The District Sleeps

Good lucks and charm

2011-11-23T16:46:00.001-05:00

Some things never go out of style. That includes Robert Redford.

(via JCrew Blog)

A gloomy start

2011-11-23T16:16:00.001-05:00

There are mornings where everything goes according to plan and then there are mornings that convince you you were supposed to stay in bed. Today's morning commute was one of the latter.

I was heading into the office early on a day when the city feels empty since folks have fled to their families for Thanksgiving. As I turned the corner to see if the Circulator bus was within sight, I spotted it and ran across the street to catch it before the light turned. As I approached the bus' door, it never opened. I looked up at the bus driver who just stared at me.

"Can you open the door, please?" I implored.

"Sorry," said said, "I can't."

"You can't? Why?" I asked.

"I just can't. Sorry," she said with this horrible "I-don't-care-one-bit-look."

A few seconds went by before the bus promptly pulled away as I stood there without another bus in sight.

Moments like this conjure up a lot of negative thoughts, things not worth repeating. But more than anything, the whole situation just felt so -- to put it simply -- mean. Why was she so unhelpful? I just couldn't understand any of it. It cast a spell over the first half of my day.

If ever there was a time when I wished I drove myself to work, today was the day.

(photo via h.koppdelaney)

Pie time

2011-11-19T11:38:00.002-05:00

My sister, the expert baker, will be back in town next week for Thanksgiving and she's getting all of us excited for her pecan hand pies -- yummmm! Can't wait. But Sara, can I add this pine nut anise pie to the list of "must-try's" for the holidays? It looks and sounds amazing.

(via Smith & Ratliff)

Vogue editors galore

2011-11-04T21:09:00.003-04:00

Every single Vogue editor sat for a photo to raise awareness of Fashion Night Out in Tokyo, which will help support Japan and Japanese fashion and retailing after the earthquake and tsunami earlier this year.

(via HuffPost)

Afternoon treats in NYC

2011-11-04T20:35:00.006-04:00

It's rare that I get a few hours to myself on a work trip, which is why this week's jaunt to NYC was extra special. With a bit of precious time to steal away, I had the chance to walk around Midtown, taking in the city and everything I love about it -- the pace, the variety of people, buildings, sights and smells, and -- ta-da!! -- all of the glorious food options.

My buddy, Amelia, and I stole away together for a brief stopover at Bouchon Bakery, where I scarfed down a pistachio macaroon and an iced tea, despite the fact that it was a blustery, beginning-of-winter sort of day. The treats were delicious, but the best part really was enjoying a spontaneous meet-up with such a lovely person.

Thanks to Amelia -- whom I really believe knows every restaurant worth going to in NYC (mark my words!) -- I enjoyed a late lunch with another pal of mine at Momofuku's Ma Peche, an Asian fusion restaurant that has a banh mi sandwich and some sort of pork noodle dish that are To.Die.For. I wish I could make the latter at home. I'd never make another pasta dish again if I could master this guy...

(Photos via Ma Peche and Tiny Urban Kitchen)

Gingered Carrot and Apple Soup

2011-11-04T18:26:00.000-04:00

When it comes to winter soups, butternut squash becomes the standard go-to, but I'm always on the lookout for another option. This gingered carrot and apple recipe sounds divine for a gray, rainy evening. Bake some crusty bread and voila! Perfect, simple meal.

Gingered Carrot Apple Soup

Ingredients

3 tablespoons olive oil
1 small yellow onion, sliced
1 clove garlic, minced
3 tablespoons fresh ginger, peeled and grated
2 small apples, peeled and sliced
1 1/2 pounds carrots, peeled and sliced, about 4-5 cups
4 cups vegetable broth
1/8 teaspoon of nutmeg
salt + pepper, to taste

Directions

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.

Add onions and cook for about 5 minutes until translucent. Add ginger and garlic and cook for one minute. Add sliced apples and diced carrots.

Add vegetable broth and increase heat to medium-high, bringing to a boil. Reduce to low and simmer, uncovered for about 30 minutes or until the carrots and apples are softened. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before you puree. Add nutmeg and salt + pepper to taste

In batches, transfer soup to blender and puree. Careful to fill blender half full or else you’ll end up with an orange mess – about 3-4 batches.

(via With Style & Grace)

Halloween pleasures

2011-10-15T19:32:00.002-04:00

Unknown fact: I love, love, love candy corn. I only ever run across it on Halloween so I look forward to this annual guilty pleasure of mine every October. This year we'll be at a friend's wedding over Halloween so I'll have to make a pit stop at their local CVS for a stash.

But for those of you who will be sticking close to home this year, this recipe for -- of all things -- a gluten-free trail mix for October 31st (actually) sounds awesome. Enjoy!

Gluten-free “Trash” Mix Recipe

PRINT Recipe

Ingredients

Candy corn
Gluten-free pretzels
Caramel popcorn [homemade or purchased] – my recipe coming soon!
Banana chips
Chocolate covered raisins
Dried mango
Dried pineapple
Dried cherries
Sour worm-shaped gummy candy
Chocolate covered sunflower seeds [Trader Joes]

Materials

Paper Bag(s) – fold sides down twice
Leaves – from the yard or the flowers sitting on your table
Ribbon, twine or yarn

Directions

Mix all the ingredients in a large bowl and then divide amongst the paper bags. Tie ribbon/twine/yarn around the bag and add leaves for decoration.

(via With Style & Grace)

Golden treasure

2011-10-15T19:10:00.003-04:00

I'm not a big fan of nail polish. Maybe it's because I grew up hearing my Dad call it "tacky"! The few times I've had my nails down I can hear that echoing in my ear. Random!

I may be persuaded, however, to try Chanel's new fall hit, a gold polish called Peridot. Seems like the perfect compliment to a sparkly black jacket and jeans.

(via Cafe Makeup)

Georgia (the country, that is)

2011-10-15T19:02:00.002-04:00

Georgia, the country, hasn't been on my list of "must-see places" but this photo may have changed my mind...

(via Budget Travel)

Crashing in Brooklyn

2011-10-15T18:33:00.003-04:00

How about staying at this 4-room B&B in downtown Brooklyn called 3B? It's run by a group of creative locals who live downstairs. They've received rave reviews from the New York Times and many of its past guests (who have written up glowing blog posts about their stays). A bit of a novel option for a visit to the Big Apple that I'd be excited to try. Ya, you have to share a bathroom with the other guests, but it's the sort of place that's meant to be communal, so you go into it with a communal mindset.

PS: I'd almost go just to try their famous granola!

Clothes & things for fall

2011-10-08T16:44:00.003-04:00

Ok, so I've been bad.

I've shopped a little here, a little there, a little everywhere. For some reason, this fall in particular has produced so many goodies. J. Crew has really been my downfall. If only Jenna Lyons just wasn't so damn good I would have been more frugal!

But since I've gone out and found a few fun items, I thought I'd share some of them, as well as ones I've spotted, but have managed to hold off from adding to the pile, so to speak.

Here we go.....

Love this Emersonmade olive wool day coat . Not sure how I feel about the collar so I'm deliberating on it. Thoughts?

I wore this J.Crew schoolboy blazer to work for the first time the other day, and one of my colleagues was wearing it as well. She looked totally rad in it! I wanted to copy exactly how she'd paired it with cropped pants and cool jewelry.

DC's antique furniture store, GoodWood, has begun selling perfumes, candles and a limited selection of clothing and jewelry -- all at really reasonable prices. My husband and I like to light a candle over a nice weekend dinner, so we picked up a new one there not to long ago. (PS: They also had a $15 beautiful jeweled clutch there that day!)

I have no idea how I came across this lovely home and jewelry online store, Deep Dark Africa, by South African artist Alexia Kondylis, but she's a true treasure. I love her bangles and you can't beat her prices.

Earlier this year I had the chance to get acquainted with Abigail Rutherford, a dear friend of my pal Stephanie, who specializes in historic costume jewelry. She has an amazing array of styles -- mixing beads, metals, classic and edgy looks. I have no doubt she'll be a big star one day so check her out now before she's all over the pages of Vogue.

While perusing Bloomingdale's shoe department for a work appropriate pair a few weeks back, I spotted these incredibly simple slip on's from Charles Philip Shanghai (they're also pictured above). I'd never heard of him, but they instantly reminded me of the sort of shoes my Mom loves and always says she can only find in Italy. They conjure up for me an image of a stylish and sophisticated woman in her 50s or 60s, strolling through Milan in cropped black pants, a crisp white button-down, adorned in just one striking piece of jewelry or even, a scarf.

And for the mind? I can't say enough good things about Keith Richards' autobiography, Life. I gave it to my Mom and she told me "it was like reliving my youth" :). I obviously missed the 70s entirely, but it was still a total trip to read.

After 500 pages of rock 'n roll, drugs and fame, I put that one down to start Jonathan Safran Foer's Eating Animals, as if that's not enough of a 180 degree turn! I've certainly lost all interest in poultry as a result, but I have a sneaking suspicion that I just can't say no to prosciutto, shepherd's pie and rack of lamb.

For a little return to the past, Feist's oldies, but goodies and A Tribe Called Quest have been on repeat. I'm sadly completely and totally out of tune with what's new and cool music-wise, so if you have any recommendations -- especially for new jazz or blues artists -- I'm all ears!

Happy fall to everyone. Hope it's a beautiful one.

(Photo via Charles Philip Shanghai)

A black tie affair

2011-09-10T11:44:00.001-04:00

Oh Jason Wu, how I love thee. This collection is absolutely exquisite.

(via Vogue.com)

Spicy shrimp with yogurt

2011-09-10T11:35:00.003-04:00

It's been a week of quick meals -- yummy salads with fruit and nuts, Mediterranean wraps and a quick curry with rice and sauteed veggies. I'm going to add this one to the lineup for next week -- Moroccan spicy shrimp with yogurt and Nan or whole wheat tortillas. Super easy and delicious.

Spicy Shrimp with Yogurt

Below are the spice amounts to sprinkle over one shrimp dinner for four. Triple or quadruple if you want to make a stash to have on hand for the next time.

Phoebe’s Spice
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon curry powder
1/8 teaspoon cayenne
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon

1. Mix together the above spices. Sprinkle over 1 1/4 pounds of peeled shrimp.

2. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp to pan — try to get the spiced side down — and saute 5 minutes until done, adding more spice as they flip around and cook.

3. Toast a few pieces of Nan (such as Kontos brand) and serve with cooked shrimp, a spoonful of plain yogurt, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.

(via Dinner, A Love Story)

Caramelized corn with tomatoes and bacon

2011-08-29T20:12:00.001-04:00

I recently signed up for Washington's Green Grocer, a home delivery service of local and regional produce and products, and have fallen in love.

I generally head to Whole Foods once a week to stock up on greens, fruits and the other incidentals we need for yummy meals, but since I'm buying enough for 2-3 heavy grocery bags, it's become a true production getting there and back without pulling a muscle or splurging on an unnecessary (but comfortable and sweat-free!) cab ride home.

The Giant in our neighborhood has excruciatingly long lines and its produce and seafood generally look less than fresh.

Peapod was certainly an option that intrigued me but we couldn't make our schedules work so that one of us was home within their drop-off windows.

Washington's Green Grocer has solved that problem. They drop off at your front door (or wherever you ask them to leave the goods) and charge you once you've received everything. A small box of food (some organic, some not) runs around $31 and offers you PLENTY for one week of cooking. They email you the list of food for the week on Monday for delivery on Thursday so that you have an opportunity to say, for example, I don't want the cantaloupe but would instead like two orders of corn. Magical, right?!

So in honor of all of the veggies we're consuming, this simple recipe from the kitchn is exactly the thing to make when you have an abundance of tomatoes and corn around. Enjoy.

Caramelized Corn with Tomatoes and Bacon
serves 2-4

3 strips of bacon
3 ears of fresh corn
1/4 cup of finely chopped red onion
pinch of sugar
2 perfectly ripe tomatoes
several fresh basil leaves, shredded or about 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
Salt and freshly ground pepper

Cut the bacon into 2 inch pieces and fry in a large skillet over meduim-low heat. As the bacon gently cooks, cut the kernels off the corn and chop the onion.

When the bacon has crisped, remove from the pan with a tongs and drain on paper towels or newspaper. Leave the fat in the pan and the heat turned down medium-low. Add the onion and sauté for about one minute and then add the corn. Sprinkle on the sugar and stir gently. If the pan seems to dry, you can add up to 1 tablespoon of butter but be careful, you don't want the dish to get greasy.

Keep an eye on things, stirring and scraping the bottom of the pan, until the corn starts to turn golden brown and smells caramelized. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the herbs. Let cool slightly.

Meanwhile, chop the tomatoes into large chunks and place in a serving bowl. When the corn is no longer hot, add to the tomatoes and the reserved bacon and toss gently. Taste for salt and pepper and serve.

(via the kitchn)

Chinese chicken salad

2011-08-29T20:10:00.001-04:00

This salad has provided me with a fresh new take on the typical weeknight greens I throw together haphazardly. It's light, refreshing and healthy -- and pretty! Definitely don't forget to add in the peanuts or almonds. They really do the trick. And just as a heads up -- I thought this was quite a large portion for just two people so I think you could definitely enjoy it as a meal for three, or just plan on having plenty for leftovers.

Chinese Chicken Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing
Serves 2

Feel free to substitute the chicken with grilled tofu, shrimp or any protein of your liking.

Ingredients

1 boneless chicken breast, skin removed
1 medium-sized Napa (or Savoy) cabbage, thinly sliced
2 carrots, shredded
1 small tomato, thinly sliced
1 mango, thinly sliced
4 scallions, thinly sliced on the diagonal
2 tbsp. roasted sesame seeds
handful of fresh mint, chopped
handful of cilantro, chopped
handful of roasted peanuts

Spicy Ginger Dressing

2 teaspoons fresh grated ginger
1 tablespoon Sriracha chili sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1/8 teaspoon sesame oil
3 tablespoons vegetable oil

Preparation

1. To poach chicken, place the breast in a small saucepan and add water, about 1 inch above the chicken. Cover and bring to a boil. Once boiled, immediately lower heat to a very slow simmer and partly cover for 10 minutes. Turn off the heat and leave the chicken to cook in hot water for another 15 minutes. Once cooled, shred chicken and set aside.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together all the ingredients for the spicy ginger dressing.

3. Add the cabbage, chicken, carrots, tomato, mint and cilantro to the large bowl and toss gently. Top with mango slices and roasted peanuts. Garnish with scallions and roasted sesame seeds, and serve immediately.

(via Design Sponge)

Jenna Lyons

2011-08-21T14:03:00.001-04:00

Lyons is my favorite fashion maven these days.

I swooned when she showed up to the Costume Institute's ball this year in a J. Crew sweater over a glamorous feather floor-length skirt, red lips and wind-whipped hair. She made it all look so cool and effortless. Everyone else looked beautiful but she made the dressed-down look almost more glamorous than the ball gowns surrounding her.

This article in New York Magazine is well worth the read (and the pictures of her at work are pretty awesome).

(via New York Magazine)

Pie kits!

2011-08-21T09:28:00.001-04:00

I had to include an exclamation point in the subject line of this post because I can't contain myself -- these pie kits are so damn cute! If you're a master baker, a novice or buy pies but want to serve them up in a creative way, Petit Moulin has come up with a genius concept. Just look at them! They're absolutely adorable. I would even eat at a broccoli pie out of them just for the sake of having something so cute around me.

Hurry, get them now before they're all gone!

(via Petit Moulin on Etsy)

Worn-in shoes

2011-08-21T08:39:00.001-04:00

I spotted some shoes like these on my Dad the other day and swooned over them. Sure, girls could wear these with some much-loved-many-years-old jeans and a chunky sweater, but they look pretty damn great on a man.

(via Riazzoli)

For the wrist

2011-06-25T14:48:00.002-04:00

A sterling silver cuff that's hand formed and hammered by artist Tiffany Kunz.

Citrus twist necklace

2011-06-20T21:25:00.003-04:00

Counting down the days until this arrives in my mailbox...

(via Anthropologie)

Make your own rug

2011-06-20T21:21:00.001-04:00

This company Custom-Cool 40 makes custom woven rugs in any color or design you prefer. Novel idea huh?

(via Trail of Inspiration)

When things were cooler...

2011-06-20T21:21:00.000-04:00

Shot of DC from several months ago, courtesy of The 42.

City gal

2011-06-20T21:10:00.000-04:00

Love the clutch, the silk blouse and the lace skirt. Basically, I love it all.

(via That Kind of Woman)

Husk Restaurant in Charleston

2011-05-30T21:32:00.002-04:00

We treasured our brief stay in Charleston over the Memorial Day weekend, so I hope to write more about it later this week. For now, I just can't wait to tell you about this terrific Southern restaurant, Husk, just a few blocks from our hotel.

Set in a beautifully restored home with the kind of porch you can spend every summer night on sipping sweet ice tea or an early evening cocktail, we were completely in love with what we found. We had a she crab and corn soup, as well as a poached egg and udon noodle soup to start -- the latter of which my husband mentioned he's been dreaming about ever since. For our entrees we had an amazing, yet simple catfish along with barely sauteed vegetables and one of the best beef tenderloins we've had in years.

It was all elegant yet unpretentious, busy but not too loud. I felt at home.

(Photos via HuskRestaurant.com and Danny McKiernan on Flickr)

GOOP

2011-05-18T21:39:00.002-04:00

If you're a subscriber to Gwyneth Paltrow's newsletter and website, GOOP, then today you probably had a chance to check our her "Spring Basics" guide. The outfits were awesome, especially this one with the oversized blazer. But sweet Jesus were the clothes expensive.

I mean, the wardrobe she picked out from Net-A-Porter costs upwards of $17,000! Now, many will say -- and some did on her Facebook page -- that she's simply offering ideas and it's up to us normal people to figure out how to replicate them at our own price range. But come on; you can't find a cool cap-sleeved t-shirt for under $100? A 'cheap version' of some of the blazers she picked out were still nearly $500. I don't know about you, but I consider $500 for a jacket a lot of money.

But maybe I'm just getting this all wrong. Maybe Gwyneth starts from the idea of what she likes and then asks, "What would my friends want to see more of?" And I suspect many of her friends might think nothing of a $500 jacket.

As it turns out, when I logged back on to Facebook at night, I saw that whoever manages her GOOP Facebook page had responded to fans' complaints about the cost of her wardrobe ideas and began posting more affordable options. You'll have to log on and see some of them and decide for yourself if they're just as good as the expensive versions.

Kitchen confidential

2011-05-15T19:42:00.002-04:00

I love the color of the cabinets, the unique handles and the white backsplash. Very clean, very orderly but not unapproachable.

(via i want that kitchen)

A vertical salad garden

2011-05-15T19:37:00.003-04:00

Amazingly brilliant! If you have a small back patio and want to grow salad greens or herbs, this looks like the perfect option for carrying it off within a small space.

(via re- nest)

Art of the moment

2011-05-15T19:33:00.003-04:00

Love this painting by Katherine Sandoz.

Which one?

2011-05-15T19:20:00.002-04:00

With or without the canvas crisscross? I can't decide.

(via Dear Fieldbinder)

La Pochette

2011-05-11T21:10:00.000-04:00

This really would be the perfect gift for a-young-woman-who-loves-pink-and-particularly-adores-clutches. I may or may not be one of those...(yes, subtlety is not my best quality).

(via Clare Vivier)

Summer panzanella

2011-05-09T17:46:00.005-04:00

After a very filling Mother's Day lunch -- of which a homemade peach and strawberry pie was certainly the highlight -- I wasn't in the mood for a big dinner. Panzanella sounded perfect. There's a million little variations on the standard recipe, but (no shocker here given my last post) but I really like Gwyneth Paltrow's version. Why? One word: anchovies.

If you don't like them, though, it's still delicious without, but in my humble opinion, you're really missing out.

So if you're either looking for a light meal, a great side dish or don't have the patience to make a 3-course meal, this is a great go-to option. Enjoy :)

Panzanella (serves 4)

Ingredients:

6 oz stale bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 4 cups of cubes)
1 yellow roasted bell pepper, roughly diced
1 red roasted bell pepper, roughly diced
1.5 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, quartered
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
1/4 cup plus 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
salt
pepper
4 olive oil-packed Spanish anchovies, finely chopped
large handful fresh basil leaves

Directions:

Combine the bread, peppers and tomatoes together in a large bowl. Whisk the vinegar, olive oil, salt, pepper and anchovies together in a small bowl and drizzle over the salad. Tear in the basil, toss everything together with your hands and let it sit for at least 15 minutes before serving.

(Image via Sprouted Kitchen; Recipe via Gwyneth Paltrow's My Father's Daughter)

Back and a fresh start

2011-05-08T18:11:00.003-04:00

Happy Mother's Day to all of the great moms out there. We had the pleasure of spending much of today with my Mom, enjoying a long lunch at home and then exploring the city and DC's parks for hours on end. Today is as good a day as any to be thankful for having my parents and sister so close by. It's a true gift.

In other news, I think it's fairly obvious that I've been an absentee landlord this past month when it comes to this blog. I've been a tad tired and uninspired. Truth be told, I needed a break. Due to some recent cooking experiments, though, I feel a bit recharged for writing again. Maybe I'm ready for a fresh start.

Speaking of cooking, one of my oldest and dearest friends stay with us for a few days this week so I tried out a new recipe on him from Gwyneth Paltrow's new cookbook, My Father's Daughter. Don't laugh (my sister surely did!) but it's really good.

Yes, it's super healthy...

Yes, she seemingly can do it all (and it makes me feel like a sloth)...

Yes, she avoids red meat but no she's no longer on a macrobiotic diet...

And yes (thankfully!) she loves bread and pasta like the rest of us...

My husband and our buddy gobbled up her grilled tuna rolls. In fact, they loved them so much they fought over who would get the second one (they ended up splitting it). Tuna can be pricey (1 tuna steak can be $16 or so) but you can split one between two, even three, people and get your money's worth. Hope you enjoy this as much as we did!

Grilled Tuna Rolls (serves 4)

Ingredients -- Tuna

2 tbsp sweet white miso paste (FYI: I couldn't find this at Whole Foods so I left it out)
1 tbsp veggie, sunflower or rice bran oil
1 tbsp honey/agave nectar
1 tsp water
1 tbsp rice wine vinegar
pinch of fine salt
2 1/2-inch-think tuna steaks or 1 large tuna steak
2 tbsp sesame seeds (*not a "must" but nice to have)
4 hot dog buns
1 head butter lettuce
1/4 cup Shallot & Cilantro Vinaigrette, for serving
2 tbsp fresh cilantro leaves, for serving

Ingredients -- Shallot & Cilantro Vinaigrette

2.5 tbsp rice wine vinegar
1 tbsp honey/agave nectar
1 tbsp soy sauce
1/4 cup of veggie or sunflower oil
A few dashes hot pepper sesame oil or your favorite hot sauce
2 shallots, very thinly sliced
1 tbsp chopped cilantro

Directions:

1. Preheat the grill or grill pan over high heat.

2. Whisk together the miso, oil, honey, water and rice wine vinegar. Season to taste with salt.

3. Rub the tuna steaks all over with the mixture and place on the grill. Evenly sprinkle 1 tbsp of the sesame seeds on the fish. Grill on the first side for about 3 minutes, flip and sprinkle the cooked sides with the remaining sesame seeds. Grill for an additional 3 minutes and then remove to a plate/board.

4. To serve, grill or toast buns.

5. Lay a few lettuce leaves on the bottom half of each bun. Cut the tuna into 1/2-inch slices across the grain and evenly distribute on the lettuce.

6. Drizzle each sandwich with some of the vinaigrette and sprinkle with cilantro leaves.

Rodarte gets it right

2011-03-18T23:49:00.002-04:00

I normally don't like Rodarte collections. It's like a high-brow version of Anthropologie to me -- everything looks nice on the hanger but I find most of it completely unflattering on the body. Plus -- as you can see from the sorts of things I normally post and lust after -- I'm not a big fan of the "mix and match" look. I like it clean and simple.

But this Fall 2011 runway show tugged at my heart strings. Think prairie lands of the Dakotas and you'll see what I mean.

(via Vogue.com)

Yves Saint Laurent on the runway

2011-03-18T23:42:00.003-04:00

Where would you wear this? Could you pull it off at work or at a big meeting? Depends on your industry and the setting I suppose.

I can't see it in D.C. but I'd love to see someone try.

(via Vogue.com)

Who says fashion isn't art?

2011-03-18T23:36:00.002-04:00

This is the sort of thing that takes my breath away. I look at a dress like this and think of the people behind the scenes who toiled for hours to make this become a reality. And then I think of the woman or man who had the vision to conceptualize this masterpiece -- and I'm blown away.

Fashion is, and should be, a lot about fantasy, escape and new beginnings.

I see that in this dress.

(via Vogue.com)

A clutch for work

2011-03-18T23:18:00.002-04:00

Classic and so, so, so clean.

(via ERICHCANVOGUE)

The back is best

2011-03-09T23:13:00.002-05:00

To find a dress with this sort of back...now that would be exquisite.

(via dress, design, & decor)

McCartney

2011-03-09T23:10:00.003-05:00

Photo taken by his wife, Linda McCartney, who knew the "art of cool" better than most.

(via A Conversation On Cool)

Necklaces I dig

2011-03-08T09:05:00.002-05:00

Over the weekend I spent a few days in Chicago visiting a dear friend, catching up and eating out. I had the chance to meet a few of her best pals, including Abigail Rutherford, an up-and-coming jewelry designer in the area.

As I told Abigail, I've never been a big jewelery girl, but as soon as I saw the necklace she was wearing that night -- and one that she designed and created herself -- I was smitten. Abigail's jewelry has that mix of gritty 90's grunge feel with bold, statement colors. I love the gun metal chains and rhinestone jewels.

If you, too, love what you see above, check out her website and send her a note. Before you know it, as deserved, she'll be known far and wide!

A cup of joe in Charleston

2011-03-08T08:52:00.002-05:00

Nearly every Memorial Day weekend, my husband and I head south to Charleston, South Carolina to visit family and to relax on the beach. This year is no exception, though the one great twist this time around is that we'll be going with friends. I'm really excited.

As much as Charleston and I go way, way, way back -- nearly every summer of my childhood was spent on Seabrook Island -- I don't know the dining and late night scene well. This time around, we have the chance to get acquainted.

Thanks to random blog sleuthing, I stumbled upon the adorable Hope and Union Coffee Shop in downtown Charleston. Doesn't it look homey and relaxed? (Just what you expect and want on a trip south) We'll have to check this out.

(via Design Sponge)

Sleeping porch

2011-03-08T08:45:00.002-05:00

This photo reminded me of the indoor porch we had in my group house at college my sophomore year. Since it was enclosed and heated, one of my housemates was able to put a couch and a dresser in that space. We'd often hang out there with friends before going out for the night.

Unfortunately, most of us were slobs, so our lovely porch looked nothing like this :) but if I had that same sort of space again in a house, I love the idea of making it a "sleeping porch" and adding a splash of color among the baseboard.

(via Design Sponge)

2011-02-27T20:49:00.001-05:00

Never gonna happen, but hey, you can still dream, right?

(via J.W. Hulme)

Bottega Veneta Fall 2011 runway show

2011-02-27T20:42:00.002-05:00

My favorites from this exquisite collection.

(via Vogue.com)

Favorites from Oscar night

2011-02-27T20:29:00.002-05:00

Hands down -- Scarlett's gorgeous purple lace frock and Gwyneth's gold column.

(via Just Jared)

Family photo wall

2011-02-27T19:20:00.002-05:00

Before we painted the upstairs of our house last year, we had an overwhelming number of family photos adorning our second floor walls. The frames came in all different sizes and colors but I never found it attractive. It was pretty much brown or black and everything was rectangular. In other words, there wasn't much original about the mish-mased look.

It's time to put everything back up but I want to take my time and do it right. The question is whether I stick to one look (black frame; white matte) or re-introduce a collage of frame types and colors. What do you think?

Here's an idea for the more uniform look courtesy of Lonny Mag.

Victoria Beckham's fall show

2011-02-17T19:52:00.001-05:00

She gets better and better as each season passes.

Where do you find a red as rich and as glorious as this one? And that full dress and tall velvet boots -- hand 'em over please!

(via Vogue.com)

Homemade granola

2011-02-12T07:32:00.001-05:00

One of the best things I've had this year so far was some homemade granola made by my friend Erjona. She's not a big fan of sweets, and while I don't mind them, I don't love a lot of sugar in the morning. That's why her homemade granola hit the spot -- nutty, crunchy and filling. I was so inspired by the outcome of her culinary adventure. Since then I've been on the lookout for a good recipe.

This one seems like a perfect match for my morning taste buds -- coconut flakes, honey, mixed nuts and most importantly, loads of dried fruit. I'd highly recommend making this with dried apricots and sour cherries, the latter of which I'm completely obsessed with and eat every morning with plain yogurt.

Happy baking courtesy of With Style & Grace:

Ingredients

3 1/2 cups rolled oats – to ensure gluten-free, use certified gluten-free oats
1/2 cup coconut flakes, unsweetened
3 tablespoons flax seeds
3 tablespoons sesame seeds
1/4 cup sunflower seeds
1/2 cup toasted mixed nuts, chopped (I used toasted slivered almonds)
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup grapeseed oil – I used Canola oil
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups mixed dried fruit (I used raisins, dried cranberries and dried apricots)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375 degree F. Line a baking sheet with foil. Set aside.

In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients except for the dried fruit. Mix until combined.

Spread the granola mixture on the baking sheet, spread it out into an even layer. Bake for 20 to 30 minutes, until nice and golden brown. Recommend you stir every 10 minutes.

Remove granola from the oven and let cool completely (in pan) and on a wire wrack. Once the granola has finally cooled, mix in the dried fruit. Store in an airtight container. Enjoy!

Getting organized

2011-02-06T22:15:00.003-05:00

The drawers in our downstairs shelving unit are a complete disaster. I've gone through them several times and thrown random crap away but inevitably bits of this and bits of that remain, leaving it looking virtually exactly as it started -- an ugly mess.

But because what lurks inside these drawers only sees the light of day by choice, I forget this problem exists until I go looking for my checkbook or I'm on the hunt for a pen.

The good news is that I may have found the inspiration I need to address this drawer dishevelment thanks to Adventures in Renovating a Brooklyn Limestone. She had the same drawer predicament as I do, though she had the will to address it. See how:

"After I had throw so much away it wasn't too hard to put it all back neatly but let's face facts: there was zero chance I'd keep it that way. So I thought about how I could encourage myself to keep it neat.

Out came the Casablanca from Cutting Edge Stencils (ordered for an entirely different project I'm saving til later this year) and some thin pieces of wood cut to size. Not only was it a good way for me to practice the stenciling technique but having a pretty pattern would encourage me to keep organized so I could see through the bottom. Two birds, one stone - hooray.

I used my new favorite shade of paint - a mix of navy and teal called Plummage by Martha Stewart.

The used a white plastic organizing tray I had laying around as well as some old teacups I had leftover from another project. (I'll probably add more teacups as I find them.)"

(Photos via Adventures in Renovating a Brooklyn Limestone)

Pacific Northwest love

2011-01-31T22:00:00.004-05:00

Two shots by Foster Huntington (aka A Restless Transplant) during his trip home to the Pacific Northwest, including Bingen, WA and the Columbia River Gorge.

These bring back memories of our trip west over the holidays....and they can't help but serve as a reminder to me of how much more there is to see of this country.

Onion and chard panade

2011-01-31T21:05:00.002-05:00

A couple of weekends ago we had a small dinner party at the house and I chose to keep the menu really simple: pasta bolognese, roasted eggplant and cannelloni beans simmered in rosemary. One of my friends made a truly astonishing cake -- the kind that takes your breath away and the sort that you only see in a bakery, yet she made it all by herself over 5 hours of serious work.

The menu was largely due to some lessons learned from last year's dinner parties. On previous occasions, I'd think, "Oh, Saturday night's dinner is a great excuse to try something a little different and something grander," but the whole "trying a bigger and more elaborate menu" would leave me stressed out through the process and not having a whole lot of fun. It's one thing to try new recipes when you're just serving your family, quite another when you have guests dropping by.

So for 2011 I've vowed to go back to what I know -- making the kinds of meals we eat all the time at the house -- delicious but simple, lacking in fuss.

This is exactly why I could completely relate to Louisa Weiss' post on her blog, The Wednesday Chef, about a very similar experience. She's obviously a far better cook than I will ever be, but the theme is the same. I highly recommend giving it a read.

I also must make note of the recipe she concocted for a recent dinner gathering -- Onion and Chard Panade. Yummmm....just look at that toasted bread and sneak peeks of swiss chard. I wish she could pass me a plate right now.

Read here for the full recipe and enjoy.

Perfect winter side dish

2011-01-29T13:09:00.002-05:00

This could also be a great lunch to take to work. Oh Joy! calls this her "Farmer's Autumn" meal since it "tastes freshly picked from the earth."

Here's her directions to a super simple and healthy meal:

Ingredients {serves 2}:

- 2 cups of cubed butternut squash
- 1 cup of peeled edamame
- 3 garlic cloves, peeled and chopped
- Goat Cheese {one small medallion per serving}
- Salt & pepper to taste

Directions:

1. While I usually roast butternut squash in the oven, this time I sautéed it in a wok. Which means you'll have to cut it in smaller cubes {about 1/2"} so that it cooks more quickly. Sauté squash in a couple tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once it's cooked for a few minutes, add chopped garlic and sprinkle a bit of salt and pepper. Cover with a sheet of aluminum foil to keep in the heat and cook squash faster.

2. Continue to stir every few minutes and keep covered with foil in-between stirrings. The edges of the squash will start to get crisp and brown as the squash gets softer. Also, increase the heat to almost high after a couple stirrings.

3. Once the squash is just about cooked, add in the edamame for an additional few minutes of sauté action {The cooking should take about 10-12 minutes total}.

4. When ready to serve, drop chunks of goat cheese on top and lightly toss so the goat cheese mixes in equally. It will start to melt slightly for creamy, melty goodness. The final result has roasted, yet crisp-edged, butternut squash, fresh edamame soybeans, toasted chip-like garlic pieces, and buttery soft goat cheese. If you have leftovers, it makes for a great cold salad the next day for lunch! Enjoy!

(Recipe & photo via Oh Joy!)

This trench dress, please

2011-01-28T22:31:00.002-05:00

Perfect for work, for play, for meetings, for brunch.

(via Emersonmade)

From Reed Krakoff

2011-01-28T22:19:00.002-05:00

These shorts look comfortable, wearable, the type you could dress up with heels at night or down with flat espadrilles during the day.

And as for the bag...sigh...it's exactly what I need for day-to-day commutes to work. But alas, it's extraordinarily expensive.

(via Net-A-Porter)

Today's wish list

2011-01-28T21:56:00.002-05:00

A hot pink pouchette from J. Crew, 6 or so bangles from jewelry designer Fay Andrada, a globe for the house, a night at a chateau and a delicious crepe to share.

Snowy days in D.C.

2011-01-27T21:54:00.002-05:00

Let's just say that this is NOT how I looked on my way into work today. I'd say my ensemble, along with that of most Washingtonians, was one that resembled the 90's grunge aesthetic, a phase for fashion that was interesting at that particular time, but one not worth repeating today.

(via The Sartorialist)

The Sartorialist on film

2011-01-23T19:34:00.005-05:00

I'm sure many of you read Scott Schumman's blog, The Sartorialist, and adore the people-watching he affords us through his lens. This short film follows him on a typical day in NYC as he's out on the lookout for people to shoot for the blog.

What I love most about his narration throughout the film is his reflection on what so many of us love about blogs like his. Scott explains that they've given us a "digital park bench" -- for every person who says they love to sit and people watch, The Sartorialist and other similar blogs, such as Garance Dore, give us that sensation, albeit virtually. And I think, our lives are richer and more interesting because of this medium.

Salad with roasted beets

2011-01-23T19:07:00.002-05:00

Salads were not my thing in 2010. They seemed tired to me. So out went salads and in came lots of roasted or grilled veggies.

It was a lovely change but as the year came to a close I began to miss a good vinaigrette, all of the wonderful toppings I used to add to my salad -- nuts, berries, fruit, cheese -- and most of all, delicious in-season greens.

Now that salads are back on the menu for 2011 dinners, it's time to try something new.

Raw beets on salad I've had aplenty, but roasted ones -- with a splash of toasted pistachios and hazelnut oil -- I have not. Cannelle et Vanille has this perfect recipe. I've included her step-by-step instructions and ingredients below, but I've removed the chia seeds because they weren't of interest to me, so be sure to click on the link above for the original edition.

Roasted Beet, Greens and Pistachio Salad

makes 1 serving

1/2 lb. baby beets, golden and red
2 cups mixed greens (romaine, spinach, watercress, beet greens)
1/2 medium spring onion, thinly sliced
1 Tbs unsalted pistachios, chopped
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 tsp grainy mustard
2 tsp hazelnut oil
1 Tbs olive oil

(Photo via Sprouted Kitchen)

The "IT" apartment

2011-01-20T20:16:00.002-05:00

Whatever Lauren Santo Domingo wears, reviews or decorates with is always done in such a way that you go, "Damn, I wish I'd thought of that."

She'll pair a polka-dot skirt with a leopard-print top and it works. She'll chop her lovely long locks to her shoulders, spray and tussle it, leaving her with that "just-out-of-bed-hair" that frankly, I've never had, but people like her do. Jealous, Erin? Yes, yes I am.

Clearly Anna Wintour loves Santo Domingo or she wouldn't be featured in Vogue as often as some models do. Her apartment is now for all the world to see on Vogue.com and oh how I swooned.

As I say time and time again, I love it when people are fearless about the use of color -- whether it be in their wardrobe or in their home. I'm so timid when it comes to a splash of this and a splash of that though I'm truly trying to break free of this, but old habits are hard to break.

Santo Domingo does color so well in her NYC loft. I love the pink stool and the diagonal blue and white striped carpet. I would never ever do the latter, but I admire it nonetheless!

Definitely check out the full sideshow. Let me know what you like most.

(via Vogue.com)

Eye glasses made cool

2011-01-20T19:54:00.002-05:00

I don't wear eye glasses nor contacts. In fact, I'm dreading the day I wake up and realize that things I once was able to see clearly are now a bit fuzzy.

So it was with some surprise that I found myself actually pining for eyewear earlier this week after reading the New York Times' profile of Warby Parker, a start-up company selling $95 glasses online only.

The glasses nearly all follow that slight hipster, slight bookworm sort of look. It's a very masculine design but in my humble opinion I think they look the best on women.

And to top it all off, they took a page out of TOM's book -- for every pair of glasses you buy, Warby Parker donates one to a person in need.

Next time I'm in NYC I might drop by one of their stores, where you can try on a pair before ordering online.

(via New York Times)

It's the little things that count

2011-01-20T19:46:00.002-05:00

First Lady Michelle Obama wore these fabulous brick red-colored gloves this week as she welcomed Chinese President Hu Jintao to the White House.

Yet again she reminds us that accessories -- from belts, to shoes to a twist on your regular hairstyle -- is sometimes all it takes to transform an outfit.

(via Mrs. O)

I dig these shoes

2011-01-19T20:01:00.002-05:00

Normally I stay far, far, far away from prints and loud colors. I'm rather predictable and boring when it comes to my attire, but these Prada shoes, say no more! Oh, how I love thee.

(via Garance Dore)

Next stop in NYC

2011-01-12T23:02:00.001-05:00

I've been following the lovely and talented pastry chef and blogger, Shuna Fish Lydon, for several years now. We had the chance to meet at a conference in San Francisco in 2008 and ever since then I've been rather smitten with her writing.

She has a new gig as the pastry chef at the also new Peels restaurant in NYC so I had to ask my foodie pal in New York if she'd been and what she thought of it. The result -- rave reviews! I was told the "biscuit was unbelievably light" and that the bloody mary, breakfast sandwich and pastry basket were all delightful. [Insert common complaint about how D.C. doesn't have enough cool breakfast-specific places.] This makes me long for fluffy berry muffins, yogurt and muesli with sour cherry preserves...oh god, stop! If I keep going the list will just go on and on and on....

But if I were at Peels for dinner and dessert, I'd have to try the stuffed Montauk squid with roasted tomato, greens, grapefruit and lemon aioli...as well as the Maine diver scallops served in a cider reduction sauce. And to top it off with Shuna's flare, I'd order two desserts to share -- the 3 in 1 cream pie and the ice cream and sherbert trio (think peppermint stick!).

Madewell comes to D.C.

2011-01-12T23:00:00.001-05:00

For starters, I'm a little behind the curve on this one. Madewell's Georgetown location opened mid-November of last year but it wasn't until last weekend that I had a chance to pay a visit.

First of all, for those of you who adore Anthropologie but like me, think the prices are absurd (example: 80$ for a t-shirt?? No thanks.), you'll breathe a sigh of relief. You look at the clothing, peer at the price tag and the two seem to make sense. Finally!

There are cool chambray shirts, amazing suede boots, great tops to mix and match with work and play outfits, and loads of cool accessories -- from belts to scarves. Oh, and the jeans! How could I forget? They come in an array of styles and washes and again, the price point is way better than what you'll find at Barney's or Anthro.

The store's decor is awesome. Very industrial with lots of exposed brick and lovely unfinished wood floors.

The staff couldn't be friendlier and it's easy to see why -- they love the clothes. In fact, they act more like "brand ambassadors" than sales assistants. I just love their enthusiasm.

So this is all to say, that this is my new favorite place to shop in D.C. and if you haven't visited already, you must!

(via Georgetown Patch)

Snowflakes falling

2011-01-12T22:57:00.001-05:00

The snow is here! Bundle up folks and stay warm.

(via bonjour!)

For my sis

2011-01-07T22:51:00.001-05:00

Because she loves Johnny Depp like no other.

(via Color My Life With the Chaos of Trouble)

A trip to Seattle

2011-01-06T21:01:00.001-05:00

We spent a few days around New Year's visiting a friend in his new hometown, Seattle. I'd visited twice before but only for a night or two each, so it was good to be in the hands of a knowledgeable guide this time around, and with more days at my disposal.

For starters, the weather couldn't have been more perfect. The air was crisp and the sky as blue and clear as I've ever seen it in that neck of the woods. I've been in Seattle when it's poured buckets and when it's just been that downright depressing gray that you think will never end. Needless to say, sunshine and dry streets were very welcome changes.

The only thing I can really gripe about was the city's dependence on cars for transportation. Between the Monorail, the Seattle Streetcar and buses, you'd think you'd hear about people getting to work or visiting friends via public transit. But when I asked people if they used rail or bus to get around the answer was a resounding no, and they said that they knew the same to be the case for their friends and co-workers.

Seems a shame to me that a cosmopolitan and progressive city like Seattle lacks a popular mode of public transit. Hope something will be done about that in the years to come.

On a positive note, there's nothing but an abundance of gastronomic, outdoorsy and musical related activities to be had in Seattle. Here's a few of my favorites:

Hilltop Ale House -- try the Boundary Bay IPA and the Snoqualmie Falls IPA and dig into the popular lamb burger or any of their soups (they're so delicious)

Take a 20 minute seaplane ride around Seattle via Seattle Seaplanes (ask for Jim the pilot)

Pay a visit to Jimi Hendrix's gravestone and the house Kurt Cobain shared with Courtney Love

Watch the fish fly from fishmonger to fishmonger at Pike's Place Market

Any hot dog your heart desires at Taxi Dogs, just a stroll's away from Pike's Place Market

Peer out at Snoqualmie Falls, one of North America's largest waterfalls

Join friends for an evening of beers at Elysian Microbrewery in Capitol Hill

Satisfy your morning carvings with a egg and bacon bialy or a vegetarian quiche at Macrina Bakery in Queen Anne's

Take a guided walking tour beneath Seattle's streets and sidewalks with Bill Speidel's Underground Tours (I learned so much about the city's history this way!)

If you're looking for a kick-ass map, an Ork Poster, a travel guide book or a globe for your house, you have to visit Metsker Maps downtown

Goes without saying (but I'll say it anyways) -- a visit to the Experience the Music Museum is a must-do (and if you go in April this year, they're opening up an exhibit exclusively focused on Nirvana)

And if you need to close out the evening in a cozy, chalet-like pub, try Sully's Snowgoose Saloon in Phinney Ridge. A friend of a friend's dad's owns it and supplies it with good bar grub, lots of microbrews and the warmest group of regulars.

Pomegranate vinaigrette

2010-12-22T22:45:00.001-05:00

Yummm....this is the perfect dressing for this time of year. I'm going to make this for one of our holiday meals.

Pomegranate Vinaigrette

3 tbsp pomegranate juice

2 tbsp red wine vinegar

1 tbsp honey

salt and pepper

1/4 cup olive oil

Shake-up at French Vogue

2010-12-20T23:20:00.001-05:00

A bit of shocking news hit the fashion world last weekend when Carine Roitfeld, editor of French Vogue, announced that she'll be stepping down from her post in January after 10 years at the helm.

Rumors are that French Vogue will bump up Emmanuelle Alt, Fashion Director for the magazine, to the top spot, but that's just speculation at this point.

No matter how this shakes out, it's a big moment in fashion, but a bigger one for Roitfeld who remains undecided about her next move. She was once asked in an interview with New York Magazine what she thought of American fashion editors. Her answer was quite blunt:

"The American editors are very, how you say, slick. Very perfect. Hair is perfect, they have a manicure. They are very clean, they follow fashion. I don't think they take many risks. They do the total look of Prada. Me, I wear a lot of Japanese piece mixed with a bit of classic Hermes and Prada. Even thought jeans suit me, I never wear jeans."

I think there's a lot of truth to what she says about Americans with respect to how we dress. Looking less put-together is tougher to pull off here, or shall I say, less appreciated, than it is in Paris.

To each their own, right? Good luck to Carine. I'm sure her next move will be an interesting one.

Holiday gift tags

2010-12-20T22:56:00.001-05:00

Last year I was really good about getting festive holiday wrapping paper and tags for my loved ones' gifts. I have no idea why I was obsessively focused on gift decor, especially given that I worked six weekends straight, right up through Christmas Eve morning. I didn't have time to shop for Christmas gifts, nor give much thought to what to buy online. But tags -- that was top of mind. So strange!

Well, this year some things feel like deja vu all over again.

I've worked several weekends this December and may be at work on Christmas Eve yet again.

Tags, on the other hand, never crossed my mind. Until now. I just spotted Ana Bond's holiday gift tags -- they're absolutely adorable!

Just in the nick of time....

Anna Wintour at work

2010-12-20T22:43:00.001-05:00

Doing 'her thing.'

(via chacunsamethode)

Casual in the city

2010-12-20T22:36:00.001-05:00

Too bad snow's on the ground right now so this outfit is totally out of the question. But when next fall comes around, these pants would be perfect.

(via ERICHCANVOGUE)

Zip it up in style

2010-12-12T19:37:00.003-05:00

Since I mysteriously misplaced my laptop case I've borrowed my husband's, or I've wrapped it in a sweater and shoved it in my bag, hoping it doesn't get knocked around too much on my Metro ride home.

Lazy, I know. It's high time to buy a new case.

Too bad Celine doesn't make one in my price range.

(via goodmorningnyc)

Kitchen design

2010-12-12T19:29:00.003-05:00

Another cool option if I were ever to remodel our kitchen. I like this look -- simple, with the dark, rough wood against all of the white.

(via That Kind Of Woman)

The perfect Christmas wreath

2010-12-11T10:46:00.003-05:00

We bought a lovely traditional wreath last weekend at Bancroft Elementary, hung it on our front door and adorned it with a pretty red and gold bow. It makes me smile every time I walk up the steps to our house after a long day at work.

As much as I like ours', I must admit, Saipua's version is by far, my favorite. The dark berries are the perfect touch.

Old timey

2010-12-11T10:31:00.001-05:00

I spotted these photos on A Continuous Lean and was smitten.

(Photos courtesy of the Detroit Publishing Company)

Mario Batali's grocery store

2010-12-10T07:01:00.001-05:00

When I was in NYC a few weeks ago, we just so happened to stumble upon Mario Batali's "Italian food hall" called Eataly. I've remarked here before about how much I'd love for Batali's concept to make a second home in D.C.

Everything you've ever associated with Italy -- meat, cheese, pasta, bread, wine -- they have in this 36,500 sq. ft. space, and they have it in abundance. There are dining counters and there are sit-down restaurants, so if you want to just pop in for a glass of wine and some charcuterie, they've got it. If you want a 3-course Italian dinner, there's ample opportunity for that as well.

It's Italy the American way -- choices, choices, choices. And with all of those choices one can feel overwhelmed (I did), but I was also wowed at the concept and reminded yet again, that only NYC pulls off stuff like this.

Back to Japan

2010-12-06T19:45:00.001-05:00

If I'm ever lucky enough to have a second chance to go back to Japan, this will be my first stop -- Gora Kadan, a traditional Japanese ryokan one hour outside of Tokyo." It made Sophia Coppola's list of favorite hotels...so it must be great because she's so effortlessly cool.

Sophia Coppola at work

2010-12-06T19:40:00.001-05:00

The director of one of my favorite films, Lost in Translation, gives an interview to Nowness after her upcoming film Somewhere. She looks cool and stylish as ever on set.

Christmas trees at Bancroft Elementary

2010-12-02T20:50:00.000-05:00

Good news neighbors -- Bancroft Elementary School's Christmas tree sale is returning to Mt. Pleasant this weekend, Saturday and Sunday from 10am - 4pm. All proceeds will directly benefit the school, so if you're looking for a tree or just need something simple like a wreath, please consider making a trip to Bancroft while you're out and about running errands.

(via The 42)

Winter reading

2010-12-02T20:40:00.000-05:00

Thanks to a recommendation from some friends, I picked up Born to Run and consequently learned more about the human foot than I ever needed to know. Think your running injuries can be cured with pills, yoga or better footwear? -- think again (according to the author at least). It's the shoes that are to blame. An intriguing thought for sure, but I don't think folks are going to put down their Nikes just yet, especially if you live in an urban concrete jungle.

After consuming so much information about running and podiatry, it was high time for something completely different. Thanks to Kramerbooks -- D.C.'s best independent bookstore (IMO) -- I picked up one of their monthly favorites, Look Me In The Eyes: My Life With Asperger's, by John Robison, Augusten Burroughs' brother.

I tore through it.

It's the story of a man's struggle living with Asperger's and his efforts to understand how and why he was always considered "different" from everyone else.

It was both a dark comedy and one of the more painful, but poignant memoirs I've ever read. Go get it.

Pasta with speck & baby peas

2010-12-02T20:20:00.000-05:00

It's not exactly what I'd think of when dreaming up a winter dish but that's exactly why I crave it --- it's something different. A little bit of spring, a little bit of summer, a little bit of fall. Feel free to swap the speck for bacon or prosciutto. And maybe throw in a little parmesan to the pecorino, if you'd like.

Happy cooking.

PS: If you can't read the recipe image above, just click on the link below.

(via What Katie Ate)

Eggs sunny-side up & good handwriting

2010-11-21T17:51:00.005-05:00

"I can teach anybody how to properly grill a steak but cooking an egg properly -- now THAT takes a lot of practice," -- Ben Horgan, chef, restaurant manager & friend

A good egg is indeed hard to come by. It seems like such a simple thing to make and yet my friend Ben is right -- cooking one well is an art form few have mastered. This explains my adoration of the brunch I had at an American bistro in the West Village called The New French.

I ordered 2 sunny-side eggs, potatoes, salad and duck leg. Out came eggs of a gorgeous, vibrant color and remarkable flavor. They were so good in fact that while I remarked on how much I enjoyed the meal to my friends it wasn't until I was on the bus ride home to D.C. that I began to realize just how perfect those eggs were. I'm craving them as I type. Is it nostalgia for a brunch gone by and our delightfully long chat with old and new friends? Or is it both -- good people and delicious eggs -- that I miss?

Either way, I adored The New French, which isn't really a French restaurant at all -- more American bistro or cafe. New York Magazine deemed the ambience and food "a blend of homey welcome and adventurous spirit." Agreed.

PS: The bistro's logo was done in quirky handwriting, which I obviously love (see The District Sleeps' logo). Maria Kalman, the illustrator and writer, lent her handwriting as the font for the menu, logo and paper place mats, giving the place its own unique, but simple look and feel.

J. Crew spring collection

2010-11-21T17:32:00.003-05:00

If you really hate the cold and already find yourself counting the days until the leaves turn green again and you're throwing on strappy sandals, then please, spare yourself the torture of looking through J. Crew's Spring Collection. It's absolutely charming -- nearly all of it, actually. But again, don't do it if you're going to get in a huff that you can't wear it for 4-5 months.

(Why all of the caution? Well, I, in fact, dislike winter immensely so...I wouldn't want to impart the same frustration that I feel, on others :) Neurotic? Maybe.)

For the past few seasons I've loved the "looks" J. Crew has designed but I don't find them nearly as alluring when I head to the store and try them on. There's all of these "combinations" of things in one outfit. My sister is a pro at pulling a million different things together and looking great in it. I fail miserably at this. I realize time and again I don't know how to layer without looking like a bag lady. I need it paired back and simple.

Ok now that I'm done venting I can explain that this is precisely why I'm very happy with this new collection. You can see pieces that will work perfectly on their own, shoes that look right with dozens of outfits and some very fine stand-alones -- like these gorgeous cream-colored trousers above.

Well done. Bravo J. Crew.

(via Style.com)

Wedding flowers

2010-11-18T07:00:00.000-05:00

My sister's boyfriend's cousin (sorry, that's a mouth full!) recently got married at the Brooklyn Botanical Garden's Palm House. My sis said the bride was gorgeous (as is clearly evident in these photos) and the food and reception were so much fun.

What I didn't know until this week, was that my favorite florist, Sarah Ryhanen, designed the flower arrangements for her wedding. How cool! The yellows, grays and creams suit the scenery and time of year so perfectly for their big day.

(via Saipua)

Butternut squash soup

2010-11-14T09:44:00.005-05:00

I've been making this recipe every other week since fall swept into town. It's my new favorite soup for 2010.

Butternut Squash Soup

Ingredients:

1-2 lbs. butternut squash, peeled

1 yellow onion

1 apple (McIntosh or Gala are good options)

2 cups chicken stock

handful of chopped scallions

couple of pinches of shredded coconut

handful of chopped pecans or cashews (toasted in the oven)

1 tbsp heavy cream

*optional: 3-4 fresh sage leaves OR 1/4 tsp. curry powder (depends on the flavor you're in the mood for; both are delicious)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Cut squash, onions and apples into 1 inch pieces. Toss with olive oil, salt and pepper. Roast for 35-45 minutes.

2. Heat chicken stock on medium-high heat.

3. When veggies are done roasting, add them to the chicken stock, and pour in the heavy cream. Blend with a hand-blender. (If using sage leaves, saute them with olive oil for 1 minute in a saute pan and then add to the veggies and blend.)

4. If using curry powder instead of sage leaves, add it now to the soup.

5. Check seasoning -- more salt? more curry? more fresh sage?

6. Serve warm in bowls with coconut, scallions and nuts as garnish.

Korean BBQ

2010-11-14T09:31:00.003-05:00

While we were on our honeymoon in Kyoto, Japan two summers ago, we met several locals who highly recommended a Korean BBQ restaurant easily missed among the back alleys of Kyoto's bustling dining district.

Upon arrival, we were seated on the floor next to a wood charcoal grill that was already crackling and burning, awaiting the beef and seafood we would soon order. To our left and right sat groups of 20-somethings, devouring their grilled food and gobs (and gobs, and gobs) of local beer.

The food was great but the atmosphere was truly the best part. Given the crowd, the loud music and the endlessly flowing beer, this BBQ restaurant could have been my go-to place in college (instead of the shitty corner bar I went to for bad BBQ wings and caesar salads), except that I went to school in a small Ohio town, not an urban center like Kyoto.

These memories from our trip came back to me after reading The New York Times' piece on "36 Hours in Seoul." Tadak, a Korean barbeque restaurant, was high on the author's list of "must see places." This article came out at just the right time -- I've been giving a lot of thought to where I'd like to travel next if I could go anywhere, and Korea has made the (long) list. Ethiopia, Vietnam, Madagascar, Montana, Kuala Lumpur.....they all made it on there as well. But I have to say, maybe this article was a sign??

Glittery skirts

2010-11-14T09:26:00.005-05:00

Inspired by First Lady Michelle Obama's ensemble at her dinner with the Indian Prime Minister and his wife, I'm now swooning for a long sparkly skirt.

(via The Senses Five)

Simple meals

2010-11-11T10:44:00.004-05:00

I know that some of you are loyal GOOP readers (Gwyneth Paltrow's semi-weekly newsletter), so you would have seen her issue today about Jessica Seinfeld's new cookbook and cooking videos. I was a bit skeptical -- another celebrity attempting to take over the home-cooking world? Please. We're already drowning in enough of that craze. That being said, I'm always on the hunt for new recipes so I took a look at what she has to offer.

I really like the super simple Sweet Cherry Tomato & Ricotta Pasta and the 10-minute Halibut Over Spinach. In fact, both recipes made me realize how much I "overdo it" when we have a large group over. I have that common desire of many home cooks to put together something rather elaborate for guests, when in fact, something easy and quick like Seinfeld's two dishes would make nearly any group happy. So, I think it's time to try a new approach to entertaining -- something much more paired down but equally as pleasing.

D.C. as a poptart?

2010-11-11T10:25:00.000-05:00

Oh yes, sign me up for this poster! You can't get more deliciously creative (yes, the pun was intended) than this about my city.

(via DCist)

A different kind of workout

2010-11-11T10:20:00.002-05:00

I'll always be devoted to swimming as my workout of choice, but over the years I've tried my hand at different forms of exercise, including spinning and biking, to mix things up. I'm now intrigued by B.fit studio's (located at 14th St & Rhode Island Ave NW) new fitness class called "barre."

Barre is based on the Lotte Berk method, which concentrates on targeting specific areas for strength and flexibility training. The "core" is the focus of everything in this workout.

Local blog, Borderstan, caught up with B.fit's owner, Linda Bachrak, who offered more detail on how the barre classes work.

Class starts with a 10-minute warm-up focusing on the upper body. The center warm-up involves some light weight training, as well as push-ups, planks and pilates. The warm-up is followed by exercises at the barre targeting the quads. Each exercise isolates the muscle, working it to the point of exhaustion. Glutes and hamstrings are also worked at the barre, and then the class moves to the center for an intense ab workout.

This sounds like a great combination of yoga, pilates and dance. I want to give it a try. If you already have, let me know what you thought of it!

Michelle in India

2010-11-09T20:58:00.004-05:00

Rachel Roy designed what might be my favorite ensemble this year for Mrs. Obama. At a state dinner with the President and First Lady of India, Obama wore a silver, floor-length skirt, bronze top and gold belt at the waist. She looked absolutely stunning!

But truth be told, she usually does -- just look at these photos from some of her outings in and around India. Her love of prints and interesting accessories makes me want to branch out a little more.

(Photos via Huffington Post & WhiteHouse.gov)

Opting out of YellowBook delivery

2010-10-22T09:30:00.001-04:00

This week I finally threw several Yellow Books in the recycling bin. They'd been stacked in our bookshelf collecting dust for who knows how long becoming the worst eye sore on the first floor.

As soon as I heard that "thud" sound when they hit the bottom of the bin, I was surprised at my lack of satisfaction after getting rid of these directories. It's probably because I know that another set would arrive in the mail any day now -- just in time to piss me off again. But some things in life just suck, right? So I assumed that receiving pointless mail that no one needs anymore and that's bad for the environment is just one of them.

Wrong.

In comes, Clay Johnson, blogger at InfoVegan.com ---

"The Yellow Page Integrated Media Association is the trade association of yellow-page makers. They actually run a little known website called yellowpagesoptout.com. Launched in 2009, you just plug in your zip code and find the opt-out pages for your local phone book providers. I did it here in DC, and was able to opt out, online from both of the big yellow book providers in just minutes."

Brilliant!

I checked out the site and low and behold its a simple opt-out form requiring your name, address and a few other details. Then I ran into a speed bump. D.C. wasn't listed as a state in the drop down menu. Huh? So I call 1-800-YBYELLOW, give the nice lady on the phone my information and BAM! I'm done. No more Yellow Books ever again!

Hurry, do it yourself regardless of whether you live in an apartment or a house. It saves you from clutter and the city some money.

PS: Thanks Clay!

Celine Spring 2010

2010-10-22T09:25:00.001-04:00

Rarely do I make a point of posting about fashion I don't like. What's the point? There's so much else out there that is gorgeous, unique and never-been-done-before that should be talked about. No need to dwell on the negative.

Today is an exception.

Because I'm an avid follower of all that designer Phoebe Philo touches, I must mention my disappointment with her Spring 2010 collection for Celine. The show, overall, received good reviews (see here, here and here). Known for her minimalist look, which I adore, was maintained this season but this time around Philo left us with tops, trousers and dresses that hid a woman's figure, or in many cases, shaped it into 90 degree angles. Lacking curves to begin with, many of the models looked even more like very lean rectangles gliding across the runway.

Now, I prefer paired down and simple but I don't like looking like a box. No thanks. I had those years as a year-round swimmer, complete with the huge shoulders. Structure is good but turning a woman's shape into a geometric shape is not.

(Via Style.com)

Brooklyn bar scene

2010-10-22T09:15:00.002-04:00

In the not too distant future, we're heading up to the Big Apple. I can't wait. It's been a year or two since I was last in the city and this time I'm finally heading to Brooklyn, which I've not perused before.

My Brooklyn-based pal, whom we'll see that weekend, is an amazing, stupendous, unbelievable resource for good ideas of places to eat, drink and be merry in her borough. Her favorite place is Carroll Gardens' Brooklyn Social, which led me to Henry Public (same owner). Just look at this bar (see pic #2). I love bars that look or are old and slightly decrepit-looking. Don't know why except that they feel cozier. Eater reports that Henry Public "has an antiquey vibe, with framed old letters and documents on the walls, old books in the bookshelves, and a collection of paraphernalia evoking an earlier age. Also: fireplace." YES. Awesome. Love working fireplaces.

And for a place that reminds me a bit of D.C.'s own Red Derby and New Orleans' d.b.a., Williamsburg has Spuyten Duyvil. According to New York Magazine, "In a neighborhood where $2 PBR rules the day, it's built an almost cult-like following around obscure imported microbrews." Yumm. Sign me up...and please, please establish one of these fabulous pubs in D.C. We could always use more. Always.

(Top photo of Brooklyn Social, 2nd of Henry Public & 3rd of Sputyen Duyvil)

City livin'

2010-10-17T22:50:00.001-04:00

It's always an adventure riding D.C.'s buses. I'm a big fan.

(via Matt.Dunn)

Etsy headquarters

2010-10-09T16:23:00.004-04:00

I've bought art, holiday gift-wrapping and my wedding invitations from designers I've found on Etsy...and everything was very, very affordable. There's the obvious personal touch to everything about interacting with Etsy folks and that clearly comes through in these pictures of their headquarters in San Francisco.

If there's a company in D.C. that matches Etsy's creative punch in their office decor, please email me! I'd love to feature them here. It's almost a given that SF would have cool office spaces like this, but I don't think most folks would think D.C. does. I'd like to prove that theory wrong.

(Photos via Apartment Therapy)

Bike shelf

2010-10-09T16:11:00.004-04:00

Isn't this genius? If you live in a small place and you've got one, let alone two or three bikes, forget trying to keep them out of sight and out of mind when you're not riding them.

Question is -- where the hell do you put them when you've got guests over or you want to tidy up?

Chris Brigham, from Knife & Saw, has the answer here. It's gorgeous and so functional.

On the road again

2010-10-01T18:00:00.003-04:00

We spent 48 hours in New Hampshire last weekend, just in time to catch the leaves changing color from green to yellow to red. Thankfully, we had a bit of time to drive north along the New Hampshire coastline into southern Maine.

I know I'm a broken record on this matter but trips like these make me think that one day I might say goodbye to the city. It's less about wanting something quiet and simple and more about wanting to be surrounded by the great outdoors. Simply put, less concrete and more grass.

Alas, I'm not quite there yet. In the meantime, road trips like this past one give me the dose of "green" that I need every now and then.

(Photo by Bert Teunissen at 20x200)

That bob looks good on you

2010-10-01T17:41:00.001-04:00

Chic.

(via Oh, Hello There)

Comet in Columbia Heights

2010-10-01T17:30:00.001-04:00

The Comet at 18th & Columbia Rd NW used to have kick ass crabcake sandwiches. On a hot summer afternoon, I'd walk up from my apartment at 18th & Wyoming, stop off for a sandwich, chips and a lemonade, sit in the park and people watch. It was one of those early routines I developed when I first moved to the city and for whatever reason it made me feel a part of this place. Buying lunch at a local shop, sitting in my neighborhood park...those things made me feel a sense of community.

Years have passed since that first summer in D.C., but I still don't live very far from the Comet, although it was sadly replaced with a shoe store. I'm still on the lookout for that next great local sandwich shop.

(via Kinorama)