Happy Friday, friends! Apologies I have been MIA this week. I was out of town last weekend and then I had plans every night after work this week. I’m definitely not complaining since it’s been such a fun week—I just had very little time for blogging!

My life isn’t slowing down anytime soon. Tonight after work, I’m heading to the Kenny Chesney concert with my family. We saw him two years ago and it was a blast, so I’m excited to spend some time with No Shoes Nation again tonight. Tomorrow, Jenn and I are taking advantage of the awesome brunch deal Tulips has—bottomless mimosas, oysters, and beignets with an entree! Then, later in the day, I’m heading out to the suburbs to celebrate my cousin’s engagement. On Sunday, I head to Charleston for my solo trip! I’m a bit nervous, but I think it’s going to be so much fun—and I made myself a to do list of all the things I want to do. I’ll definitely be sharing in real time over on Instagram Stories and will give y’all the full recap when I get back.

Today I wanted to pop in with a few photos from a fun event I was lucky enough to be invited to at The Observatory at America’s Square, which is an event space available for rent that overlooks the Capitol Building. The night I stopped by to check out the space, the event was targeted to event planners in the DC area, so there were a ton of caterers and beverage companies on hand with their best creations. Jenn, Heather, and I had a great night eating and drinking our way through the event.

The coolest food vendor at the event was the avocado bar! I thought this was such an ingenious idea, and so easy to DIY for a dinner party, too. You can see a video of it in action here, but when you walked up, you were served your Mexican toppings of choice in half an avocado that was in the skin, but cut and spooned so it was easy to eat. I opted to pico de gallo, corn, cotija cheese, cilantro, and chicken. It was so delicious I may or may not have gone back for a second half…

There were also these delicious limoncello shots on hand! To make them you take your favorite limoncello recipe—this particular one had vodka in it, because #happyhour—and cut your lemon in half. Scoop out the fruit, and then put your limoncello in the halved lemon and freeze. Once it’s frozen, you can cut it into slices. Another cute dinner party idea!

The Observatory at America’s Square is a for-rent venue, so it’s not typically open to the public. However, it’d be such a fun space for a wedding, corporate event, or networking event. I wasn’t under any obligation to post about the space or the event, but I wanted to pop in with a quick recap since I had such a great time at the event—the weather was perfect!—and thought either the space and/or entertaining ideas might pique your interest.

After the event, I took the long way home and walked by the Capitol down the National Mall to pick up the Orange Line at the Smithsonian stop. The weather was perfect, and the views even better. There really is nothing like DC in the summertime—I’m lucky to live here.

Hope you all have a great weekend! x

Professional Photos by Mark Soriano