Top Nine of '09

Who doesn't love a good end of year recap?

I love watching the "best news stories of 2009" (way to go, once again, Sully Sullenberger) and recently discovered a mashup of the Billboard top 25 of 2009 that I can't stop listening to. So it only seems appropriate for W and CP to get in on the end of the year recap fun...*


9: Where in the World is W and CP? This year, I traveled to Austin, TX, New York, NY, Cleveland, OH, Northampton, MA, Milwaukee, WI, Chicago, IL, Bethany Beach, DE, Block Island, RI, Canaan Valley, WV, Boston, MA, Boston, MA, Salem, MA, Deep River, CT, Waynesboro, PA, Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN, Toronto, ON, Salt Lake City, UT, and Philadelphia, PA. (And most likely other places that I either didn't blog about or didn't tag with the "travel" label...alas I feel this list will suffice).


8: Challah Baking 101 (August) So, I neurotically check the Google Analytics that tell me who searches for what to end up at W and CP (among a million other indicators). And without fail, every time I check (no matter what I have recently blogged about), many people have searched for "chocolate chip challah recipe" and end up at my blog. It still makes me laugh. I also mistyped the amount of salt needed for that recipe in the original post and received some very confused comments and a bad challah report from one Sara F. The typo has been corrected so, have no fear, the recipe is still delicious.


7: Peter G. Guide to Life (June) This is one of my favorite posts of all time. I am not only proud of the content but the format and flow. It has also set the bar really high for future posts in the same spirit. Once I can get over the fear of nothing comparing to this, I will write other Guides to Life...and if I know you well, be on the lookout because you may be the subject (if you're lucky)!



6: Facebook In Box Etiquette: The Musical (March) This post was born out of complete necessity and after rereading it a few days ago, I remembered how necessary it was when I wrote it. The problem of Facebook messages being used as e-mails is rampant and it is our responsibility to educate the masses and stop it.

5: Swine Flu: The Musical (October) Thanks to DCBlogs, my post about my Swine Flu experience was VERY popular. Writing it also served as a fantastic activity to occupy me during the week I spent in my apartment "self quarantined" (sounds glamorous, right?).

4: ObamaLand Diaries (February) My recap of the Inauguration festivities was the post I used to announce W and CP to the world. Up until then, I had been blogging sporadically to build a readership (hi readers) and wasn't sure what this whole blog situation would become. The title for this post was inspired by David Sedaris' SantaLand Diaries (and I try really hard to be like David whenever possible).

3: Wedding Season It is wedding season everyday here at W and CP. I attended four weddings in 2009: Meg & Brett (May), Abbey & Oded (September), Katie & Alex (October), and Shaina & Nate (October)...and I wore the same dress to three of them...no shame. I LOVE being a wedding guest. I'm not sure what could be bad: cake, dancing, dresses, and a very fun reason to celebrate. Thanks for including me in your celebrations (and allowing me to pretend to be the real photographer)!

2: Calling Willard Scott...W and CP is 100 (August) I worked on this post for such a long time. I remember talking to friends about it for many weeks leading up to finishing it and reformatting the lists, adding new categories, and editing the entries. It has been the most popular single post in W and CP history based on number of individual hits and comments (29!). I still e-mail links to it on a regular basis when I am asked questions that can be answered with one of the lists...and it has spurred a special section in the W and CP redesign (so it can be easily accessed along with a few other very popular posts).

1: Welcome to the World, Olivia! (February) Obviously the most amazing post of this year was about the arrival of baby Olivia Abigail. What could be more fabulous?? I'm not sure... This post received the most hits I had ever received to date and was written during one of the most exciting times. It is crazy to think that Livvy is almost one year old! I have a photo shoot scheduled with Sarah and Erik in a few days to keep your eyes peeled for new and updated shots of the munchkin soon.

So, thank you for posing for photos, helping me stay in the moment, sharing your appetizer, teaching me, allowing me to post photos of you on my blog, commenting on W and CP, listening to me talk (about Livvypantz and other topics), looking at photos I've taken and providing feedback, picking up my Tamiflu prescription when I was "self quarantined," telling me what happens in season four of Grey's Anatomy, leaving parties (even while you were still having fun) to drive me home because I was tired, participating on not one but two conference calls to discuss Inauguration weekend logistics, decorating cookies with me, feeding me, challenging me, nurturing me, celebrating with me, dancing, doing puzzles, crafting, and laughing with me...

...I am so excited for 2010...

*As I prepared to write this post, I connected with many of you to find out about your favorite W and CP posts and had a great time hearing about what kept you coming back to this little window into my life.

One suburban Ohioan loved the crafternoon recap including all good things: "friends, cupcakes, crafts..." and the post about "Dr. Tiller for a political point amidst it all."

My recently 27 homemade cheese making friend noted that the Swine Flu post "was also good because it gave insight to who you are and the little note about your grandfather was great."

A former colleague, and soon to be married friend living in Manhattan had good things to say about my post on the Monif. C trunk show a few weeks ago: "I liked the exposure of real women looking real and beautiful and posing. We need more of that, more role models for our young women."

I also enjoyed praise for my 100th post, as one reader turned friend noted "that is when I knew we had be friends."

One very supportive (and frequently mentioned) friend voted for any post that included her the most.

Lastly, my sister and Livvy's other aunt wanted to make sure I included something about the tiniest person (obv).

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Operation Hire Reina: the Engagement Edition

Remember my blog post back in September about Operation Hire Reina?

Well, I am writing with the best update...ever. Not only was Reina recently hired by the ACLU of North Carolina as their Healthy Youth Campaign Coordinator (we're very proud), but she and her boyfriend, Dave, just got engaged!


I told you it was the best update ever.

And it gets better! About a week before Dave proposed, he asked me to be there to document the big moment. I was honored to be included in the secret plan, and also terrified that I was going to ruin the secret plan by casually mentioning something to Reina.

Here's how the day unfolded:

3:36 PM
I consumed a Potbelly chicken salad salad (with cranberries) and a bottle of water at the Connecticut Avenue location.

3:57 PM
While eating, I became so worried that Reina would see me once I arrived at the Jefferson but before the ring has been presented so I put up a fake out Facebook status to throw her off in case my cover was blown:


4:03 PM
I trekked to the Jefferson Memorial to hide out until Reina and Dave arrived.

4:13 PM
I received my last communication from Dave--his cell phone battery was dying so we were going to have to go without cell phone communication for the remainder of our stealth plan. (In case you haven't noticed yet, I am a bit of a hypercommunicator and not very subtle or quiet when it comes to surprises...so this was highly alarming.)

4:17 PM
I nervously checked my Blackberry and refreshed my Twitter feed. I reapplied lip gloss.

4:32 PM
Reina and Dave arrived at the Jefferson and I went completely undetected until the big moment. I had a perfectly clear view (free of any tourists or sun glare) of the Tiffany's box and Reina's surprised face. I took over 200 photos and am very pleased with the results!

Congratulations to Reina and Dave! Thanks again for including me in such a special moment.

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Grassroots Gourmet: 3; Whole Foods: 0

About a month and a half ago, one of my esteemed RCRC colleagues by the name of Sara F. came into my office and announced that she and our friend Causten W. were going to start a catering business.

About 24 hours later, they had filed the necessary paperwork with the District of Columbia, taken out a small business loan, and befriended the woman who works at the DC public library in the small business support center. And with that, Grassroots Gourmet was born...

The idea was that progressive non-profit organizations spend money to cater meetings and events...and sometimes, larger non-local chains are called upon for the job that often do not share the same progressive ideals as the organization in need of the catering. Not that there is anything wrong with the Corner Bakery breakfast pastry platter (I have never met a scone I loved as much as I loved the Corner Bakery chocolate chip scone, which they have sadly stopped making which means GG must start making scones so I can get my fix...but this is a whole other story) but if you can support two young political activists that share your values while munching on some of the best ruggelach ever, why call Cosi? (Grassroots Gourmet: 1; Corner Bakery: 0)

The soft launch happened right before Thanksgiving. Sara and Causten were up to their ears in pie crust and apple peels...and when they took the pies out of the oven, they boxed 'em up and drove into town to hand deliver the goodies to their clients. That is the second unique aspect of their business model: all orders are delivered to your office!

This means orders placed for your board meeting are delivered right to the meeting (by the ever dependable Sara or Causten) so we can cut out that awkward moment right before the coffee break is supposed to happen when the food isn't there and you're unsure if it will ever arrive and you've already called ABP five times. (Grassroots Gourmet: 2; ABP: 0)

And if you order something for an after work engagement (say two dozen cookies to bring to your friend Elissa F.'s mid-week dinner party), it is also delivered to your office so you can just change from your work shoes to your Dansko clogs, jump on the L2, and arrive at the dinner party with a delicious dessert in hand (all the while, supporting a business that is in line with your values). Sure beats a rushed trip to Whole Foods during that 6:30 crazy time when the lines stretch all the way back to the American Flatbread frozen pizzas. (Grassroots Gourmet: 3; Whole Foods: 0)

It has been really exciting watching Sara and Causten launch this business! I am continually impressed that they work so well together--in stressful and often new/scary situations. I am proud of the way they really took a chance on a concept they believe in and seem to have a great time doing it.

Visit GG's most excellent website and peruse their winter menu...and consider placing an order for your next event calling for peppermint bark.

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Blogging Barter

My second grade class spent several weeks on a unit about Amish communities. One of my favorite parts of the unit was the shoofly pie my friend Kristen W.'s mom brought in for the class. My second favorite part was the emphasis on bartering (before the unit began, I had watched an episode of Reading Rainbow all about the Amish community and wowed my classmates with my knowledge the practice).

What does shoofly pie, bartering, and Levar Burton have to do with Wild and Crazy Pearl? Well, the time has come for W and CP to migrate from Blogger (the current blogging platform I am using to "publish" this blog) to Wordpress (a bit of a more advanced publishing platform). Some people describe Blogger as Wordpress with training wheels...and it is time for the training wheels to come off!

The kicker is that, like most things, I want to customize the way the Wordpress blogs look. And I don't like one of the 100 and something templates that are available...and I don't have the HMTL and graphic design knowledge needed to make the changes to the Wordpress templates that can be edited.

This is where you come in:

I'd like to barter my photography services for a little blog redesign. Perhaps there is a graphic/web designer out there looking for a new head shot or perhaps some family photos? Or maybe you're getting married and you'd love a little Emily G. photography to document the day or a pre-wedding engagement session? So spread the word, far and wide!

Shoot me an e-mail if you're interested: emily.goodstein@gmail.com. And...keep your eyes peeled for a slightly updated look to W and CP sometime in the (hopefully, near) future.

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Emily G. and Monif C.

Last weekend, I went to a trunk show.

I know what you're thinking: trunks like those filled with hidden treasures recently dredged up from the bottom of the ocean.

Not so much.

A designer trunk show.

The designer was Monif C. and I have been following her blog since I started my own (by the way, my two year blogging anniversary is coming up on December 27, the day after my GRE scores expire). Similar to my jaunt to Co Co Sala, designer trunk shows are not one of my usual activities. In fact, I am usually an exclusively online shopper so this was very out of my comfort zone.

The trunk show experience was memorable in many ways...

Two weeks before the event, I e-mailed Monif and her trusty assistant (hi Brandon C.) to RSVP for the event after reading about it on Monif's blog. A few days later, I got a response with some pretty complex logistical information. It wasn't until two days before the event that I was notified of the specific hotel at which the trunk show would be held...and I was then instructed that I would receive a text message or voicemail with the room number the night before the event. Needless to say, I had no idea what I had gotten myself into (and given the fact that this was all taking place during my ten chanukkah party whirlwind, I wasn't even sure if I was even going to be able to attend).

The day of the trunk show shaped up well and I had a good hour long window to stop by the event. As soon as I walked into the show, Monif yelled "Wild and Crazy Pearl! Welcome!" which was the first time I had been "recognized" by my blog/twitter name. (Little did Monif know I LOVE being recognized, all in effort to convince myself that I am a local celebrity. Remind me to tell you the time I was recognized by Craig F. at the Dairy Godmother.)

I was at first highly overwhelmed by the clothing selection at the show. Where do I go that involves sequins? Do you think I could swing a floor length zebra dress with red sash at the Juice Joint? And the other people trying dresses on seemed so at home about the prospect of buying designer clothing out of a hotel suite. And were really into trying all kinds of dresses on that I am not sure I have a use for in my very inside the Beltway life.

Then I looked a bit more closely at some of the options and was very interested in the prospect of the convertible dress. Yes, it is a little trendy...and no, I have no idea how to wrap it in all 40 ways that one can wrap it in (that is where the video on the Monif C. website comes in handy). But, once I got it on and Rachel, one of the other people staffing the event, showed me several of the non-open back options (shockingly I am not an open back dress kind of gal), I was sold.

Let me tell you, I am thinking it will be a really fantastic option to wear to the DC Real World Premier Party (yes, I got press credentials along with Katie over at Suburban Sweetheart to attend the party to end all reality TV premier parties). Nothing says "pseudo food blogger/amateur photographer/neighbor of former Real World DC residents" like my new olive Monif C. convertible dress.

I had such a good time during my first trip to the trunk show, I went back a second time later that afternoon with friends Edith S. and Alex S. We were baking challah at my apartment and a little stop at the trunk show seemed like a perfect activity while the dough was rising. I felt so in with the in crowd knowing about this exclusive opportunity to buy designer clothes in the secret hotel suite location and knowing the designer!

See you next time you're in DC, Monif!

PS--Check out Monif's blog post about the event, featuring not one but two photos of me in my new purchase...and a link to W and CP...

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20 Years of WIN

The summer between my first and second years in college, I was an intern for the Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) Action Fund.

I am still in touch with many of the people I met that summer (Rebecca B., Nikki E., Jordan F., Sunshine M., Lena Z., and Rachel L., to name a few...) and they have served as really important personal and professional mentors as I have pursued a career in the reproductive rights community (the founding members of my personal board of directors, if you will). Many great things happened during my internship at PPFA, including the suggestion that I join the WIN List. I had no idea what that was in 2002... but WIN (or the Women's Information Network) has served me well ever since I purchased my first intern/student membership as a sophomore in college.

According to the WIN website, "WIN is Washington’s premier professional, political, and social network dedicated to empowering young, Democratic, pro-choice women. Founded in 1989 on the idea that women can help women climb the ladder of success, WIN is now over 1,000 members strong and growing."

And if you've ever contacted me about your job search in Washington, my first response is ALWAYS that you join WIN. Or if you've ever had a question about finding a good doctor, hair stylist, moving company, accountant, apartment, dogsitter, or running partner, WIN will almost always be my first suggestion (or my 100th blog post which contains much of the same information).

So, when I saw a posting over the WIN e-mail list that the organization was looking for someone to photograph their 20th Anniversary Affair at K Street Lounge, I jumped at the chance! I had a great time documenting the evening.

Here are a few of my favorite photos...

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8 (Wild and) Crazy Nights

This year, I was invited to 12 parties during Chanukkah (all but two were actually Chanukkah parties but the number is higher, therefore I appear more popular, if I include the non-Chanukkah specific outliers). I have no idea how the forces of the universe aligned to bless me with so many invitations, alas in addition to a plethora of latkes and some fun times with my friends, my back-to-back Chanukkah party schedule makes for excellent blog fodder.

Although the gatherings had many factors in common (potato pancakes, Jews, and in most cases a location within the District of Columbia), they also differed greatly. I have evaluated each party using a very complex scoring system and am prepared to reveal the results of my highly scientific Chanuakh party evaluation project here...

Rebecca F.'s "First Night of Chanukkah and Mezuzah Hanging Shabbat Party" is the clear winner for the "highest number of Jewish-themed activities in one evening" award. Rebecca also wins the "highest concentration of people with the name Rebecca at a party" as there were three people boasting this biblical moniker at her 13 person gathering. Congratulations, Rebecca! For this, Rebecca has received a "brucha keychain" (thanks Becky W.).

Special recognition for the winning "non-Chanukkah-party-party in the Chanukkah party category" goes to Amber W. and Jeremy B. for their "5th Annual Disgrace the Tree" party. I was thrilled to finally be able to participate in this unique fiesta after being unable to make it for the past three consecutive years. It should also be noted that Amber and Jeremy are also the winners of BOTH the prestigious "highest number of non-Jews at a party" and "most creative party platform" awards. My hearty congratulations to the winners of this year's disgrace the tree ornament contest, especially to Rachel M., for her homemade "Santa getting married to a snowman" tree ornament.


The award for "highest number of former employees of Hillel's Schusterman International Center" goes to Beth K. for her "Second Night of Chanukkah Gathering in DuPont Circle." This party featured some excellent potato pancakes which were created using a food processor borrowed from friends Jill and Amir S. (which also means Beth will take home the "best potato pancakes created with a borrowed kitchen appliance" award). Beth and Amy B. will also receive the coveted "best edible holiday themed craft project"award for the Chanukkah cookie decorating activity completed during these festivities.

Shira G. really cleaned up in the "Chanukkah party with most University of Louisville paraphernalia" category in addition to a surprise win for "fewest guests with degrees from Brandies University." Shira's celebration also doubled as a graduation party and a party to celebrate her impending aunthood so it takes the win for "multi- (non Jewish) purpose party."

Ruthie B.'s "Mid-Week Chanukkah Candle Lighting" takes home three honors: "most relaxed atmosphere," "best video doorbell system," and "most fantastic song books created by a mom." I was so happy to be included in Ruthie's gathering and enjoy the festive Chanukkah themed items her mom sent, including menorah and Jewish star string lights along with homemade song books complete with Chanukkah stickers.

Ben L., Josh K., and Akiva F. win the award for "celebration closest to my bed" for their "Chanukah Extravaganza" which just so happened to take place in the apartment across the hall from mine! This gang of three is also the lucky winner of the "Chanukkah party with most guests" and the elusive "party requiring you to move all of your furniture into one room due to space constraints" prize. I would also like to mention that these party planning experts should be commended for receiving the "exclusive use of social networking websites" award as the invitation to their party was extended solely through Facebook.

Jessica T., Teddy T., and Stephan K. should be proud. Their gathering wins the following honors: "most Unitarian Universalist guests," "best kitchen back splash," and "most entertaining Chanukkah themed dog costume modeling contest." Most importantly, these event planning pros take home the "best Chanukkah chatchkie" for their menorah and dreidel embroidered dish towel proudly on display during their party. Thanks to Teddy for keeping me company during the festivities and working your way into my heart with your fluffy caramel covered fur and sweet, kind personality.


Toward the end of the eight nights of Chanukkah, the competition was steep. Jill and Amir S. really brought it for their "Final Night of Chanukkah Party and Annual White Elephant Gift Exchange" on U Street. Not only did they take home the "best homemade jelly doughnut" award (they were the clear winners, hands down...recipe here), they are also the lucky recipients of the "most delicious latke" in the "alternative latke" category (thanks to Amir for translating the Israeli recipe from the metric measuring system). I also walked away with a cupcake decorating kit and book from the gift exchange. BEST.

Award for "gathering featuring the smallest, softest, and cutest guest still learning to walk" goes to Olivia, Sarah, and Erik R. for their "Post Chanukkah Goodstein Family Present Swap" in Clarendon. Held during DC's biggest snowstorm in over ten years, Sarah and Erik will also receive the "powering through inclement weather" award. It should be noted that Peter and Lois G. assembled and cooked the potato latkes consumed at this gathering in Maryland and transported them (mid-snowstorm) over the river to Virginia. For this, they will receive the "golden latke distance award" for traveling the farthest with the seasonal delicacy.



Judging note: Thanks to Alyx A., Greg V., and Craig F. for your party invitations! I was unable to attend your festivities due to metro inaccessibility and/or scheduling conflicts. You are, however, eligible to submit a recap of your gatherings in the comments section of this post for retroactive/absentee judging.

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Cooking with Chocolate Enrobed Bacon

Oh well hello again, December! I have been off doing lots of blog worthy things without even a second to blog. But rest assured, I have an entire week off of work coming up which will lead to several blog posts recapping these exciting happenings.

One of the main reasons I haven't had a spare second to blog is that I have been busy supporting two of my best friends who recently studied for and took the GMATs. (Read: I met them for dinner once while they were studying and made fun of the scoring system and challenging math related questions on the test. I think I was genuinely supportive when I logged onto BundlesofCookies.com and ordered up two Chanukkah cookie decorating kits to be shipped to their doorsteps the day they took the test as a little congratulations present. Some may argue that this was just because I wanted to show off my cookie decorating skills and don't have the time to bake and clean up from such a kitchen adventure but we won't dwell on that.)

So after the test ended (and those horrible Monday/Wednesday classes were done ruining our social lives), we decided to celebrate at Co Co Sala.


And when I say "decided," I mean that I called four restaurants in the DC metro area we had been wanting to try (including Birch and Barley) and none of them had reservations available for a party of five on a Tuesday night. Is Washington not aware that Tuesday is really not a big "go out for an expensive meal" evening? Or that our country is currently in the midst of a recession? Guess not.

Alas, our friends at Open Table told me that Co Co Sala could seat us at a normal time (as opposed to the 9PM table that Birch and Barley offered) so we booked it.

Let me first say that I am not a person who usually spends much time in swanky restaurant establishments. I feel my "blogging niche" has more to do with affordable destinations the District has to offer (as opposed to those financially out of reach to the majority of my friends who are employed by non-profit organizations). This was recently pointed out to me by my grandmother (hi Gram!) and I decided I am going to own it and perhaps make a point to blog about meals under $20 on a regular basis.

But, back to Co Co Sala. This meal was far from under $20. But we were celebrating the end of the GMATs (and the arrival of the cookie kits)...then I spotted the chocolate bacon mac and cheese on the menu and budget consciousnesses quickly faded from my mind.

A moment to discuss the chocolate bacon mac and cheese. If you go to Co Co Sala, you must order this pot of treif (or unkosher) goodness. It is composed of mac and cheese (with a crunchy topping of bread crumbs and pasta that is not overcooked) which is finished off with a piece of bacon enrobed in chocolate. Yes. This exists.

I would eat it everyday if it wouldn't kill me.

Okay back to the meal. The meal was delicious, second only to the most delicious cocktail that Beth K. ordered. The "Alisar" is a refreshing drink of Grey Goose Le Citron, diced cucumbers, and fresh lime juice... I have no idea why it was so fantastically yummy, but it was and I give Beth extra points for resisting the temptation of the chocolaty drinks (which were fine but so not as AMAZING as the Alisar) and picking out such a winner.


The desserts were an adventure, too! We opted for the "childhood favorites" chocolate "tour" which is a three course dessert experience. We decided to share it. I was not wowed by the desserts (perhaps because my expectations were so high or perhaps because I seem to prefer an overpriced cupcake as opposed to fancy plated desserts). They were beautifully plated, though, and I did appreciate the creative approaches to all three unique courses and the lovely presentation.


So there you have it: a meal worthy of any future MBA student and her enthusiastic and chocolate loving friends.

PS--After my dinner at Co Co Sala, I heard from some fancy pro-choice youth engagement professionals that CCS has a VERY affordable and equally as delicious LUNCH SPECIAL (something like $20.00 for a three course pre fixe meal).

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