In Photos: The US Capitol

My recent trip to Washington DC wasn't filled with lots of touristy activities- but I did make time to have a tour of the US Capitol! I could have given the tour myself since I worked on the Hill, but it's one of those places that I can't resist revisiting every time I'm in town!

The Capitol is undergoing extensive renovation and as a result, the Rotunda is covered in protective interior sheeting (called the doughnut!) and scaffolding outside. Don't let this put you off from visiting- the building is still as spectacular!

Here are some of the locations that we visited on the tour:

The Capitol rotunda is still spectacular even with the inflatable doughnut!

A closer look at the Apotheosis- can you see George Washington?

The fresco detailing is even more amazing in real life. Can you believe that this was all painted by hand?

President Lincoln keeps watch over the crowds.

The ceiling inside Statuary Hall provides lots of great angles for photographs!

The Eagle keeps watch. This room is used for receptions, events and the dinner that takes place directly after the inauguration of a President!

I also spied the office of the Majority Whip. Sadly, we didn't see Frank Underwood!

Finally, the famous star that denotes the center of Washington DC!

Have you visited the US Capitol? What was your favourite part of the tour? Let me know in the comments! 

For more of my Washington DC photos click here.

Washington DC: My Trip in Photos

If you follow me on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram, you'll know that I've been back in DC! The city is like my second home and it's been great to be back amongst amazing friends, gorgeous architecture and all kinds of fun!

Whilst my trip included lots of meetings and hard work, there was plenty of fun! Here's what I got up to.

Arriving at my friend's house, I was greeted with an amazing Easter basket filled with lovely goodies!

The next day, we went house searching (hello gorgeous properties along Foxhole Road!) This one is my absolute favorite.

Then an afternoon of shopping, including a trip to Neiman Marcus. Officially in love with this amazing dress!

On Saturday, we took a tour of the Capitol. It was fun to experience this sacred building and the area again after my time working here!

In the afternoon, we took a trip to Hillwood Museum and Gardens. If you live in the DC area and haven't visited- you must! I loved the 1940s kitchen - it was like something out of a film set! I also had fun with a regal looking lion.

The next few days were filled with meetings across the city. In the Smithsonian I spotted my pal, Tina Cassidy's great book about Jackie Kennedy!

I also attended the media launch of Nora Pouillon's new memoir, My Organic Life. Nora is the owner of the amazing Restaurant Nora and has cooked for Presidents and royalty! It was a lovely lunch with lovely company!

I also went by the White House for the standard 'House of Cards' moment...

I also explored Old Town Alexandria- I love the architectural details that are visible in the buildings across the city. The gorgeous little lights, brickwork and a piece of Wales in DC!

After DC I headed up to New York. Stay tuned for photos and details from this leg of my trip later this week! 

Washington DC: My Photos

Later this week I'm headed back to Washington DC! It's one of my favourite cities and where I find lots of inspiration for my blog! Here's a photographic look at some of my most treasured haunts and memories of this great city!

I love visiting the Smithsonian Museums! My favorite is the Museum of American History, where you can see items from the White House, dresses worn by the First Ladies and lots of Presidential memorabilia! The china above is from the George W Bush Administration.

I also love that you can see and experience Julia Child's kitchen- definitely a highlight!

Another great place to visit is the Newseum. It's packed full of interesting artefacts, hands on exhibitions and has a fab gift shop! You can see items such as Kennedy's debate notes, the door from Watergate and Tim Russert's desk.

I always try to visit Arlington National Cemetery when I'm in the city, and make a particular stop at the Kennedy gravesite. It's such a moving place of rest and it's a peaceful place in the heart of such a busy city.

Similarly I really like visiting the National Cathedral. It's magnificent! The circular stained glass window is so impressive and the views from the gallery are like no other!

Georgetown is my favourite area to stroll and shop. I love the houses and how unique the area feels.

The US Capitol is one of my favourite buildings and I have so many great memories from working there. I love all the history, the stories and the Rotunda is so impressive.

I like to visit the Memorials at night- I think the Lincoln Memorial is quite spooky in the dark!

All Author's Own

No trip to DC would be complete without a tour of the White House!

Check out more of my photos here.

What do you love most about DC? What are your favourite places to visit? Let me know! 

State of the Union 2015

Get up to date with the State of the Union and all the behind-the-scenes action!





The First Lady wore a Michael Kors tweed skirt suit, which was previously seen on screen and worn by Alicia Florrick (Julianna Margulies) in The Good Wife!

The First Lady and Dr Biden also took part in the Twitter Mirror selfie series! Click here to see more. 

In Video: The Inauguration Ceremony