Merry Christmas!

So it's been some time! The last time I wrote we were about to leave for our vacation to France and Italy. I wanted my next entry to be about said vacation but organizing my photos has proved to be a challenge.

Instead I will tell you about Christmas. Over the weekend Mike and I went to visit my mom and sis in Colorado. We had a lovely holiday filled with fun, laughter, and gifts. There's nothing like being with family!

Who Am I??

I've been a bit interested in the ancient art of Ayurvedic medicine, especially after watching a documentary about it on Netflix recently. I think the idea is everyone has a different body type and depending on what type you are you should follow a specific diet and make certain lifestyle changes.

A few years back I read a book about Ayurveda but could not for the life of me figure out my type or "dosha". So I was pretty excited to find this quiz. But it turns out that wasn't much help either.

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In less complicated matters, here's a pic of me and my buds dressed fancy from an event last week.

Knots by Lisa Hannigan

Been listening to this song on repeat all day. LOVE

So Long Summer

This time of year I start getting a little down in the dumps with the cooler temps and the cloudy skies. Last weekend we had one last summer hurrah with a camping trip with friends to Raystown lake. We only stayed one night but we had a really nice time.

The past couple of years we camped in the Shenandoah Mountains which are gorgeous but riddled with bears. This time I slept WAY easier without thoughts of bears outside my tent!

St. Vincent

At first I thought this album was a little strange but now it's growing on me.

My Yoga Online

I've been practicing yoga (off and on) for nearly 10 years now. I really love yoga - it's relaxing, energizing, and for me, serves as a spiritual practice. But I have never been the person who gets up at 6am every day, for a one hour solo practice. Even though I know what I'm doing, I need guidance!

Because of my work schedule it's been tough to find a studio near work or home. So I was so excited to find My Yoga Online! They have hundreds of streaming videos for all types of yoga. They even have some meditations and other classes like belly dancing and Pilates. It's basically like a streaming Netflix service but for yoga!

I signed up, and of course a few days later came down with a case of the Bubons (as Jon Stewart would say). But now I'm determined to get into My Yoga Online on the regular.

ModCloth

When I have a spare moment during the day, one of the websites I like to peruse is modcloth.com. Here are a few things on my wish list.

Ruffled shorts

Squirrel keepsake box and squirrel water bottle

pocket watch locket

Love Social

Dream Home

GASP!! While looking for a little design inspiration today, I stumbled upon this GORGEOUS home in Sydney Australia. Mike, when are we moving!??

Some Things

We celebrated Mike's birthday last week at Fogo de Chao. I was worried I wouldn't be able to top last year's surprise but I'm pretty sure this came in as a close 2nd. A bottle of wine and all you can eat meat was pretty much heaven for this guy.

On Saturday we took a trip to IKEA. We have the problem that I think most Americans have - too much stuff! So we purchased two night stands with drawers and a wardrobe that match the rest of our MALM style bedroom furniture. Admittedly, I am not the most organized person, but now we are one step closer to my dream of having everything in its proper place!

A Hoot.

I just came to the realization that I have a thing for owls. I was perusing the anthropologie website when this adorable plate caught my eye. A french owl smoking a pipe. Doesn't get any cuter than that.

Then I realized I am also sporting my Forever 21 Owl necklace today!

I've got this owl Kleenex box on sitting on my desk as well! I did a little detective work and discovered the Illustrator is named Cori Dantini - check out her blog and etsy shop, her illustrations are just adorably whimsical. Hoot hoot!

Are You The Favorite Person of Anybody?

Happy Birthday Mom,

Thank you for being a shining example of a woman with a big heart and a beautiful spirit. You have always been caring and giving even when we didn't have much. You inspire me with your creativity, through your writing, painting, photography, and even your little games and jokes. You have a way of putting fun into any situation.

Thank you for always supporting me in every endeavor and for letting me make my own decisions and mistakes. I'm sure it wasn't easy having a teenage daughter who could be moody and sassy at times (ok let's face it, I can STILL be moody and sassy), but you managed to put up with me with grace!

I love you with all my heart, Happy Birthday!

Mom after wedding

Mom, Hilary and me as a baby

Mom and me going to tea

The Legwarmers

After years of hearing about how totally awesome 80's tribute band The Legwarmers are, we finally went. I think it's so much fun to "dress up". And how often does that happen when it's not Halloween?  Not very often.

Beet Treat

I've been diggin' beets lately. Not only are they tasty but they provide antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and detoxification support. What could be better! I've also recently learned you can throw beet greens into the juicer, for more bang for your buck.

One of my favorite local restaurants, Maple Ave has a fantastic Organic Beet Salad. While you're there try the Dr Pepper Short Ribs and Peach Saketini. Yum!

Another tasty beet treat I've been enjoying is Tera brand Sweets & Beets chips. After being fried, dried and salted, they probably don't have the nutritional kick that fresh beets contain but they're "all natural" and I'd like to think a better option than your standard white potato chip. I like to crunch them into little pieces and throw them into a salad.

Beet appetit!

I Guess You'll Do

This is great - in a sad but true kind of way. Also reinforces reason #276 as to why I am so sick of Facebook — "I'm planning my wedding!", "We're buying a house", "I'm effing pregnant" uuuggh! Yet I keep coming back more...

Today Is My Birthday

My lovely lady co-workers surprised me with festive desk decorations, yummy cupcakes and a pretty plant. It's nice to have great office mates!

We celebrated a bit over the weekend too and I'm feeling a little tired today. I am listening to Agnes Obel, which has been just right for my relaxed mood.

Later this evening I will enjoy some wine and accoutrements at the Wine House in Fairfax. Couldn't ask for more.

Memorial Day Cookin'

Adult Cupcakes

I had a very nice and relaxing memorial day weekend. Some festivities included going to a bbq, hiking, yoga class, tequila tasting, and relaxing by our newly opened pool.

It wouldn't be a holiday weekend without some yummy food so I gave this recipe I made last summer another try - Watermelon Tomato Gazpacho. It is absolutely delicious and refreshing. This will be a summertime staple for sure.

On a not so healthy note, I whipped up some cupcakes for a co-worker's birthday. I don't have much experience baking, so I used funfetti mix for the cake portion, but I decided to take a stab at some cream cheese frosting. I love this website because after you read the recipe you can read reviews and modification suggestions.

I used the above recipe and combined it with another one by adding 1 tablespoon Irish Cream and 1 tablespoon bourbon. That added a nice little kick and gave the icing some complexity. I topped them off with some sprinkles. I think they turned out adorable and tasty!

Around Town

One of the great things about having people visit from out of town, is that you really take advantage of things to do in the area. My lil' sister came to visit me from Colorado and we had an action packed time. Friday I went to see Neko Case at the Black Cat with a friend, while Mike took Kia to Twins Jazz on U street.


Saturday we headed to the Freer Gallery for an event called Asia after Dark. This was my first time at this gallery, and although we didn't have a whole lot of time to check out the artwork, we saw a few pieces that made me to want to return. The theme was A Tribute to Japanese Art and Fashion - check out these costumes.

On Sunday we checked out the swanky P.O.V - a rooftop bar in the W Hotel, known for its spectacular view of the White House and the city. The drinks are $15 a pop, but the views and the fresh air make it worth checking out. AND we shared the BEST brownie EVER!

My allergies have been something fierce this week, but I'm so glad I rallied to show my sis a good time.

Fiver

Some advice I should heed. 

Good Eats

All those years working in Alexandria and I never once went to The Majestic in Old Town – until now! I always assumed it was some crappy diner, based on the huge neon retro style sign. Oh no. It's a fantastic little art deco styled fine dining establishment with strong drinks and delicious food.

I had the Fried Green Tomatoes, Amish Chicken 'Hunter-Style', and Red's Crispy Treat - a crepe filled with Chiboust cream, caramelized banana, rice crisps, and chocolate 'milk'. Yuuuuum. I highly recommend.

In further food news, I've been snacking on Popcorn Indiana's Cinnamon Sugar Kettle corn. It's "all-natural" and only 130 calories per serving. The only problem is, it's tough to stop munching. So be warned. 

Dog Parties

Yesterday I ran into one of my neighbors who we see pretty often when she takes her cute little beagle outside for business. She mentioned she was having a birthday party for… wait for it… yes, for her dog!  and asked if we would like to come. I have heard of this phenomena and was so excited to experience this for myself.

The party was at this little shop in Fairfax called Wylie Wagg. It's very nice and has all kinds of toys, accessories, all-natural dog food, and the like. I think we will shop there when we finally get a pooch of our own.

Meanwhile, I think we may have been the only people at this party without a dog or a miniature version of ourselves, which I've learned makes you less approachable at this sort of thing. People like talking to other people when they can comment on the cuteness of their living belongings.

My verdict on doggy birthday parties? Yes, it's ridiculous, but why not celebrate the furry friends in your life? I remember how special our family dogs were growing up, and I think any reason to get friends, neighbors, kids, and dogs together can't be bad at all.

Spring

Last week I went under the knife. I have been freaked out about the possibility of surgery for some time now but it just had to happen. Luckily, everything turned out just fine and I am so relieved to be done with it. I spent most of last week resting and recovering (aka watching Netflix). When I was finally ready to go outside after a few days, it was spring!

One of the great things about living in the DC area is the beautiful landscapes in springtime. Although I was not up to fighting the crowds at the Cherry Blossom festival, we have plenty of trees in our neighborhood that are full of lovely blooms.

Spring is a time for rebirth, renewal and regrowth. I feel so fortunate to have the opportunity to experience Spring in my surroundings and within.

Thank You Iceland

I just discovered these fantastic commercials for Reyka Vodka via our friends Lindsay and Danny who we had the pleasure of consuming vodka with last weekend at the Russia House.

I love the juxtaposition of the rough, hand drawn animation with a simple video. Add to that, the fact that this girl is just adorable and hilarious.



There are two more here and here.

Crazy Sexy Diet

I just finished reading Kris Carr's Crazy Sexy Diet. This book is a fabulous introduction to why the SAD (standard american diet) does not work, and why eating a fresh, plant-based diet is the way to go. Kris' writing style is so entertaining and down to earth, it feels like you're getting advice from a good friend, not like you're being lectured on why your favorite foods are crap.

Much of this book was a refresher course for me, based on some of my learning in the past couple of years. But it's always good to get a pep talk and to learn new tidbits to keep you on track. While there is a lot that is covered in the book, here are a few points that I especially want to focus on:

1) Ditch the "crack" (aka sugar) - This has been a constant battle for me. Even though I think smoking is nasty and drugs are dumb, I can totally sympathize with people who have addictions. If I can't say no to a cupcake, it's gotta be pretty tough to kick a drug habit. Kris lays it out plain and simple—sugar is yucky and addictive. She also gives some great alternatives to say, eating a roll of cookie dough. Not that I've ever done that…

2) Dry brushing -  I started dry brushing about 6 months ago. I've been kinda up and down with this but it does feel invigorating. It really helps me to stop and connect with my body for a minute. You can read more about dry brushing here.

3) Meditation - you can eat right, exercise, and take a butt-load of supplements, but if your mind is whack, you're gonna fall off the wagon. I have experienced the power of meditation, and what a difference my mood can be if take even 1 minute to close my eyes and just breath. But, admittedly, I'm more of a yoga class meditator. This book has inspired me to make mediation a part of my daily routine. Yes, it's one more thing on the to-do list, but I think my mind and body will thank me.

Give a Little, Get a Little

TODAY ONLY, Forever 21 is giving 100% of every dollar you spend online today toward relief efforts in Japan. Sign me up! Here are a few things I snagged.

Smoothie Recipe

A friend of mine told me about this Smoothie he tried the other day. It sounded so yummy, I created my own version of it. The combination of these ingredients sound a little odd, but it tastes so good–like pumpkin pie in a cup!

Nutty Pumpkin Pie Smoothie

3/4 cup nut milk (I used Hazelnut)
5 oz. fresh carrot juice
1/3 cup canned pumpkin
1 heaping tablespoon almond butter
a few dashes of pumpkin pie spice
1 pinch salt