About

Welcome to City Sifting, a guide, filter, sieve for locals and visitors alike… all of whom are looking for the best of Washington, D.C. Where’s the best place to grab a bite to eat in Dupont Circle? What’s the best non-free museum? Where’s the best spot to get a drink on Tuesday night? I do all the sifting and share with you all the gems that pass through the filter.

To define best: For me, best is a great value: low price, high quality. I don’t mind spending a hefty buck for top-notch stuff; but I abhor parting with lots of cash over not-so-great things. Time is money too. So just because something is free, it doesn’t mean I think it’s good. Best will be worth your time and dollar.

It’s also good to keep in mind that I like to travel. And this means writing about things to do, eat, and see outside of our nation’s capital. When I’m on the road, you’ll hear about it. And you’ll likely hear me proselytizing about all things authentic. What can I say? I have it in my blood.

About the Author:

Call me Emily. Born in Ogden, UT, I moved to D.C. soon after college and have been here ever since, a whopping 4 years. So while I can’t claim to be a District lifer, I’m starting to know this place well. For more on me and my professional life, visit my website. Contact me at emily@citysifting.com or emking2001@yahoo.com.

About the Tools:

1. Canon PowerShot SD700. This is the perfect travel camera. Not only does it take great photos, it takes decent video, and the battery lasts forever. I take it everywhere with me—coat pocket in the winter, bare hand in the summer. It’s always zipped up in this padded case for protection.

2. MacBook 3,1. While it hurt a little to toss my college companion, the Dell Inspiron, I’ve loved this MacBook. It’s been running swell for a year—a good thing, since I wouldn’t splurge on the $250 Apple Care package.

3. Wordpress. I’ve used Typepad and Blogger, and I’m definitely a big proponent of WP. It’s easy to use, but better yet, it’s incredibly flexible…and serves as an excellent tool to teach me some elements of CSS.

4. Google Analytics. I’m a a big fan of this free program that tracks the most minute details of Citysifting’s web traffic. Ten page views in Utah? My mom’s giving me love.

5. HostICan. The whole explanation is here, but this is the web hosting company I use to host my blog. It was cheaper than most of its competitors at $80 per year.

6. Patten Wood. My companion for nearly all Citysifting ventures. Without him, this blog would never be possible. Kisses!