boarder girl

winter knits

2012-01-03T22:26:00.005-05:00

I love to knit. And now that it's winter, I'm knitting furiously. The best part this winter is all the incredible knit inspiration in the fashion collections this season. Just a few of the fabulous inspiring sweaters are below, from ladylike fuzzy angora to funky chunky oversized knits.

salut

2011-10-11T22:13:00.002-04:00

I recently made the rounds to the vintage shops on U Street. It's long been a hotspot for vintage, but I think it has gotten better lately as more shops open up along U. Here are a few of my favorites.

Dr. K Vintage had fun dresses and fabulous belts. I picked up a vintage Coach belt for $10.

Ginger Root Design is part vintage, part local designer warehouse. I loved the painted handbags (above) and stone jewelry (below). Amazing. Plus, they have an online shop coming soon.

Junction is super cute and has loads of real vintage finds, like this fabulous old box purse. You'll find incredibly unique jems in here, along with the usual.

Rock it Again has really fun style and a ton of great guy's gear as well as everything for the ladies.

Then there are the bonus locations...these technically aren't on U Street but get an honorable mention.

Treasury is a ridiculously hip little boutique with vintage finds and chic modern designs. It's just around the corner on 14th (ok and a few blocks down but worth the trip).

Secondi is of course the monolith of women's consignment in the area. It's not quite the same as vintage, but you can bring in your old clothes (by appointment) and find a new wardrobe in one spot. It's definitely more Dupont work clothes than vintage unique finds, but you can get some amazing designer finds here for a fraction of the price, and it's huge.

2011-08-06T09:46:00.008-04:00

If you need a truly bad-ass, unique, tough case for your laptop, look no further. Silva Ltd. has you covered in some amazing all-bamboo cases that will make you look seriously chic.

Added 8/10: Also, see D. Fauber's Etsy shop!

heart stealers

2011-08-04T21:44:00.000-04:00

this "little team" will melt your heart with their good spirits. Nice to see some people can play well with others these days. And they're so damn cute.

see no evil

2011-07-13T21:57:00.000-04:00

New trend I am seeing: sunglasses for good.

TOMS has them now, a few hip shade styles in lots of colors, with their same "one for one" philosophy as their shoes. They'll donate eye glasses or eye-saving surgery for someone in need for each pair you buy. Plus they have a "virtual try on" where you can upload a photo of yourself and look at yourself "wearing" the glasses. It kind of works, except that you can resize the frames to fit your photo, so you have no idea how big the real ones will actually be on you. The glasses look really cute though, and they have mens and women's styles.

Another company working for the same good (at a lower price point) is Waveborn. They only have three options for glasses, but are about half the price of TOMS and also donate a pair of glasses to someone in need for every pair you buy. Look good, feel good, you can't lose.

freebie

2011-06-20T21:38:00.001-04:00

Free amazing cupcakes M-F this week if you're a Capitol Bike Share user. Thank you cb & thank you Sprinkles!!!!

rock and roll

2011-06-08T20:00:00.000-04:00

I love this kid.

come and get it

2011-06-02T20:25:00.001-04:00

Get your fill of sweet tea & pumpkin pie this weekend at the Sweet Tea Pumpkin Pie two-day free music festival in DC, with venues along U St. It's all free and there are about one bajillion bands from the mid-Atlantic representing over the weekend. Delicious!

the best

2011-05-31T22:04:00.000-04:00

cat aids

2011-05-13T21:19:00.000-04:00

I've been meaning to get a pic of this somewhat-recent Shepard Fairey mural for months. When CAT AIDS got there before me, I figured I'd better get it before the whole thing gets ruined. I believe it was painted by Fairey when he had an exhibit at the nearby Irvine Contemporary gallery. The mural is in an alley near Logan Hardware (1416 P Street NW).

cute roulette, meet your match

2011-05-11T14:33:00.004-04:00

Animals with Stuffed Animals Tumblr.
Yep. That about says it all.

well carved

2011-05-10T19:32:00.002-04:00

Tim Delger makes furniture out of street signs. One of those cool-looking things that makes you think huh, why didn't I think of that? They're really well done. But what I really love is some of his other work -- graceful yet industrial lighting, and most of all, this solar system desk. It's beautiful, functional, worn, and makes my geeky self squeal inside. Better than anything I ever carved into a desk. Don't miss the detail on Pluto -- love it.

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

2011-05-05T22:00:00.000-04:00

View

2011-04-30T22:15:00.001-04:00

Today near the marina.

stormy

2011-04-24T21:07:00.000-04:00

Lots of awesome lightning tonight. This is just s little of it. We were able to watch it for about half an hour as a storm raged to the south of us before it started pouring here.

Just write

2011-04-21T22:55:00.000-04:00

I go through quite a few notebooks for work and life in general. I am almost always buying something new instead of the same brand and style over and over. My favorite is probably this OH BOY notebook that I bought years ago and like so much that I haven't had the heart to actually use it yet (that's the kind of ridiculous thing I do). They apparently stopped making that brand of notebook for a while, but now Chronicle Books (go SF) has some available for sale again. I will be watching the line, maybe I'll get one that I actually use...

I was also recently turned on to Rad & Hungry, a business started by a couple of women who travel the world in search of fun and unique office supplies just for you. I kind of want their Korea set for my next notebook...

Spring

2011-04-20T22:47:00.001-04:00

I walk by these on my way to work. Phenomenal. I love tulips and I love spring in DC. Life is awesome.

Rethinking

2011-04-19T16:13:00.002-04:00

I have always, always considered myself a brunette. But once again today, for the umpteenth time since sometime around my teenage years, someone called me a blonde. Yeah I know I have kinda blonde highlights (natural thank you) but still. Light brown hair.

Does this happen to anyone else? Your hair color identity doesn't match what others see? I'm just curious. What's your vote? Are these locks brunette or blonde? Should I rethink my brunette status? Or am I just in between?

Guy on a Segway

2011-04-19T15:54:00.001-04:00

That's just how he rolls.

studded

2011-01-09T19:48:00.000-05:00

I'm a punk-rocker at heart (just ask my high school or college friends), but am at a point in my life where I am without question an adult. So I try to be chic while still keeping a nod to my roots. Right now a lot of designers are working with studs, and I've been able to enjoy some really fun pieces that the punk-rocker inside me loves, while still looking put together. There are also some seriously high-end lines that have been using studs, and I think some of the best are on handbags. Below are a few of my favorites.

Cassandra LA 'Gladiator Pompei - Large' Tote

Jimmy Chu studded bag (above) and wallet (below)

Valentino "Rock Stud" Collection (also the three below) -- I love these sophisticated lady bags with the unexpected stud details, especially in this soft taupe color.

wear it

2011-01-03T22:22:00.003-05:00

I love unique pieces of jewelry. I buy most of my stuff from independent shops that make their own stuff. I was recently in San Francisco and saw Scarlett Garnet. Really fun, beautiful stuff that's I'm pretty crazy about right now. Great shapes, mixed metals, and seriously playful. Cover me in it.

pups

2010-12-29T17:54:00.009-05:00

For some reason, a number of adorable dog photos were sent to me yesterday, and since I can't think of anyone who doesn't love an adorable dog, I thought I'd share.

First, this ridiculously cutest-of-cute fellows (from Cute Overload):

Then these sweet little buddies (linked by DCist):

Then this poor guy who found himself stuck in a wall!! (first seen on my local news station):

Thankfully he was rescued and is now doing fine.

sparkle

2010-12-28T22:22:00.003-05:00

Winter always makes me want to wear dark colors, tons of layers, and something shiny. To cure that last itch, I've been coveting some pieces by nOir jewelry.

woof

2010-10-23T23:20:00.002-04:00

OK GO continues to freaking rock the music video genre. And this time it's with dogs.

there is only one right answer

2010-09-12T20:06:00.003-04:00

Thank goodness my boyfriend and i both come from parts of the country where we know to call soda "soda", or I'm not sure how we would make our relationship work. "Pop" and "coke" are just not going to cut it, sorry entire middle section of the country.

hamm & betty

2010-08-30T15:30:00.002-04:00

Jon Hamm + Betty White = magic

says it all

2010-08-27T13:41:00.001-04:00

touted as 'jam of the summer' by some critics. i think you gotta like any song that makes you smile and is catchy as shit.

shhh

2010-07-14T21:02:00.002-04:00

Really cool video of an art installation (titled "Shhh...") in a remodeled library near where I grew up:

dear ____,

2010-07-09T17:48:00.003-04:00

Enjoying the blog Dear Blank, Please Blank -- yet another online location where people can air grievances to the world (wide web). So far, this one seems not to have been taken over by lameness, and remains a place where you can find a small laugh/waste some of that precious time at work. Listings (which are posted by whoever, even you) can even be sorted by category buttons clickable for each posting -- so you can see in one go what people deem hilarious, douchebag-esque, WTF, likeable, etc.

A sampling:

Dear Liver,
I apologize in advance for this weekend.
Sincerely, Alcohol.

Dear meat-heads at the gym,
Please stop with all the grunting noises. Yes, we can all hear you, and it's freaking us out.
Sincerely, just a girl trying to get in better shape.

Dear Harry,
Fancy a beer and a game of pool on Saturday?
Sincerely, Lord Voldemort.

whole wide world

2010-06-29T22:24:00.003-04:00

Created by own iphone ringtone today thanks to ipod legends and Marcos. Now that my ringtone is Wreckless Eric's song Whole Wide World, I'll probably never answer my phone just so I can hear it ring. Amazing.

doppelganger

2010-06-12T15:38:00.005-04:00

like urban outfitters? you'll like need supply.

A very similar aesthetic, with soft-floaty vintage-inspired dresses and tough shoes for ladies, laid-back not-quite-basics for men. But all in a simpler, pared-down website. Makes me think they might be related.

anchored

2010-06-11T20:27:00.002-04:00

Just bought a ridiculously fabulous bracelet by In God We Trust, a Brooklyn-based label, who sells their wares on the sumptuous site Refinery29. Lots of eye-candy there.

dumplings

2010-05-30T19:36:00.006-04:00

Today we made some delicious and easy dumplings for dinner. They were really good. And seriously, I thought they'd be a lot of work but they were cake to make. I made tofu-scallion-watercress-water chestnut dumplings, and my guy made his with some ground pork from the farmer's market and his mom's kimchi. They were both delicious. Both pork/kimchi and tofu/watercress recipes based on those from this month's Food & Wine magazine.

My tofu-watercress mix in a gyoza wrapper.

The pork and kimchi mix.

They looked so professional!

Like little soldiers in a row.

After cooking. DELICIOUS!

twits

2010-05-25T16:28:00.002-04:00

Someone has had the brilliant idea (and large cajones) to set up a twitter account @BPglobalPR. Let the hilarity ensue:

@BPglobalPR: "Looks like the oil is on its way around Florida and up the East Coast. Consider it a hug, America!"

@BPglobalPR: Thousands of people are attacked by sea creatures every year. We at BP are dedicated to bringing that number down. You're welcome!

@BPglobalPR: If we had a dollar for every complaint about this oil spill, it wouldn't compare to our current fortune. Oil is a lucrative industry!

@BPglobalPR: Bonfire/Boat Party tonight in the gulf. No fatties, BYOB. #bpcares

@BPglobalPR: We just saw a shark fight an octopus inside the geyser. Almost made this whole thing worth it.

arts

2010-05-24T22:09:00.005-04:00

I stumbled onto Jessica Niello's art from the site of an SF boutique (the parish trust). I really love the arrows, the bike, the ropes...beautiful.

chic

2010-05-23T17:05:00.004-04:00

Really love Heidi Merrick's spring 2010 line. Clean, fun, freakin' hot.

who?

2010-05-22T10:50:00.002-04:00

Ming Makes Cupcakes. A lot of them, in fact. You might not know it yet, but you will. From lemon cupcakes with jam filling to Guinness chocolate cupcakes with cream cheese frosting to coconut sponge cupcakes with chocolate espresso buttercream. Believe it or not, she also has time to make cookies and some savory baking as well. Now I just have to choose which recipe to attempt first.

sail on

2010-05-21T10:20:00.004-04:00

Thank jeebus I found someone as obsessed with all things nautical as I am. Thank you Daytrip Society for realizing that everything is better when covered in rope, anchors, and wood-block prints. And while they definitely carry some fabulous items that are not at all nautical (you gotta change it up sometimes), their other choices just scream my name as well (Holga cameras, fabulous bags, DIY goodies). Some of my favorites:

l'eau

2010-05-19T22:14:00.003-04:00

I just bought a new water bottle that I kind of love. It has my two favorite colors, and my favorite icon...all in one lovely, stainless-steel earth-friendly package. I bought it at the fabulous local tabletopdc (I could buy everything in that store), and it's made by the quirky blueQ.

I also kind of wanted these great dishtowels (by blueQ, available at tabletop)...

what to say

2010-05-18T10:55:00.003-04:00

New Born Ruffians album drops June 1, and I'm super excited. They've released the first video and single from the album, What To Say. Seems like the new stuff will be a little different, a little the same -- I dig it. These guys just make freaking good music.

summertime

2010-05-16T22:51:00.004-04:00

I've been pretty crazy about tigerlily's swimwear since I found the brand in Australia (it's native land). The styles have gotten better over the years, and just one or two years ago they started selling their amazing swim and clothing line in the US. I've been exclusively a bikini girl for a very long time, but tigerlily's amazing one-pieces are making me think I could rock one this season. (oh, and they have tons of hot bikinis too!)

brilliant

2010-05-11T21:24:00.003-04:00

Utterly in love with these angular, unique, and beautiful designs by brand Deka Ray. Wishing I could get them all...

a new shade of green

2010-05-10T19:04:00.002-04:00

How did I not know about Green Porno, a series in which Isabella Rossellini dresses up as various animals, and with the help of cartoon and cardboard creatures, acts out various animal sex acts...yes really. Check out a few examples of this amazingness, and great ready for a serious case of WTF.

armor

2010-05-04T19:36:00.003-04:00

This phenomenal body jewelry is inspiring to make some of my own that won't set me back a few hundred dollars. Gorgeous. I love things that draw attention to shoulders, arms, backs, any of those sexy feminine body parts that aren't overtly sexual.

spring things

2010-04-27T21:40:00.003-04:00

recent purchases...

volcom dress, element skirt, matix top, billabong bag, element top

lovelove

2010-04-22T10:53:00.003-04:00

Super hot Ashley Watson & Lina Rennell bags. The top one is amazing. I'm really obsessed with prints lately, especially things with a handmade feel.

10/10

2010-04-19T21:52:00.005-04:00

Really loving this Vogel10 line -- both the new April stuff and the earlier "all hands on deck" collection. The idea is also very cool -- ten simple, fabulous, coordinated items that you can pack into a small bag and mix and match for a seamless getaway wardrobe. Sounds like life just got easier, and more fabulous. Oh, and they have a blog too!

new

2010-04-13T14:11:00.004-04:00

...to me at least. This is some good shit. Get more @ PMA

BecausebyChiddy Bang

Fresh Like UsbyChiddy Bang

sounds

2010-04-12T15:46:00.002-04:00

Really digging this album lately.

The Winter of Mixed Drinks - F...

love

2010-04-09T12:05:00.003-04:00

i want it all
Dusen Dusen Spring Collection

sigg yourself

2010-02-11T10:15:00.003-05:00

Cafe Press has a new feature that allows you to put your own image on a Sigg water bottle. Fabulous! They also have a few pre-made images to which you can add your own text. The only downside I see is that you can't do a wrap-around image if you add your own -- it covers most of the front but no more. Still a great idea!

how to:

2010-02-09T14:01:00.000-05:00

necessary?

2010-02-02T11:12:00.005-05:00

Thank goodness I can count on Japanese retailers to be embarrassed by bodily function noises even more than I am. Behold the Eco-Otome Toilet Sound Blocker: for a mere $19US (plus $15 shipping), you can have a key chain device that makes the sound of a toilet flushing -- so you can cover up those less-than-sexy noises you make in the restroom without wasting water.

The best part? This was sent to me in a list of Valentines day gift ideas (not from my guy, thankfully). "Happy Valentines Day baby! Why? Because I love you."

signage

2010-01-29T15:07:00.004-05:00

A lot of people were angry in 2009. Thank goodness some people still had a sense of humor. The Huffington Post has compiled a collection of the Funniest Protest Signs of 2009. The majority of these are doing a hilarious job of using humor to cheekily mock intolerance, but most are slanted left (of course) and so if you're a tea-bagger you might not find some of these so funny. I've got a few below to whet your whistle, but these are just a drop in the bucket. You could spend hours flipping through the numerous photos of signs they have here. A great activity for this cold snowy weekend (at least on this coast). Enjoy!

(middle sign says "We have no idea what we're talking about" with arrows pointing to surrounding signs)

say it with sugar

2010-01-28T09:24:00.005-05:00

If you haven't figured it out yet, I love baking. Mostly, I love eating baked goods. But the creation is fun too. There's something ridiculously cheerful about a cake, cookies, or a mound of cupcakes. And don't even get me started on sprinkles (I think they are clinically equivalent to Prozac). Knowing my affinity towards all things sugar-based, my guy sent me this link to a 'Message in a Cookie' set. You get cookie cutters with slots to insert included letters, which you can set any way you want to get your message across. Send a "Feel Better" set to your friend who needs a pick-me-up, or a "Dear John" set to that loser you're dating. Or make each individual cookie unique and write the next great American novel. Who wants a waste paper when you can write it on a cookie?

watch

2010-01-27T10:45:00.006-05:00

Want to know what your neighbor is watching? Or the cool kids who live in Brooklyn? Look no further than the New York Times 'A Peek into Netflix Queues', which lets you see the most-rented (and least-rented) films for particular geographic areas. With help from Google Maps, you can view top ten lists by zip code, or flip through a list of Netflix's top-rented films from 2009 to see how well they fared in a particular metropolitan area based on that city's queues. The top rental in my zip code of 20009? Milk. Sounds right to me.

sleep talkin

2010-01-20T13:45:00.003-05:00

Awesome new blog Sleep Talkin' Man. This woman in Britain has a sleep-talking husband, and instead of letting his odd midnight mumblings bother her, she is putting them to good use entertaining the rest of the world. Daily postings from the voice-activated tape recorder she keeps at his bedside include the following:

1/19/10: "My bagder's gonna unleash hell on your ass. Badgertastic!"

12/7/09: "Put the lobster down. Put it down!"

1/9/10: "Legs time! Everybody get your legs!"
[yelled upon waking] "COCK HUNTER!"

Karen's note: Also, just after he shouted "COCK HUNTER" and woke up, he looked at me with fear in his eyes and said, "um, did I just shout cock hunter?" It's been worrying him ever since.

Awesome.

come play

2010-01-17T09:22:00.000-05:00

I recently signed up for the H Street Country Club's Skeeball Tournament with a team of my friends (team name not suitable for the interwebs). Skeeball, drinking, jeering others, should be a good time.

Rock & Roll Hotel is hosting both Spelling Buzz (a drunken spelling bee) and ping pong once a week, and Little Miss Whiskey's and Sticky Rice are teaming up with R&RH to host their second annual H Street Karaoke Competition.

Apparently the kids love a throwback game or competition, as long as it's combined with booze (cheap booze, preferably). And why not? No use pretending you're too cool to have a freaking good time.

see

2010-01-16T09:15:00.001-05:00

New gallery opening on H St NE & 14th Streets, called Industry. They're having an opening reception today, Saturday 1/16 from 6-8pm.

A view of the gallery with instillation.

A piece from the current exhibit, works of metal and aluminum by Shlomo Harush titled “Round the corner”.

a piece of chic

2010-01-15T09:14:00.000-05:00

Who doesn't covet Audrey Hepburn's style? She's the epitome of classic chic. She made the LBD the staple that it is today. Most women would love to have a little piece of her style. And for a few lucky ones with money to spend, they got a little piece of it. Kind of a fashion dream-come-true.

A few weeks ago a large collection of pieces that were originally owned and (mostly) worn by Audrey before she gave them to her best friend were auctioned off. Some pieces went to museums and collections, others went to individuals who just had to have a piece of Audrey's style for themselves. A few pieces are below, or check out the full slide show.

walkability

2010-01-14T09:26:00.003-05:00

My address was rated a 98 out of 100 -- "Walker's Paradise". But that's why I live here.

How does your address rate? Check it out at Walkscore, where they'll rate your location by walkability of transit, grocery stores, entertainment, restaurants, and about 12 other factors. And everything is visible on a google map for clickability.

They've also ranked over 2,500 neighborhoods in 40 of America's largest cities to help you find a great walkable neighborhood (or avoid a bad one). They even have maps with color-coded neighborhoods and ranked lists that are really easy to use.

lil scientist

2010-01-13T10:15:00.001-05:00

I got to meet this little lady when she presented her research at our meeting. She is bad ass!

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murmur

2010-01-12T10:45:00.003-05:00

Beautiful photography of massive flocks of swooping starlings by Richard Barnes.

clearly we are way ahead of those other scientists

2010-01-11T09:25:00.003-05:00

Why Do Geologists Love Beer?
Added: December 17, 2009
Wired Science heads to the American Geophysical Union's fall meeting in San Francisco to see why geologists -- more than other scientists -- seem to have a burning love affair with beer.

**Yes this is "my" meeting! And yes, geologists really do love beer. It's just part of the field experience. I particularly like that my friend Cindy is shown double-fisting it. Well done.

entertainment

2010-01-04T21:33:00.004-05:00

I'm way behind on this one (it aired like 3 weeks ago), but I loved it and had to share. Alicia Keys is really witty, and Stephen makes an awesome appearance...the first clip is so you get all the banter later on. Enjoy.

The Colbert Report

Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c

Prescott Financial Sells Gold, Women & Sheep

www.colbertnation.com

Colbert Report Full Episodes

Political Humor

Economy

The Colbert Report

Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c

Alicia Keys

www.colbertnation.com

Colbert Report Full Episodes

Political Humor

Economy

The Colbert Report

Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c

Alicia Keys - Empire State of Mind (Part II) Broken Down

www.colbertnation.com

Colbert Report Full Episodes

Political Humor

Economy

decisions

2009-12-25T01:07:00.003-05:00

My search for this year's New Years card I'll be sending to friends is on...a few of my top contenders, from someecards, of course:

heartbreaker

2009-12-23T13:45:00.002-05:00

cutest. ever.
thx2gene

space chair

2009-12-22T13:44:00.000-05:00

engaged

2009-12-21T14:23:00.004-05:00

Was at home flipping through my parents' copy of the NYT Style section when I ran into this photo in the engagements page. Guess the 28-year-old groom has worked on at least one film with Ferrell and got him to pose in their official NYT engagement pic...seems appropriate. Full story.

DC snow

2009-12-19T22:16:00.003-05:00

From a DC Alert:

Mayor Adrian M. Fenty is making an urgent request to residents and visitors to stay off city streets until after the snow storm has passed. “While I recognize people want to get out and enjoy the snow, there is a significant safety concern as pedestrians are walking along city streets instead of sidewalks” said Mayor Fenty.

I kind of wish I was there to see DC as a winter wonderland, but I'm happily settled in at home for a (well-earned) week of vacation and warm(er) weather. Have fun DC! And sorry to all my co-workers who were going to fly back to DC this weekend and are now stuck here a few extra days.

black bean corn tacos

2009-10-01T19:25:00.002-04:00

A tasty, quick, and filling dinner:

Ingredients:
1/2 onion, chopped
2 large or 3 small ears of sweet corn
Olive oil
6 Tortillas
1 can black beans
Spices: Salt, Pepper, Cayenne, Chipotle chili powder, Cumin
1/4 cup cilantro
Guacamole (homemade or store bought)

The corn and onion were fresh from the farmer's market, the rest was bought at the store.
Cook 2 large or 3 small ears of corn: I like to cook mine by dropping into unsalted boiling water, uncovered, for 3-4 minutes. Remove from water and set aside.
In a skillet, saute half an onion, chopped, in a little olive oil.
After 4-5 minutes, rinse and add one can of black beans. Turn the heat down to low.
Add the following spices to taste: salt, pepper, cayenne, chipotle chili powder, and cumin. Let the beans warm through.
When the corn is cool enough, use a serrated knife to carefully slice off the kernels from the cob. They'll come off in sheets but will easily fall apart into individual kernels. Add the corn to the beans and onions.
Chop 1/4 cup cilantro and add to mixture. Stir and let sit over low heat while you heat up the tortillas. My favorite way to warm tortillas is to put them directly over a gas stove burner, flipping with tongs as needed to warm and get a little golden brown color on them without burning them.
Once the tortillas are ready, smear each with some guacamole (homemade or store bought) and scoop the corn and black bean mix into each. Enjoy!

come tonight

2009-09-30T06:00:00.001-04:00

tonight @ the black cat
the pains of being pure at heart

you gotta be there
(i will!)

don't know em?
free downloads!
Come Saturday and Everything with You

sunday drinks

2009-09-29T19:09:00.005-04:00

What to do with some slightly bruised peaches? How about a nice cocktail?
Didn't see that one coming, did you?

On a super-lazy Sunday afternoon, we made some simple syrup by putting 1/2 cup water and 1 cup sugar into a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently until all the sugar is dissolved. While that was dissolving, we chopped about 2 cups of peaches (~2 large peaches) and pureed them in a blender. Once the simple syrup is ready, remove from heat and let cool, keeping sugar in solution. We mixed the cocktails with 1 part white rum, 1 part simple syrup, and 3 parts peach puree. The drinks are best chilled, so I'd recommend chilling the puree and rum, or mixing in a cocktail shaker with ice, or pouring over ice. Would be great garnished with a peach slice or a spring of mint. If you're making singles, it will make 4 drinks. Delicious! Now we just need to name the drink...

farmers market dinner

2009-09-28T18:42:00.005-04:00

I love being able to purchase a few items from the farmer's market and have everything I need for dinner. So when my boy found this recipe from amateur gourmet, we decided to make Sunday dinner for a couple of our friends. It's a pasta sauce made with fresh tomatoes, sauteed eggplant, and fresh basil. It was simple to make, and it was delicious! I really recommend giving this one a try soon, as eggplant is in season now and we're right near the end of tomato season.

(image from Amateur Gourmet, as we didn't take any pics when we made the meal, a habit I need to fix...)

hiatus

2009-09-27T18:29:00.004-04:00

I've been gone for quite a while...let's just say, work has been insane. But here I am, taking a little time on a Sunday while watching the 4th or 5th football game of the day (plus a little HGTV thrown in there) to mentions some rad stuff I've been into lately.

The H Street NE Festival rocked. What a great time. Good music, cool people, tasty beer, delicious sweet treats. If you missed it this year, definitely get out there next year. It wasn't as crowded as Adams Morgan Day, but was waaay more fun than Oktoberfest in Capitol Hill/Eastern Market -- I know it was raining, but it was kind of sad. However, there was a petting zoo at the Capitol Hill Oktoberfest...which was awesome and drew the biggest crowd at the event. A few pics from the day...

old people are funny

2009-08-29T10:54:00.002-04:00

Check out the gems on shitmydadsays, a twitter account run by a 28 year-old dude who lives with his 73 year-old dad and tweets the hilarious shit that only an old person can get away with saying, and sounding completely hilarious.

"I didn't live to be 73 years old so I could eat kale. Don't fix me your breakfast and pretend you're fixing mine."
11:24 AM Aug 3rd from web

pseudo-sangria

2009-08-28T16:36:00.003-04:00

I went out last night for happy hour with a girlfriend. We decided to get some sangria at La Tasca in Chinatown because it’s central and easy for both of us to get to on public transit (between Dupont and H Street). While I’ve becoming increasingly unimpressed by La Tasca’s food – especially after my Spanish friend made me real Spanish Tortilla, and wow was it amazing (If I get her recipe I will share it) – I think their sangria is tasty and definitely worth the happy hour price of $3.50/glass or $15/pitcher (half-price). When perusing the sangria list, we found one that stuck out. It had sparkling wine and pineapple juice…and it was topped with whipped cream. We both wanted to try it immediately. The drink was mixed fresh for us, not sitting in a large jar to absorb fruit flavors like the other sangrias, so I don’t think you could call it a traditional sangria. Added to the above list of ingredients was brandy, triple sec, and a splash of 7-up or Sprite. The drink was divine; cool, refreshing, sweet, and fruity, just what you want on a hot summer day. I am definitely going to recreate this one.

Sorry for the bad, stolen photo, but I wanted to give you an idea of what this delish drink looks like.

music

2009-08-28T10:50:00.004-04:00

Am currently listening to The Antlers album "Hospice". Good background music while typing out emails at work. Relaxing and full. "Two" is probably my favorite track.

because i like you

2009-08-24T10:46:00.004-04:00

I didn't drop the ball on this one -- in time to share the goods with you:
Free cupcake at Hello Cupcake's Dupont Circle shop on Tuesday August 25th -- while supplies last. I'll be there early...

your block

2009-08-18T15:47:00.005-04:00

Cool new site: EveryBlock. Has real estate listings, crime reports, photos, city services requested, news, and more info on very specific neighborhoods. Has an iphone app. Really useful!

For a limited number of cities right now: Atlanta-Boston-Charlotte-Chicago-Dallas-Detroit-Houston-LA-NYC-Miami-Philly-SF-San Jose-Seattle-DC. If you want your city added to the list, they have a link on the homepage where you can vote to have your city included.

Thx2Marcos

status: funny

2009-08-14T15:04:00.004-04:00

Best friends' status messages of the day:

"socialized medicine is a lot less scary than the people who are scared of socialized medicine"

and

"i love watching dirt poor people get inflamed about socialism"

Oh irony, you're so good for a laugh!

let it out

2009-08-10T19:53:00.004-04:00

Drawing in a sketchbook is always such a release for me...and judging by the sketches posted on odosketch, it is for other people too. I tried the free site, which aims to mimic the experience of drawing in a sketchbook, and liked the feel and the look of it. Try it for yourself, and see what comes out of you.

priorities

2009-08-05T14:25:00.006-04:00

Of the 78 events I have listed in my late-July & August google calendar so far, only one of them is in all-caps:

7/31 @ 12pm-11pm FREE CUPCAKES

It's clear where my priorities lie. TangySweet, the frozen yogurt chain with multiple DC locations, is adding its second brand, Red Velvet Cupcakery (pages not working as of 8/5/09), to its P Street location. If you haven't guessed, that means the shop will have both frozen yogurt and cupcakes for sale. It's like heaven.

To celebrate the new cupcakes, and whet customer's appetites, they were giving away free mini cupcakes that Friday (sorry I didn't post BEFORE the actual event -- this is one reason my blog will never have a huge following). But, for a few dollars (say, the $3-3.50 range, not especially cheap) you too can enjoy the moist, sugary delights. I've sampled the Vanilla Bean, the Yellow Birthday Cake (with chocolate icing), and the classic Red Velvet cupcake. My money is definitely on the namesake Red Velvet. They don't fulfill my every dream quite as much as Georgetown Cupcake, but this location is very close to home for me, so it's likely I'll be stopping by...a lot.

Thx2AliciaG

some things just make you happy

2009-07-31T09:12:00.000-04:00

This is one of them for me. Just in the past few days. I've heard mixed reviews -- some people agree with me and others think it's "so lame", but I like it. See for yourself if the adorable married duo of Matt & Kim does anything for ya.

Thx2Jimmy

back

2009-07-30T18:04:00.003-04:00

Yeah I haven't posted in a long time. Things happen. Something fab for you:

I saw Away We Go quite a few weeks ago, and I really enjoyed it. I liked how low-key it was, its simplicity and good humor. It didn't go overboard and it wasn't filled with ridiculous drama. It was just a story about some young thirtysomethings finding home in a really pretty package (and with an all-Alexi Murdoch soundtrack). I'd recommend it.

advanced

2009-06-29T20:54:00.004-04:00

One of my friends found this blog -- Advanced Style. It is full of pictures of fabulously stylish men and women...all of advanced age. Most are taken on the streets of NYC. I love it, and it's absolutely inspiring. I hope to be this stylish when I'm...advanced.

fine by me

2009-06-18T11:48:00.002-04:00

This is so completely phenomenal. I could not stop laughing. Samantha Bee, you are amazing. So are the men of Long Island.

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart

Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c

Long Island Wants to Secede

thedailyshow.com

Daily Show
Full Episodes

Political Humor

Jason Jones in Iran

combo meal

2009-06-18T10:12:00.001-04:00

This song makes me crack the f up.

Combination Pizza Hut And Taco Bell (Wallpaper. RMX) - Das Racist & Wallpaper.

goodguide

2009-06-16T11:41:00.006-04:00

Before you make that purchase, check to see what's really in that bottle. Thanks to the GoodGuide, the world now has access to a database of over 75,000 products (and growing). The site gives an overall score (1-10), then breaks down the score for you by listing what bad chemicals, etc., are in the product and what those chemicals can do to you. The ranking is also based on the product (and company's) environmental and social performance (all explained on the site). Whoa, that's a lot of information!

Products range from food to personal care to toys. You can search by specific product name, or just see ranked lists by category. You can create personalized lists and print them out to take to the store, or connect through amazon to buy items online. They also have a free iphone application that allows you to check items by their bar codes (only available on the latest phone model)! All by a group of research scientists working for the good of us and the world. Thanks guys! (don't believe it? read the NYT article)

live in NOVA?

2009-06-12T09:39:00.000-04:00

must see.

sunday sounds

2009-06-04T11:22:00.004-04:00

Playing this Sunday at the cat...Blind Pilot! Super chill, good stuff, and from Portland, Oregon, so they have to be cool. w/local natives, main stage, $13 8pm
check their myspace for more music

We Are The Tide (Live on KEXP) - Blind Pilot

does not suck

2009-06-03T10:58:00.005-04:00

Far from it, I'm kinda into the Brooklyn band Suckers. They're a chilled-out group that has a big sound with horns, harmonized vocals, members playing multiple instruments at once, the works. I don't think I'll make it out to their show at the Cat tonight, but hopefully I'll get a chance to catch them some other time. Check out their myspace for music and blog for vids, pics, etc.

heights

2009-05-28T09:28:00.000-04:00

Stephan Zirwes has captured series of amazing aerial photographs, which he set to a soundtrack and released as “Zones and Fields.” The set is inspiring and whimsical, and a little bit dark. It's not long, and it's absolutely worth the trip.

Thx2VSL

negotations

2009-05-27T10:33:00.000-04:00

from the white house flickr photostream

awkward

2009-05-26T10:14:00.008-04:00

is one of my favorite words in the English language (ask anyone who knows me). The site Awkward Family Photos has some phenomenal pictures that epitomize that word. The photos are viewable by category, and most only have a few photos at this point, but they are well worth a viewing. Some are posed, some are candid, but all are incredibly, wonderfully, awkward.

new views

2009-05-06T17:21:00.003-04:00

I just got turned on to the white house's official photo stream on flickr. There are some really fantastic photos on there, all with captions. A few that caught my attention:

in case you thought your day was rough

2009-05-05T09:41:00.003-04:00

SECRETARY OF STATE HILLARY CLINTON'S SCHEDULE
7:45 a.m.: Attends her weekly breakfast with Vice President Biden. Closed press. 9 a.m.: Holds a bilateral meeting with the President of Israel Shimon Peres. Omni Shoreham Hotel. Closed press. Press Office to release official photo. 10:15 a.m.: Holds a bilateral with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia Eduard Nalbandian. Camera spray in the Treaty Room preceding the meeting. Pick-up time for cameras is 9:45 a.m. from the 23rd St. Entrance, final access time for writers and stills is 10 a.m. from the 23rd St. entrance. 11 a.m.: Holds a bilateral meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan. Camera spray in the Treaty Room preceding the meeting, editorial presence welcome, no Q&A. Pick-up time for cameras is 10:30 a.m. from the 23rd St. Entrance, final access time for writers and stills is 10:45 a.m. from the 23rd St. entrance. 11:30 a.m.: Meets with Christine Livingston wife of Robert Livingston. Closed press. 2 p.m.: Holds a bilateral meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan Elmar Mammadyarov. Camera spray in the Treaty Room preceding the meeting, editorial presence welcome, no Q&A. Pick-up time cameras is 1:30 p.m. from the 23rd St. Entrance, final access time for writers and stills is 1:45 p.m. from the 23rd St. entrance. 3:15 p.m.: Holds a bilateral meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sweden Carl Bildt. Camera spray in the Treaty Room preceding the meeting. Pick up time for cameras is 2:45 p.m. from the 23rd St. Entrance, final access time for writers and stills is 3 p.m. from the 23rd St. entrance. Location: Location Not Listed.

represent

2009-05-01T10:09:00.002-04:00

Nothing like a little piece of your hood in your home. Whether you live there now or left your heart there years ago, you can keep a great-looking reminder on your wall, thanks to Ork posters. These are not new, but the collection keeps growing. And the prints are done in soy inks on 100% recycled paper, so they're even eco-friendly. Here are a few cities that are close to my own heart...

2009H1N1

2009-04-30T11:20:00.003-04:00

This made me laugh, especially since I am home sick.

Thx2meg

sweet tart

2009-04-30T10:55:00.005-04:00

lemon cookies!

I found this recipe from Everyday Foods, and had to make them twice last weekend. They're that good. Sweet lemon cookie with a tart lemony icing, perfect for spring.