National Christmas Tree 2014

Sooooooooooo, it's just over a month after Christmas, so what better time to finally write about the National Christmas tree, haha.  I did want to share some photos from the 2014 tree because every year the design is different and super fun to see! 

There are probably a bazillion other photos just like this, but the tree lines up so nicely with the Washington Monument, haha. 

This year they had a fun new feature for the smaller state trees, working with Google's Made With Code initiative.  People (particularly young girls) from all over could try their hand at "coding" a state tree, and their design would show up later at a specific time!  They even had stations around the trees encouraging guests to try their hand at "coding" on the spot, which I thought was a neat idea for kids especially.  I look forward to seeing what fun new ideas they come up with for this year's trees!

Georgetown Cupcake App

Georgetown Cupcake launched their own app today, woohoo!  Of course I've already downloaded it and love the overall look of the app.

There are five menu items along the bottom: Pay, Locations, Rewards, Menu, and More.  If you already have a LevelUp account like I do, the login process is easy as it links to your existing account.  For every $100 spent using the app, you get $10 in rewards.  I am hoping that over time, Georgetown Cupcake will also provide surprises in the app, like I've seen with other companies that use LevelUp in their locations as well.  The Menu tab is really nice, with photos and a description of the daily, weekly, and monthly special flavors listed.  Take a look at the app if you have a Georgetown Cupcake near you!

Kate Spade iPad Case

When I found out that I would be getting an iPad for work, I immediately went online window shopping for a new iPad case - priorities, people! 

After looking around both online and in a few stores, I picked out this Chevron iPad folio from Kate Spade - it's super cute and I like that it's a case that also works as an iPad stand.  If anyone else is in the market for a new iPad case, this one is currently on sale!!  

J.Crew iPhone Backup Battery

Generally speaking, I'm pretty good about charging my phone, but I still wanted to try out this J.Crew backup battery to have on hand for emergencies.  Also, it came in a bunch of cute colors, which always helps.

The main (obvious) key here is to make sure you charge this backup battery before you actually need it - which sounds dumb but I feel like it's necessary to spell out, haha.  Once it is charged, just throw it into your purse for an easy way of charging your phone on the go.  It does make the phone a bit bulky to hold (since it plugs into the bottom of your phone, adding some extra length), so I'd recommend charging it in your purse or when you're not using it right away.  I really liked having this while I was in Japan, when I'd be out all day and wanting to photograph everything in sight.  The hot pink color of the one that I got also makes it easy to find in my cavernous pit of a tote bag :o)

Take Time to Unplug

In thinking about some changes that I'd like to implement this year - so, resolutions without actually being yearly resolutions - I thought of something that I would like to try out for myself.

I've found that my daily routine is pretty, well, routine - usually some variation of dinner (in or out), working out if I'm not out, watching tv, playing around on my iPad, laundry every week or so.  The addition of my new iPhone to the mix has only added as an extra distraction to my daily downtime, haha.

So, I've decided to try out an hour of "unplugging" every day to see how it goes.  "Unplugging" for me will include not using my phone, iPad, laptop, or tv for an hour.  I know it sounds unnecessary but seriously, I even check my phone or iPad while I'm eating dinner.  So, hopefully this change will also help me to actually step away from technology for a little bit, maybe even read the piles of books that I have around, haha.

Have you taken a moment to unplug today?

Marc By Marc Jacobs iPhone Case

Hello, iPhone world!  Thanks to my work I have joined the ranks of a bazillion iPhone lovers, haha.  So to celebrate of course I had to get a fun case!

My mom got me this case at the Nordstrom in Seattle - how cute is it??  It's got the signature Marc by Marc Jacobs cute factor but it's still neutral enough - for me, at least :o)  I also like that it's textured on the back (the white "buttons" are raised) which lessens the chances of me slipping my phone out of my hands, haha.

Do any of you have fun phone cases?

Lunchtime Links for January 3rd, 2011

• Serious Eats: Chocolate chile icebox cake. 
• Tasty Kitchen: How to open a pomegranate. 
• Cute Overload: Eight-week old Pomeranians. 
• Unpluggd: iPad cases.
• La Fuji Mama: Ho Ho cake.