Watermelon Cooler

So the Memorial Day weekend forecast doesn't look too promising.

That won't stop me from thinking about basking in the sun by our condo pool that is scheduled to open this weekend! And perhaps enjoying this refreshing concoction that I came up with a few weeks ago.

Watermelon cooler:

3 parts watermelon
1 part water (more or less to taste)

Blend in blender on high until smooth and frothy. Enoy!

This Time of Year

My favorite time of year in the DC area is now! It's getting warmer, the days are longer, but it's not muggy and buggy yet.

A couple of weekends ago, Mike and I wanted to check out the installation piece at the Hirshhorn Museum called Song 1 by Doug Aitken.

Of course, we had to wait till it got dark out, so we sat at the bar at the newly renovated Jaleo. I had been to the Crystal City location once before, but this time, getting recommendations from our knowledgeable bartender, I was really blown away. The cheese and charcuterie plate was amazing, and the multiple tapas dishes we order were all scrumptious in their own unique way.

The best part was a cocktail called The Last Word, and the house made flan to complete our meal.

We then headed to the Hirshhorn and immediately I was mesmerized by the 360-degree projection film that encompasses the entire circular building. It truly is a beautiful piece, and this is the FINAL WEEKEND! So if you haven't already, go see this piece! And hit up Jaleo while you're at it!

Dance My Pain Away

Kinda feel like things haven't been going my way lately. But Spring is here, the sky is blue, and I'm feeling hopeful that good things are to come!

Parenting

If I ever decide to become a parent, I hope I am at least half as awesome as this guy.

Opening Night!

Tonight is the night! I've been rehearsing with some very talented actors and musicians for a local production of Man of La Mancha. It's been years since I've done anything like this so I am very excited/ nervous/tired/happy!

I'm listening to Lisa Hannigan to calm my opening night jitters. Even the way she speaks is soothing.

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!