If we ever execute that plan, this is what our holiday card will look like.

Christie loves a tiara. It is best not to argue.

Ahhh…. good times. (P.S. Whatever happened to that dress??)

We’ll see you next week in year 2 of CityGirls (working title: “Our best year yet!)

(photo courtesy of Waldo Jaquith on flickr under the CC license)

Here’s a shot of us on the dancefloor.

But then, you already knew how graceful and elegant we were, right?

So to celebrate this august occasion, we are doing something that we think is amazing (to us).  We are taking a week off to wash our hair and wander into the sunlight celebrate. Yay. YAY!!  But do not fret, as we will be back on the Tuesday after labor day daily with more opinions, insight, and random (and hopefully hilarious) observations.  Oooh, and did we mention giveaways? Monitor our twitter feed! It’s on!

But did you also know that before there was CityGirls, there was Christie and Jess? And so to that end, we *may* during this week of hiatus post a hilarious picture or two of life before the glamor of blogging took over our friendship.  Stay tuned!!

As another sweltering summer comes to an end, I still have so many festive date ideas to share and very little time to do it now! This one by far though tops my list as a cool (lame pun intended) alternative to the usual dinner date, or you can even try it after dinner.

The Franklin Fountain (116 Market Street) located in Olde City is a throwback to the soda and ice cream shops that your grandparents used to hang out at. As you walk in, you’re immediately taken back to the 50s: the tin-stamped ceilings, the decor, and even the staff’s attire (which completely matches the era!) makes the Franklin Fountain so awesomely nostalgic. It’s not even funny. [Editor's Note: No, it's not]

I must emphasize here that you and your date should share anything you order, not only because that’s a super-cute thing to do, but the portions are so big that if you decide to take one on yourself, I give you credit (I tried, and failed – miserably.) Another awesome thing about the Franklin Fountain is that they’re open until midnight everyday so it makes a great stop after dinner or a movie, or just going for a fun late-night snack with someone special.

You know I love me some date-night alternatives, so going somewhere like this will definitely create conversation, and becomes a bit more interactive when your cute date feeds you a bit of ice cream (a girl can dream can’t she?)

[Writer’s Note: Anyone out there who is opposed to having ice cream for dinner - something’s not right with you and you should seek professional help immediately.]

[Editor's Note: We really have no argument for that]

What luck! I stumbled across an attractive, successful man while out to dinner with a girl friend. Who would have thunk that a casual night at a nearby restaurant would net in great food, wine, company AND a handsome new friend! Ladies, meet Tony…

Name: Tony

Age: 28

Hometown: Truro, Massachusetts (near Provincetown & Cape Cod)

Favorite Thing About DC: Unlike so many other major cities on the East Coast, DC changes and grows so fast. It’s cool to see. I’ve been in DC since I graduated from Tufts in 2004 and so much has changed. I like that DC is clean but has some grit, too. [Side note: DC-Native Gal About Town LOVES this answer!]

Ideal Quality in a Woman: She needs to be laid back in nature, someone who appreciates the simplicity of relationships.

Fun Fact: Tony studied economics, finance and entrepreneurialism at Tufts. It’s no wonder he has been the proud owner and general manager of 1905 since June 2009.

Favorite Dish on 1905’s Menu: Executive Chef Matt Richardson’s filet is phenomenal. His most creative and most complete dish is the crabcake (see the menu here). It’s a perfect combination of warm and cool – flavors AND temperatures.

Who doesn’t like to kick back at least once (or in my case several times) a week with a nice glass of red? I favor it over white and it always makes me feel warm and fuzzy (and buzzed) when I enjoy it.

Besides the hangover you might get from it, there is another danger of that delicious red wine you’re about to take a sip of. Sip carefully, for I was the unfortunate victim of this threat the other evening while out with friends.

I was at my usual bar with my usual glass of Malbec when I noticed a very cute boy (not man – they’re all still boys to me.) I was floored when he moved down the bar and came over and introduced himself to my friends and me. We chatted for a little while I finished my glass and ordered another as I smiled and talked to him. Then it happened: the look.

Not the “Wow ANOTHER glass” look, the awkward face looking back at me look.

“Is there something on my face? OMG did my eyeliner run?!” I thought. I excused myself to the ladies room to look in the mirror and my face turned white. RED! RED EVERYWHERE! My glass of Malbec that I loved so dearly turned my teeth, lips, and even a nice little mustache on my face –red! RED!

I was horrified – mortified. I wanted to climb out the window in the bathroom and flee the scene (I already paid for my drink so I wouldn’t be stiffing the bar if I left). Instead I womaned up, rinsed out my mouth, wiped off my lips and ‘stache to the best of my ability and walked out of the bathroom. [Editor's Note: love the phrase "womaned up" --must use more]

As I reapproached the bar, I sarcastically thanked my lovely friends for noticing that I looked like I dunked my face into red dye, and to my surprise (well not really) the cute boy was nowhere to be found! Great. I scared him off with my red teeth and mustache (or maybe it was personality – I guess I’ll never know.) And here we thought the vampire look was so hot right now…

So ladies, the next time you’re about to dive into that glass of red, think of me. Think of the shame and embarrassment I suffered when the cute boy saw my glowing red teeth. Drink wisely!

[Photo Credit: Photo by Digimist on Flickr under a CC License]

1. To start off with the obvious, I love the Washingtonian. I don’t set my weekend plans in stone until I pick through every post, article, thought on the Washingtonian’s website or mag. There are tons of blogs and newsletters out there with DC-focused activities, but this is the only one that gets it all. Hopefully, you’re on Twitter (insert stern look here) and are already following @washingtonian
2. Primer. My face and eyelash primer can (mostly) hide the negative effects of sleepless nights or early morning workouts. My make up lasts a full 12 hours and my face feels soft. We at CG Central use various brands which we’ll review.
3. Pets. Most city-dwellers live such busy and complicated lives that it’s easy to concentrate on yourself, your career and your extracurricular activities. Nothing brings you back to earth than having to care for a living being. I’ve heard kids have this affect but since I’m too busy living the life of an urbanite, I’ll stick with pets. No, ladies, boyfriends don’t count. They. Are. Not. Pets.
4. Books. I have a pile of books that I am *so* excited to read. I know what you’re thinking – how do you (or anyone else) have time to read? 20 minutes before bed can relax my Type A mind just enough for sleep. 20 minutes on the metro heading to HH pulls my mind out of the work day. 20 minutes during lunch (yes, some people take lunch breaks) can trigger creative juices which might even improve your work product. Lots of ladies push reading or other methods of “me time” to the last of their to-do lists. Try just a few minutes for yourself every day – please!
5. The little things. Rainy day ruining HH plans? Brighten up with lime green galoshes. Too stressed at work to get to the gym? Buy leg weights and wear them around your apt. Cant afford that unique dress you saw online just yet? Buy a fun, bright, out-of-your-comfort zone nail color and polish those babies away. Bummed out by your S.O.? Call your parents/grandparents and catch up with them. We lose sight of the little things, but it’s the little things that build on each other to make the great, awesome, mind-blowing big things. (NO, I did NOT lead a life as a cheerleader)

(photo courtesy of MrPessimist under the Flickr creative commons license)