Happy Weekend!

Mountain Town Bliss

Bookstores and Coffee and Vino- Oh My! I am in Smoky Mountain Town Bliss. Above, one of my favorite spots from the sweet town of Sylva. A top notch local bookstore chock full of excellent staff picks (love that!) with a great little coffee and wine bar to boot- Ahhhhhhhhh (please read in Soprano).

Happy Weekend dear readers. We are still on the road so to speak, doing this summer up Americana-style. We’re parked just outside of Asheville, NC for now and working with our talented family members (namely Charlotte d’Amboise and Terry Mann) choreographing and teaching some youngsters the ways of the old Broadway. We are having a blast and I am loving our little mountain town. We’re deep in the thick of the Great Smoky Mountains nestled in a quaint little town called Cullowhee, just adjacent to the darling little town of Sylva. I am loving it so- mostly because the town is loud and proudly local-centric, you can’t believe how many bookstores dot this four-block town, not to mention a store that actually sells records- I feel like I’m in a time warp. The clouds hang low over these tree-laden mountains and ooze a mysterious smoke throughout the day opening up to reveal the sunny Saturday Farmer’s Market, live music on the creek, artisanal coffee with Scrabble and Yahtzee table-side and the list goes on. I’m charmed beyond belief. The kiddos are loving it too- lots of summer frolicking through the local playgrounds and town pool in between rehearsals and dance class. Too fun.

We are off to brewery nirvana (aka Asheville) tomorrow where I’m hoping to eat at Katie Button’s Cúrate. Carolina-bred but trained at El Bulli, her little tapas joint is supposed to be insane. We have a rezzie, I just don’t know how things will shake out with the kiddos in tow, things are always a bit up in the air with those little ones, it all depends on the noise level in her joint, to be honest. The louder the better these days so as not to completely disrupt the ambience. I’m not sure a brewery hop is the most toddler-friendly activity either but I am hoping to try one (or two) of Asheville’s legendary home brews. A full report to come. I could totally live here. This Smoky Mountain region is not only beautiful but really funky and interesting. I can’t say much for the local wine here, it leaves a bit to be desired but the beer more than makes up for it, and our local wine store ponies up lots of delicious juice including those imported by one Kermit Lynch, so they clearly know what’s up. I’m digging it.

What are you all up to this weekend?

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Some Some Summertime…

obx summer vacay

It’s that time of year my friends- ice cream cones, stripey beach umbrellas, sand in your toes, Otis Redding (or DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince’s “Summertime” for my fellow Gen X’ers- p.s.: whatever happened to that jazziest of Jeffs?) in the background- the whole lot of summertime fun. I count myself lucky to get to the beach at least once during summer now that I’m a bit inland. We just finished our beach week in the Outer Banks. I made sure to book our vacation early in the summer to avoid any hurricane shenanigans and what do you know- Hurricane Arthur and its evil (but not too menacing as it turns out) eye huffed and puffed right over our little beach town. We survived. I was a bit of a ‘fraidy cat at first with my little ones and thinking maybe it best that we high-tail it out of there, but the locals were completely non-plussed and friends that had braved similar storms advised us to ride it out, so we did. None too nonchalantly, I might add. I was pretty much up all night watching those notorious Weather Channel stormcasters in their drenched slickers hopelessly listing to the left and feeling our beach cottage go bump in the night. It was an adventure and because there wasn’t really any damage and it wasn’t too harrowing, it was kind of fun.

I was so pleasantly surprised by the OBX, as the locals refer to the Barrier Islands of North Carolina, especially the quaint little town of Duck where we stayed. It’s nice to know and love a beach town none too far away- 5 hours from DC door-to-door, not too shabby. I’ll post my top 5 spots to hang in Duck this coming week.

For now, I thought I’d just share a few photos and wax poetically about the lazy days of summer. As a society, I am convinced that we are not doing things right. We should do as the Romans do and take 5 weeks vacay a year- minimum. A week or two doesn’t quite cut it. It takes a solid 3 days to come down off one’s normal life chaos and relax into your vacation anyway, right? Sigh. Maybe one of these days we’ll get it right and start doling out not only more vacation time but more maternity leave etc. etc.

But I digress, I’ll take whatever I can get when it comes to vacation and this one was a lazy, relaxing one- just the way it ought to be come July. I’m endlessly on the hunt for the ultimate little beach town that I can’t wait to return to each year. Sure I’d love to have my own beach house, preferably an exact replica of Diane Keaton’s in “Something’s Gotta Give” (oh Nancy Meyers, you do know how to tug on a gal’s heartstrings), but I’d happily take a paired-down version of that house too. Ha. I have images of escaping to a seaside town for a few months each summer to read (imagine that- actually reading a book), build sandcastles, bike around town and the like- maybe a la Jessica Fletcher in her Cabot Cove or Doris Day in her Carmel? Any seaside town will do. On the other hand, it’s awfully fun trying out different beach towns each year. Maybe I’ll completely fall head over heels one day and settle on one, but it’s for now, it’s pretty great exploring them. The simple joys. Now about that vacation time…

hang time

Hang time in the Hammock- aww yeah, that’s what it’s all about. I treasure these moments just before they squirm their way out and I’m once again chasing them all over the sand. But to get a few moments like this- heaven. Where do you all escape to in the summers? Do tell.

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Happy Weekend!

 

Dad and I

Happy long weekend dear readers. It’s my Dad’s birthday today. He would have been 72. There we are above circa 1976 in that amazing wood paneled den. Love you Dad, you will always be the coolest. Miss you and your generosity, humor, big love, wisdom and sense of adventure every day.

I hope you are all off to some fun and adventure in the spirit of this holiday weekend. We’re hanging around these parts trying to gussy up this joint. It is taking for-evah. I failed to properly estimate the time it would take me to fully unpack and semi-organzie with 2 toddlers in tow. It’ll get done one of these days… or not. In the meantime, we continue to navigate through our basement and garage like we are the All-Stars of the last season of Hoarders. We’ll throw in a bbq somewhere this weekend amidst the constant disarray. That’s sort of what life is though isn’t it. Throwing in the fun stuff amidst the chaos- something like that.

What I’m Drinking:

Le P’tit Rouqin from Olivier Lemasson. This fantastic gamay is brought to me by Ian Cauble’s new venture, Somm Select. From one of my favorite importers, Louis/Dressner, comes this terrifically acidic and food friendly but still fruitalicious Loire gamay. Strawberries, lots of flinty and clay minerality and a hint of tobacco and spice pepper this beauty. A light-to-medium bodied red that is so so good. Check out your local wine shop for Louis/Dressner imports as this bottle has already peaced-out from Somm Select and can be a bit elusive. It’s only about $20- a steal, as much of the Loire Valley can be.

A Few Things:

This cool new wine business (as mentioned above). A Master Somm’s picks straight from his palate to your front door. Well, something like that anyway. I’m a fan. I was cheering for Mr. Cauble in the recent smart vino doc, Somm and think this is a bright new venture for the now lettered MS. He’s got a beautiful Bandol up at the moment.

3 Great Foodie Memoirs- I can never get enough of these things (if I ever have time to read that is, which is never- so strike that whole comment but these do look interesting).

This fun little feature on my girl Jessica Pariseau. I just saw her in Cabaret and she is on fire kids. Go girl- one of my favorite people.

Katie Parla’s Proust-inspired Questionnaire- the subject: food writer Alec Lobrano. I’m always in the mood for a Prousty questionnaire especially when it involves food and musings upon it.

Who needs a bar cart anyway? Not me with these little ones running around, that’s for sure. This looks pretty good.

How NYC’s neighborhoods got their names. Hmm.

This terrific article written by my good pal, John Carroll. He never disappoints- one of the funniest and sharpest dudes I know.

For bougie bohemians, Mara Hoffman launches her first home collection at Anthropologie. Eyeballs and feathers and arrows, oh my. This is a little too blogtastic for me, but I do like a random eyeball here and again.

Holy Smoky Flavors- 10 Brilliant Grilling Secrets from the latest of issue of Food & Wine. A newbie convert to the wonders of the grill- I can’t believe what I’ve been missing- I was thrilled to get this latest issue in the mail as it is pretty much entirely devoted to the good sport of grilling.

A behind-the-scenes look at book cover design from the bookish folks at Chronicle.

Funny. I especially like June Squibb and Gary Oldham’s reactions.

Cin Cin ya’ll and Enjoy.

 

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Six Groovy Things

Just some stuff I’m liking…

Like Narwhals. Yep- let’s start with those.

6 Groovy Things

1. Narwhals- because they’re ridiculously awesome. No wonder the hipsters have claimed the Narwhal as their un-official mascot. Has anybody noticed the sudden influx of their likeness, I don’t know… everywhere? The unicorns of the sea are donning the likes of bloggy branding and Pinterest-approved marks everywhere. Please hipsters- don’t overexpose the dear Narwhal- she is a true creature of creatures, I mean how cool looking are these things. I’d like to see one in the wild one day. For now, I just check in with the WWF’s Narwhal Satellite Tracking Map. They do face manmade dangers like oil leaks, climate change and above all- noise pollution, a problem that I had no idea was such a harmful thing to sealife until recently. Check out how you can make a difference here.

2. These wabi-sabi oak cutting boards made by a dude in New York’s Hudson River Valley, namely one John Corcoran- because they’re imperfectly perfect and because he also bakes cakes, keeps bees and makes maple syrup- a modern day Renaissance man.

3. This Chenin Blanc from Xavier Weiskoppf of the Loire Valley- because it is a true treasure to behold. Funky enough to satiate a wine geek’s love of naturally made Chenin and chalky and citrusy enough to please anyone’s palate. A terrific food wine and lots of interesting things going on in this glass. (shameless plug: currently found at Waterfront Market)

4. This gold and leggy lucite table- because why not be stylish when dining TV-side? Not that I’m a big proponent of TV dinners, but let’s face it, sometimes you do have to multitask. And also, if you’re anything like me and you’re home alone with the kiddos in bed, sometimes you just want to saddle up to some good old-fashioned TCM with your piping hot bowl of carbalicious pasta- am I right? Not your momma’s tray table. Or maybe it is, if your momma was hip and could be found with a tv tray in the early 70s- Gen X’ers, I’m talkin’ to you.

5. This 1967 navy blue Volvo station wagon- because, well, because I want one. Practical, mmmm… probably not. But she’s a looker- she’s both awkward and gorgeous at the same time- my kind of gal. I’d love to cart my little brood around in this baby.

6. The current Andrew Wyeth exhibit at The National Gallery of Art- because it truly is a thing of beauty, words don’t much do it justice. If you’re in the area, just go see it. And let me know what you think.

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Happy Weekend!

Happy Weekend

Oh my little blog, how I’ve missed you. I have been most occupied. There have been many sips, some steps and lots of Pooh in my life as of late. Let me explain.

As some of you dear readers may know, I am helping the folks at Waterfront Market (namely Alexandria’s honorary mayor, owner Jody Manor and his gal Friday, the genius Rashmi Pappu- an artist/photographer moonlighting as a restaurant maven) with their wine list. It couldn’t be more fun. We are stocking the shelves with artfully crafted, terroir-driven wines, it’s such a dream. We’ve got a rosé sparkler from Michigan (yes, you read that right), a killer Chenin Blanc from South Africa and a kick-butt Chinon from the Loire Valley. I’m so proud of our selection, we are working with some wonderful importers and I’m also really proud of our pricing. It’s a little bit of a secret for now, but the word will soon be out that Waterfront’s got some of the quirkiest and most interesting wines around with some seriously excellent pricing. We are in it for the locals- come and get your juice at the Pier. If you live near Old Town Alexandria- go go go. We just put that crazy delicious pink bubbly from Michigan on our shelves. So back to the sips… we’ve been taking lots of them in the quest to develop the wine program. Working with Rashmi has been a blast, it’s a good day when you’re genuinely exhausted from tasting too much wine. And yes, that is possible. :-)

To the steps- I have laced up my character shoes and jumped back on the choreography train, folks. After a few years on the down low with my little ones, I am newly motivated to get back into the theater. I’ll be the associate choreographer on Signature’s “Cabaret” this coming season and have lots of new fun things in the works. Honestly, it’s just great to be back in the theater and in the rehearsal studio again (my favorite part). My body doesn’t quite bounce back the way it once did after a day’s work- oh aging, aren’t you fun- but it’s good stuff and I’m so psyched to be breaking out my jazz hands.

And Pooh, dear Pooh. My kiddos are in love with that Winnie, they cannot get enough. They love watching his Many Adventures and I have to say, I’m ok with it. I would much rather be watching Pooh and Piglet cavort around the Hundred Acre Wood than jump around with those crazy Gabba Gabba whatever-they-are. My mother-in-law used to read the A.A. Milne stories aloud to her fellow showgirls in the “Call Me Madam” Broadway dressing room in  the 1950s, how times have changed, so there’s something so sweet and sentimental about my kiddos’ newfound love for Pooh.

Happy Weekend to you all. I hope you are off to some fun adventures. We are headed to the beach (yay!) with some friends, one of them being my talented friend Jess Hartman. We just went to her opening night of Smokey Joe’s Cafe here at Arena in DC last night and folks, it’s awesome. Big congrats to her and the cast. The last 6 or 7 numbers of the show are like going to church. If you want to hear some serious singing (these people are not kidding around) and toe tapping tunes, hit this show up. Back to the weekend at hand- it’s supposed to rain but I’m ok with that, I rather like being holed up with friends and family in a cozy beach cottage. Sounds like heaven to me. What’s not so heavenly- packing with toddlers. Seriously, it’s like preparing for a friggin’ moon launch. What gives with all this gear!

A few things from above that look yummy and inspired:

1. A Sparkling Grapefruit Sage Mimosa. Yum. I spied this juicy image floating around Pinterest with no recipe to speak of, so here’s my version:
1. Fill your cup 3/4 full with sparkling wine or champagne
2. Add a splash of grapefruit juice
3. Garnish with a wedge of fresh grapefruit and a sprig of sage
Voilá. My new favorite drink (other than a great glass of vino of course).

2. An Oversized Beachy Striped Tote. It’s $59 and it goes with everything. Done.

3. Lemon-Dijon Chicken Salad Sandwiches. Come on, how cute are these things- look at them all wrapped up. Truthfully I don’t even like chicken salad but that Anna Watson Carl makes everything delicious and she’s making these like the Frenchies do- sans mayonnaise. Yum. I’m looking forward to making and packing these little beauties up at the beach this weekend.

4. Because who doesn’t love these two in the air with jazz hands to boot. Pure happiness.

5. Fig Tartlets. Shhh. Don’t speak. Enough said, I’m sold and making these stat.

What I’m Drinking: 

That Sparkling Mimosa above and some delicious Italian rosé. This one in particular from our Waterfront selection, it’s crazy good.
Here’s What I Get:

tasting note- sperino rose

Get it here if you don’t live in my neck of the woods.

And A Few More Things:

This little Italian movie may be the greatest road movie ever made. On the list.

This one’s on the list too. A Year In Burgundy- I can never get enough good wine docs. Cue the Amazon instant video.

There’s a butt selfie queen? Oy.

How Monica Lewinsky Changed the Media. 

That’s all. A Happy Mother’s Day to you all. Cin Cin and Enjoy.

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Happy Sunday

happy sunday

It’s a lazy spring Sunday day over here in the ‘burbs. I’m still trying to get used to the idea that I’m so ‘burby now. I haven’t lived in a true suburban community since my childhood and while the pros outweigh the cons for us, I do sometimes feel like a fish out of water. I’ve met some fabulous people on my block alone, but of course most of my friends live in DC or Alexandria proper, so I’m feeling the need to start throwing some massive dinner parties just so that I can get my peeps out here for some good old fashioned quality time. A good excuse to do one of the most fun things on the planet anyway right? Who doesn’t love a good dinner party?

In the meantime, I’m lappin’ up the rays on my newly painted deck. When we moved in, it was a dingy burnt orange-y color, something that I’m sure looked smokin’ in 1979, but a fresh coat of BM’s Deck Gray has zhooshed her up real good. My brother Matt and my sis-in-law Wendy came over to plant some flowers and plants from their garden into ours- how cool is that- and I’m now the proud caretaker of a real honest-to-God herb garden (see photo above). I’m pinching myself about the glories of a backyard.

That’s about it for me this weekend. We start a massive landscape project tomorrow. I’ll post some before and afters but we’re basically getting rid of all of the pretty but dangerous (for toddlers) ivy on a steep slope in the backyard, planting a Japanese maple tree to provide a little privacy from our neighbors and ripping out all the Chinese holly bushes in our front yard which seriously look like prickly torture devices- not the most welcoming thing to see at first glance of a house.

What are you all up to this weekend? My Texas family is currently grillin’ it up at the Austin Food and Wine Fest (yes, I’m completely jealous), their arms above freshly inked by rock star chef Tim Love. I’m loving this flowering plant in these tear drop vases. I never know what to put in mine, I lugged one home from a Provence flea market a few years ago and it usually just sits alone and empty on our countertop. These fritillaria are so graceful and architectural. (Can you tell I’m loving learning about plants- so much to learn). And I’m thinking about this wallpaper for my girl’s room. I’m on a wallpaper tear- cannot get enough. And this one’s on sale. Sweet and pretty, right?

What I’m Drinking

The Chateau Coupe Roses that I posted about on Friday- can. not. get. enough. Marshy, lavender deliciousness from Southern France. Yum. And some Bandol rosé thrown in for good measure, of course.

A Few Things: 

Explaining the joke is the joke. Sort of like Penn & Teller’s approach to magic. I dig it.

35 Restaurants with a View. Because who doesn’t want some good eats and something pretty to look at (besides your date of course).

I love this etsy shop by the Meg A. Myers. Great up-cycled geometric planters.

Fresh and springtime-happy cocktails via Camille Styles.

How are annoying are you on Instagram? This quiz made me throw up a little bit in my mouth. Most of the stuff on this quiz never occurred to me- maybe it’s because I’m 5 years away from Millenial thinking or maybe I’m just too old for this shit. Is this really what’s happening? I know we all have egos- duh, I have a blog- but this whole self(ie) obsession is getting a little out of control.

P.S.: A random side note about the Disney Princess craze. If you don’t have kids, you’ll probably want to skip this next bit.

To all you moms of former, current or soon-to-be toddler girls, I have a theory on the whole Disney Princess craze. Indulge me here. I think it actually could be a little more about our (the moms’) fascination with said Disney heroines than it is our kids’. At least I think that’s where it may start. This is just a theory but it I witnessed this case in point this past week as after watching scenes of “Frozen” over and over again with my little ones (at their request, but honestly, mostly because I really dig it- it is a seriously well-crafted and thoughtful tale with some catchy-ass tunes, after all).

My little miss will not stop belting out “Let It Go”. And this from a 22 month old who doesn’t fully talk yet. She sings out Louise accapella at all hours of the day- in her crib hours after I think she’s gone to bed, at mealtimes, in the car,  and when I try to sing something else, she quickly starts in to the power ballad chorus. “Let It Go” is Celine goes to Vegas after all isn’t it.

My girl is into it and in turn asks to watch Anna and Elsa all day long. Now I have to be honest with myself. She didn’t create this passion from out of the blue. I introduced it to her and I myself am overly enthusiastic about the Frozen girls and cannot resist my full-out musical theater belt every time we get to the “Let It Go” scene. So whose fascination is this anyway? It’s definitely hers, but it’s definitely mine too. Have I created a musical theater Disney-loving monster? If I have it’s too late nate. I’m sure I’ll rue the day when in a few years, she’ll wear nothing but a cheap pink princess-ish gown to school, the park and to bed as many of my friends now contend with. Or maybe she won’t, or maybe I’ll love it that she refused to wear anything but her princess gown. Who knows? But honestly, as a generation that grew up with The Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast (ok maybe we tail-end Gen-X’ers were a little old for the Princess schtick when these movies came out), but it kind of makes sense that our kiddos would be so into these Disney ladies. Because we are too, like it or not. Feminist debate to be had at another date. What say you?

Austin Food & Wine Fest photo: Toni Terzian Wellhausen

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Happy Weekend!

marbled mess

Happy Weekend dear readers. This image above is the perfect representation of my currently marbled mind. I have neglected le blog this past week- the first time I’ve ever done so since starting said blog- due to some serious overwhelmation (how do you like that word?). Our big move really set me back a bit. Turns out having toddler twins and moving while working is not exactly a walk in the park- at least not for me. In any case, I’m loving the ‘burbs. I wish I was closer to town but what I get in exchange is pretty huge, especially for this former teeny apartment-living city dweller. I’m looking forward to sharing our renovation progress with you all, sometimes it feels like I’m never going to get this house together. Patience. ‘Tis a virtue indeed.

What I’m Drinking:

Honestly, I don’t know. I haven’t had the time to truly consider and think about it, I am really that overwhelmed and honestly- exhausted. Right now, I’m chomping on a yummy Chablis that my hubby just poured for me. For once in my adult life, I’m too tired to look at the label. Who am I?

A Few Things:

In another life, I’m Gabrielle Hamilton. How much do I love her and her writing, not to mention her cooking! Here’s a great piece she wrote for AFAR on Sicilian wine and wineries.

6 Solutions for the Chronically Busy- Holy Smokes, I should have read this years ago.

The smarty pants Long Island kid who got in to all 8 Ivys.

It’s great to travel like a local and all, but sometimes it’s kind of awesome to just be a cheesy tourist.

I’m currently The Armstrong Lie: wowzers. Talk about a study in Machiavellian personality- I feel like I’m watching Frank Underwood in House of Cards. He couldn’t give it up when the giving was good and that brought him down. He had to come back because that’s what power hungry people do, I guess. I don’t know. It blows my mind, I did not get that gene.

A nearly $10 million dollar pad in NYC. It’s nice and all, but I mean really… $10 million?

How to create a foodie-approved Fruit Roll-Up aka Fruit Leather.

I just bought these tiny Bertoia-style chairs for the bebes. A pink one, a blue one and a few chrome ones for their pals. Cute right!

Another mouth-watering recipe for Sea Salt Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Lavender Creme Brûlée anyone? Yum.

And A Little Aside: 

I recently had a student ask me what “xerox” meant. Talk about a generational shift. Really? Really. Hmmm.

Enjoy your weekend and Cin Cin!

 

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Happy Weekend!

Moving Day!

So long Old Town! One last photo op on our way out the door. Old Town Alexandria was so good to us and we had a blast living there. We brought our babies home to that tiny and loved apartment and I loved all of our long stroller walks through the Colonial streets of that charming town. Our move to the ‘burbs was a bittersweet one. We were so sad to say goodbye to Old Town but happy to have some real space and a small patch of green to call our own. More Progress Reports on our ongoing reno to come- now I know why people say that home improvement is ongoing, there is an absolute endless lists of things to tackle, but that’s what makes it fun right? We’ll be making various trips to Lowe’s and the hardware store this weekend amidst attempting to unpack boatloads of boxes- what is even in these things is beyond me. How in the world is it possible to accumulate so much when you live in 700 square feet? First world problems to be sure. I don’t mean to complain about “stuff” but it does get to be a bit much. I mean really, how much do we really need in our lives? I’d like to just give everything away but I know I would just end up buying most of it all over again. Here’s to a life more simplified, that’s always a good goal.

What I’m Drinking: 

Our refrigerator isn’t working yet (long reno sob story), so it’ll be a warm Blue Moon with a slice of orange for me on a plastic cup (until we can find that elusive box of glassware). I’ll put a 6-pack outside to cool overnight- cool weather can be a blessing. Ha.

A Few Things:

“What Facebook is doing to your brain is kind of shocking.”

What a cute ad campaign.  I love those black doors.

You may have heard, but there’s been a big breakthrough in the Big Bang Theory- I can’t even fathom figuring this out. Fascinating.

Hip Hip Hooray- my friend Anna Watson Carl has finished her “Cookbook Diaries” and will be self-publishing her Yellow Table cookbook this year! Three Cheers for realizing a dream!

L’Wren Scott’s passing this week was so sad. She was such a gifted artist and designer. I remember L’Wren Scott as she was the costume designer for the 2000 Academy Awards that I was lucky enough to perform in. I’ll never forget my fitting with her, she had yet to propel to the fast track in the fashion world and was in the beginning stages of her work as a rock star designer but it was clear that she had the goods. I’ve never felt better, she knew how to make a gal look and feel great.  I posted a small photo of our Blame Canada kickline in our Royal Mountie garb here on the blog.

For all you DIY’ers out there, a super cute pennant pillow. I can’t sew to save my life but for those that possess that seamstress-y thing, I think this would be so great in a little one’s room.

Happy Weekend Dear Readers! Cin Cin all and Enjoy the first weekend of Spring!

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Happy Weekend!

HAPPY WEEKEND

Happy Weekend dear readers. It has been such a tumultuous, sad and mysterious week in the world with so many tragedies and the Malaysian Air mystery. My heart and prayers go out to the families. I hope we can find some answers soon. Prayers to the victims of the Austin and East Harlem accidents as well.

This weekend we’ll be bidding adieu to our beloved Old Town as we prepare for the big move out to Fairfax County. In reality, we’re only moving 15 minutes away, but in spirit it is another world entirely and the beginning of a new and ‘burby life. Bring on the adventure.

What I’m Drinking:

It’s still cold around here so I’m still craving an earthy, chewy red. This is one of my go-to’s for under $15. I just picked up a case at my local Whole Foods. Great with pizza and burgers. A casual and rustic, while still complex, expression of the Tuscan Sangiovese grape from the Maremma region near the sea. A solid and yummy budget red.

tasting note- morellino

’11 Ghiaccio Forte Vigne de Passegno Morellino di Scansano (what a mouthful!) , $15

A Few Things:

An awesome DIY Sculptural Hand Dish a la the highly coveted Kelly Wearstler design- this one comes at a much cheaper price tag (and isn’t sold out). I’d like to find time to make this, mostly because I just love the way a fresh block of clay feels.

How to style your space like a Wes Anderson movie. I will find a place for that fabulous Scalamandre Zebra wallpaper one day.

Roahhhhr! Carly- what a tigress. I’m always inspired by the divine Ms. Simon, her style and her timeless sound.

Picasso as your pen pal. This is so cool.

A super quick tour through SJP’s NYC Brownstone as she answers 73 quick questions (and very well). Her brownstone is fabulous. I love all the books, there is a real live dictionary and those globes!!!

I can’t wait to read this. Walter Kirn, author of Thumbsucker and Up in the Air, shares the details of his friendship with the killer and con man, Clark Rockefeller and how it felt to be duped.

Bringing Down Bebé- a year in Paris brings this mother and her kids to their knees. This is a great read for any parent who has wondered why their kids can’t patiently play and self-amuse like those well-behaved Frenchies.

Teach your kids how to hustle. Frank Deford is my new favorite- how have I never heard this guy before!

Oh Shirley, how I love ya. This is great.

Gettin’ Freekah with Chicken and Kale in salad form. Thank you Bon Appetit- this one looks delish.

And A Few More Things:

My new favorite show. Talk about mind blowing. This guy is my 2nd favorite new favorite.

You’ve probably seen this video of parents lip-synching to Frozen’s “Love Is An Open Door” while their daughter yawns in the backseat. Last night, C and I performed an entire rendition of Sesame Street’s “La-Di-Da-Di-Dum What’s The Name of That Song” (quite possibly one of the catchiest tunes ever and the reason for my recent insomnia- I CAN-NOT stop singing it- all. night. long.) for our kids, and while our daughter bopped right along, our son repeatedly hit himself in the face. We didn’t blame him. We are pretty obnoxious when we get our full-on musical theater game faces on. And he was sort of trapped and forced to listen to us in his car seat. Seriously one of the funniest things ever. T- not a fan of musical theater (or maybe he’s just not the biggest fan of our singing voices).

Cin Cin all and Happy Weekend!

Photo: Hand Dish by Mandi Johnson

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Did You Know…

 

 

national squirrel day

…that today is National Squirrel Day? This is a day that I find so random, I kind of had to post about it. I’m not sure what we’re really supposed to do to show our love and appreciation for the squirrels on this, their national day of recognition, but hey- I like a squirrel just as much as the next guy so three cheers for the cuddly rodents.

In other news, if you’re stuck inside today with a little too much time on your hands (like we are) due to another mammoth snowstorm, Madewell is having a 40% off sale (SMILE40) or you can make this squirrel-shaped sandwich for your little ones (or yourself) in honor of those lovable and furry rodents.

Happy Snow Day Eastcoasters!

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