And Baby E Makes Three: It's almost Brooke's big day!

It’s almost here!! My dear friends from college, Brooke and Brian are getting married in just 33 days. As you might expect, the past few weeks have been filled with bouquets, menus, place cards, invitations, bridal showers and of course- respective bachelor and bachelorette weekends.
I attended Brooke’s gorgeous shower in New Jersey last month and her bachelorette bash in DC this past weekend. I waited a little while to combine these two events into one recap, my apologies for the delay.

Brooke’s shower was held at Fiddleheads Restaurant in Jamesburg, New Jersey. It was great to meet her family and see how excited they are getting for the big day!

Maid of Honor Extraordinaire Stephanie did an amazing job organizing games, coordinating the invitations and decorations, and keeping the party lively.

Brooke, Michele and Stephanie

Brooke’s bachelorette party in DC started off with relaxing pedicures at Red Door day spa in Chevy Chase before checking into our gorgeous suite at the Donovan House hotel near Thomas Circle. One of the Thompson Hotel’s newest boutique hotels, it was named for Wild Bill Donovan, the legendary general whose covert operations gave birth to the CIA.

I feel pretty.....

The Donovan House gets it simple, chic and modern feel from its stylish solid colors, clean architectural design and materials. The hotel features a rooftop pool and bar, modern looking rooms with cocoon spiral showers, leather wrap-around beds, minibar items from Dean & Deluca, bath products by Kiehl's, flat screen TVs, iPod docking station alarm clocks and tons more. Chef Todd English will soon open a restaurant on the premises soon.

The rooftop pool was great until Mother Nature decided to change our plans a bit. We camped out under an awning until the rain stopped, and our patience was rewarded with a pretty rainbow across the DC skyline.

waiting out the rain

For dinner, we went to Zengo in Chinatown. The menu features a blend of Spanish, Latin and Asian flavors in a style meant for sharing. Zengo translates to “give & take” and plays in nicely with Chef Richard Sandoval's Latin heritage and passion for Asian cuisine. His melding of flavors and cultures results in intriguing shareable and delicious dishes. Located right next to the Gallery Place/ Chinatown metro stop, it is easy to get to and worth a try.

After dinner, we changed into our “Team Bride” tank tops. On the back, Brooke's shirt said "It's my day, Bi*ches!"

Then we went to Co Co Sala for drinks and dessert. This new lounge and restaurant in Penn Quarter is devoted to chocolate, coffee and cocktails. All things I love! This is DC’s first foray into the world of dessert tasting menus (complete with wine and cocktail pairings) and I think it will do very well. The place was packed all night!

Although it was a little loud (and I realize that I am officially getting old by saying this) but the tunes were good and the atmosphere was festive. Make sure you have a reservation.

After a night on the town, we settled into our room with a classic movie, The Princess Bride. Aaaaaas youuuuu wiiiiiish!

Sunday morning was a ton of fun- we went to Perry’s Restaurant in Adams Morgan.

During the week, Perry’s features sushi and contemporary Asian cuisine, but on Sunday mornings it hosts the most fun drag show brunch in town!

I swear I am wearing clothes

The buffet brunch features lip synching drag queens (bring some singles for tips) and does not take reservations, so get there early. Seating begins at 10:30 for the 11 AM show and noon for the 12:30 show.

Yep, this is a man! Amazing!

There is plenty of time to eat before the show begins. This is not a place for the prude, but it's all very light and fun.

Afterwards, we headed back to the Donovan House for poolside champagne and cupcakes from Georgetown Cupcake. What a perfectly delicious and indulgent way to end a great weekend!