beauty parlour, please

I need a day out. And I'm not headed home to Utah as soon as I would like, and my out-of-control tresses are in need of some attention. (At last, I think the post-prego shedding has stopped.)

Can anyone recommend a stylist and/or colorist in the DC/Arlington area? I have no idea where to start.

Unlike Betty, I need more than a comb-out....

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changing mediums

Maria of No Side Up turned my photo into an awesome illustration, called "Bridgett." I love it. And I love surprises that arrive on my doorstep, especially when they are cool and creative and come from Spain ... and incorporate Chanel.

Here's the play by play:



Muchas gracias, Maria! You are so talented. I am honored to reap the benefits.

"Bridgett" print here.
"IT" bag here.

And for the record, Bridgett braided her very own golden locks that day.

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breaking up is hard to do

C found this couch. C loves this couch. It has his name written all over it. However, our apartment doesn't love this couch as much as we do, and we haven't been able to locate adequate (read: affordable) storage until life takes us somewhere where we can spread out.

It's pretty much everything a MCM sofa should be, and it's in near-perfect shape with just a little sun damage on one of the arm rests. Naturally, I have a notion of what it's worth to me ... or Curtis. But does anyone have any pointers on how to fairly price this beauty?

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nice legs

Legwear at Kate Spade looks like a candy store.

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reasons 87, 88 and 89 i wish i lived on the hill

Jjana tried to talk us into it, but with junior on the way, we knew we couldn't swing a two-bedroomer in what's undoubtedly one of the nation's most charming neighborhoods. There is definitely something to be said for being inspired by your surroundings, as these SOOC shots tell.

There is also something to be said for being inspired by the people you're surrounded by, and I have met handfuls of cool peeps in Arlington. I also save about a grand in rent each month....

Colorful buildings, colorful sky.

Yes! 'Nuff said.

Book-filled second-story windows.

And next time, I'm going to bring my real camera. And by "real," I might mean Polaroid. :)

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that bottom lip....

Just about kills me.

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thanks coach

Either type might come in handy, but that's definitely my kind of green beret.

See here.

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i love technology

Happiness is having a little chat with your new niece (with her eyes wide open!) and her mom and one of her other aunties---one in NY, one in DC, and two in UT.

Oh, Little Miss, I want to snuggle you the most.

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go west, virginia

The parentals rolled into town so we packed up the family wagon and the Oscar and went on a little roadtrip. If we had gone two weeks earlier, I bet the leaf-changing would have been something to behold. But it was still good, and once again, I left my heart in Loudoun County.

For those who live nearby, we drove to Middleburg, then through Snickersville, Purcellville and Hillsboro before arriving in our destination, Harper's Ferry. I was the driver so I didn't get to take any passenger seat photos (maybe next time) but the scenery was dreamy. For me, the journey was the best part: winding country roads, authentic scarecrows, rolling green hills and family-owned farms.

Harper's Ferry was OK, but your experience will definitely be improved if you stop for lunch at the Canal House Cafe & Creamery where you will eat too much buttermilk chocolate cake paired with homemade organic lemon ice cream and not think twice about it.

I love fall even more when family is here.

Fancy Goods in Harpers Ferry and a pretty tree.

It was prettier than it looks, and I was happier than I look. I promise. I mean, look at that child I get to tote around.

I love the colors of dying, purple leaves.

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itsy bitsy teeny tiny

Did I forget to mention Baby Lu?* She made her arrival just a week ago, and weighed less than 5 pounds when she came home from the hospital. I'm so happy for/proud of sister. I can't wait to meet this tiny bundle of serious joy.

*Official name is Lucienne Rose. Pretty name for a pretty babe.

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For Oscar

Today I feel lucky to be your mom because when I get all up in your face and laugh really hard, you start laughing too. I love that about you.

bowl cut

Dear Orla Kiely model,

I dig your mushroom-meets-bowl cut.

xo. ali

image via

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fall, don't fail me now

Halloween proved to be the perfect fall day.

• Oscar in his skeleton jammies for almost 24 hours
• His happy feet kicking all afternoon in his carrier
  
• Kids in costumes on the Metro
• Stomping through sidewalks flooded with leaves
• Drizzly weather but warm temps
• Lunch in the city with my friend and her adorable baby bump
• Party with new friends and gourmet Halloween-themed foods
• A spooky flick, just C and me.

Like Halloween, I wish autumn would never end.

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first place

Guess who took home the gold medal at his first-ever costume contest? Go Team Ghostbusters!

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view from here

Hanging out in the once-new, now-old crib.



Hanging out on the once-old, now-new couch.

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apple picking

We went apple picking for the first time. My kitchen smells like reds plucked fresh from the tree, which is a refreshing departure from the pumpkin-and-cinnamon aromas that typically mark the fall months.

As we all know, apples are tempting. But I prefer those cheeks.

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