends in DC to enjoy wine at Off the Record, the bar in the basement of the Hay Adams Hotel. This was my first time, but it definitely won’t be my last—it was such a fun atmosphere and very DC—the coasters were cartoon drawings of politicos and similar cartoons were also lining the walls. The wine pours were extremely generous, and the burger Monica and I split was delicious. Tables and bar seats are on a first-come, first-serve basis, but we were lucky enough to grab a table pretty quickly after having a drink at the bar.

+ 2491 Restaurant: On Thursday, my team went here for a birthday lunch and it was delicious! It’s one of Eater’s 38 essential restaurants in DC and is one of two in Virginia. It’s located in Falls Church in an office park, but it’s on the back side of the building overlooking a beautiful koi pond and waterfall. The service was slow when we went, but the presentation was impeccable and the food was delicious. It definitely would be a fun place to take your parents or for date night, if you’re willing to venture off the Metro a bit.

This weekend, I was really hoping that I could get down to the Tidal Basin to see the cherry blossoms, but it’s supposed to be really cold and snow tomorrow—yes, snow, so I think that plan might not come to fruition. I’m so ready for spring! Even though the weather isn’t cooperating, I’ve still got a fun dinner at Unconventional Diner on the books with my spin instructor who has become a good friend. I will report back—I’ve heard nothing but good things! Hope you have a good one!

• I love Jess’ round up of the best healthy Trader Joe’s buys.
• A must-read: what to do when you feel stuck at work.
• I loved this video of W dancing at his nephew’s wedding.
• How to meet friends in a new city. (I wrote a similar post here!)
• I loved Kelly’s recap of her Vineyard Vines’ trip to the Bahamas!
• She coached her team to the NCAA tournament—then she quit for her daughter.
• Designer Vern Yip reveals all his Trading Spaces secrets.
• The Campbell jumped to the top of my NYC to-do list.
• I love these Sisters First Facebook episodes Jenna and Barbara release every Thursday.
• How Nashville became one big bachelorette party.
• If you’re interested in Orangetheory, Jess wrote a great post on the workout.
• Why Catholic colleges excel at basketball.
• A piece that made me think: travel is no cure for the mind.

And here’s what’s been new on A Touch of Teal lately:

• 8 sandals I’m loving for spring.
• The navy top I’m loving right now.
• How I organize my digital life.