A Greek & Roman Holiday

Happy Tuesday! I hope those of you who had a long weekend enjoyed every minute of it, and I hope those who didn’t at least had a stress-free start to your workweek. Here in DC, we enjoyed a gorgeous couple days with sunny skies and temps in the mid-70s – absolutely perfect!

Though my classes are definitely getting more intense right now with papers, projects and tests, things are going very well overall after a somewhat rocky start to the semester. This week, I can happily see a light at the end of the tunnel on a couple big assignments, and as you can imagine, I’m already counting down the weeks until our November trip to Seattle to coordinate our friends’ wedding, and to the Christmas season, when we’ll once again head out to California for a holiday visit.

While our last trip out West a few weeks ago was definitely short, it was awesome to see everyone and be there to celebrate my sister’s 21^st and Stephen’s grandpa’s 90^th. Along with all the celebrating, we also managed to squeeze in a day trip to one of my favorite So Cal museums, the seaside Getty Villa in Malibu, which features stunning ancient Greek and Roman artwork and artifacts, along with period-appropriate architecture and themed gardens.

So, while I continue to plug away at my ever-growing to-do list, please enjoy a few highlights of our recent visit that help keep me smiling, no matter how busy or stressed I might feel.

If you're ever in Southern California, be sure to make a reservation to check this place out! Though there is a $15 fee for parking, admission is free, and the exhibits, along with panoramic views of the Pacific, simply can't be beat! Special thanks to my husband and sister Kellie for snapping these photos, some of which can also be seen on her fashion and style blog, Morning Ophelia. 

Do photos or mementos from trips and fun occasions help you unwind when things start to get stressful?

Beat Down Bullying

Like many kids, I faced instances of bullying while going through the awkward preteen and teenage phases that are all too familiar to each of us. Whether targeted because of my high-sounding voice or the acne that took over my face throughout middle school, bullying broke my heart and slowly transformed me from an outgoing, confident young woman to a shy, quiet girl afraid to speak up in class or meet new people.

Though my confidence has rebuilt itself over the years, and I've been fortunate to always have the support of family members and friends who loved me no matter what, the memories come back at times to revive feelings of insecurity and fear. To this day, I still hate public speaking, and still feel self-conscious whenever I'm the center of attention, worried that others are judging my every move.

Bullying is hurtful and wrong. It has the power to destroy and end lives, and is the cause of needless hatred and anger throughout our society. Being a kid or teenager is hard enough without facing bullying on top of everything else. It’s up to each of us to spread the message that bullying is unacceptable, to teach those who do it why it’s intolerable, and to let those who have suffered its effects know that a bully’s words do not accurately reflect their worth. That’s why I’m proud to link up with Teenage Bride to take a stand against bullying. 

The Movement 

10.24.11

When things get so bad that children are taking their own lives, isn’t that enough?

When places that are supposed to be safe havens become places of torment, isn't that enough?

When you can’t find relief even in the confines of your own home, isn’t that enough?

Bullying has become a national epidemic, a problem in need of a solution.

It’s all over the media... 

The boy who snapped and beat up his tormentor, then got suspended.

The son who took his own life because of what kids were saying at school.

The girl who took it upon herself to post a video on YouTube that got over 30,000 hits crying out for help.

The celebrities making videos, letting kids know that it gets better.

It is time to take a stand.

It is time to say enough is enough.

It is time to say...

This Ends Now.

As bloggers, we have the opportunity to speak up and make a difference.

Link up with the Beat Down Bullying movement, and on 10.24.11, we WILL take a stand.

Grab this button, and put it on your blog. Spread the word.

Reach out and share your story.

We can use our words for good, or we can use our words for evil.

Join us, and use you voice for good.

Together, we can beat down the evil of bullying.

Together, we can SAVE lives.

Did you ever encounter bullying? Will you help us take a stand? 

Help Support Wish Upon a Wedding DC!

Those of you who have been following my Bicoastal Bride blog already know that in addition to coordinating and writing about weddings, I’m also proud to be a founding board member for Wish Upon a Wedding DC, which provides weddings and vow renewals for those facing terminal illness or serious life-altering circumstances. Since our founding last year, we’ve granted the wishes of two very deserving couples, and our fellow chapters across the country have also worked hard to make many couples’ dreams a reality.

Though some of you aren’t local to the DC area, I’d love to invite those who are to come join us Sunday, Oct. 16 at Crush Winehouse in Annapolis for a fun afternoon of tastings, small plates and pairings, with a portion of the proceeds donated to Wish Upon a Wedding. See our event listing on Facebook for more details, and please help us spread the work by posting, tweeting and sharing the news with your own followers. Your support means so much! 

Do you volunteer with any organizations? What are some of your favorite causes? 

Image Source: www.crushwinehouse.com

Wish Upon a Wedding DC – Meet & Greet Fundraiser

Sunday, October 16, 2011

2-5 p.m.

Crush Winehouse

114 West Street

Annapolis, MD

Valet Parking @ Loews Hotel – $2.00

Tiffany & Fiat's Elegant Summer Wedding

I love my amazing clients, and working with Tiffany and Fiat to coordinate their June wedding was a fabulous experience in every way. From the day I met her, I was wowed by Tiffany’s clear vision and stellar organization, and it was a tremendous honor to help her talented vendors bring it all together as she married her best friend on a gorgeous summer’s afternoon.

From the traditional Catholic ceremony to the elegant reception, photographer Hino Banzon captured every moment, and I’m thrilled to share some of my favorite highlights below, showcasing a beautiful bride, lovely details and an all-around incredible celebration. 

Thank you, Tiffany and Fiat, for letting me share your day, and many happy wishes for a wonderful life together! 

Ceremony Venue:
Saint Raymond of Penafort in Springfield, Virginia 

 Reception Venue:
Waterford at Fair Oaks in Fairfax, Virginia  

 Photography:
Hino Banzon Photography

Florist:
Total Wedding Kama

DJ:
DJ Chizzau 

Hair & Makeup:
Leah Le

Coordination:
Heather & Stephen Walrath

Sunrise Workouts

I’ve never considered myself to be a morning person. A night owl by nature, I relish late nights and lazy mornings whenever I can, and used to make a habit of exercising with my husband each evening before winding down with a tasty meal and refreshing glass of wine. 

This year, however, between nighttime grad classes and hectic schedules all around, my time and motivation for sunset fitness has definitely taken a backseat. And afternoon routines? Forget it. Once I’m in a productive "zone" throughout the day, there’s no way I’m about to quit to squeeze in a workout.

Ever since last fall, the pounds have slowly started to creep on, along with the stress that accompanies feeling out-of-shape and lax about my health. Something simply had to change, and that’s why you'll now find me rising and shining three days a week for 6 a.m. cardio and toning classes at the local community center.  

Image Source: www.activehealthinstitute.com

After just one week of sessions, I still feel part insane yet also part exhilarated by being up before the sun, fascinated to discover a whole new world of early-morning dog-walkers, joggers and commuters, all venturing forth bravely into the rising dawn. All in all, I'm pleased that the transition hasn’t been nearly as difficult as I initially thought it might be. 

Rather than feeling entirely exhausted afterward, the early start has actually helped me feel more energized and productive throughout the day. And although I do still have trouble falling right to sleep when I turn in early, I know it’s surely better for my health in the long-run than staying up until 1 a.m. trying to finish just one last chapter of reading, like I usually do.

Even more so, the fact that it’s a scheduled class I’ve actually paid for pushes me to get up and start moving, even when I don’t initially feel like it. Working out in a group also inspires me to push beyond my limits without giving up. I’ll keep you posted as the weeks progress, but right now I’m looking forward to a healthier, stronger, few-pounds-lighter me!

How do you stay in shape, and what’s your favorite time of day to work out? 

P.S. Special thanks to blogger Nali of It's the {little} things for giving me The Versatile Blogger award! I'm proud to pass it along to each one of the inspiring and insightful writers listed in my "Savvy Reads" sidebar, whose posts never fail to brighten my day!