A Day in Dupont

Before I head off to Nashville for the weekend, I wanted to share a little bit more about last weekend.

There are so many neat neighborhoods in and around this city, and I love getting out of my own and experiencing the vibe of another. Last weekend, I booked a hair appointment in Dupont for a much needed "trim" (that ended in a two-inch cut! boo!), and after talking salsa and merengue with my Salvadorian hair dresser, I walked around for a couple of hours. As you know, I stopped into Hello Cupcake, but I also went out for lunch, just me, myself, and I.

Zorba's was just as delicious as I expected and very reasonably priced, if not cheap! I love authentic restaurants, and it did not disappoint. It's fun checking out the decor, as well.

Souvlaki pita and Greek fries

After lunch, I stopped into a few shops and picked up yet another pair of sunglasses. What do you think?
Like many neighborhoods in D.C., this one is full of old buildings with tons of character, and plenty of unique restaurants and shops.
Many people plant themselves on the steps of the fountain in the middle of the Dupont Circle roundabout. Others sit on the grass or surrounding benches. It's a beautiful place to take a book or just chill with friends.

Moral of the story: I need to get out of my neck of the woods more often!

Both evenings last weekend, I made it over to the Georgetown Waterfront to have a drink and enjoy the perfect weather with friends.
And then, a yummy pizza for dinner at Pizzeria Paradiso.

Potatoes, pesto, and parmesan. The only thing it needed was some MEAT.

I'm off to pack my bags for a girls' weekend, starting tomorrow night! Be back soon!

What Sustains Me

I've just had the longest day of my career. It was AWESOME. I might be susceptible to workoholism. Well, maybe that's a stretch. A rather big one. :)

To help me through the long day, a colleague brought by a delicious peanut butter-filled chocolate bar. And not just any bar. This chocolate was made in Scranton, home to my favorite office.

I meant to only have a bite, but soon the entire thing had disappeared. I convinced myself that a trip to the gym would follow the workday, not knowing I'd only have an hour and a half before bedtime.

Soon I'll be back at my desk with my hot pink stickies (that I stick all over my boss's papers - very attention-getting, you know) and piles of paperwork. And I'm almost looking forward to it.

The Lord's given me such grace every day, as I sit in a place where I'm the opposite of passionate about the agenda. In fact, I often completely disagree. But He's given me an overwhelming sense of peace, and I couldn't be more sure that I'm right where He wants me. I feel like I'm swimming in favor.

"Your favor is surrounding me. Your Word is lighting my way. You're faithful to deliver me. Your glorious love leads the way . . " - Darlene Zschech

May I glorify His beautiful name.

Cups of Cake

Over the past couple of years, I've come to consider myself somewhat of a cupcake connoisseur. I've totally been into the craze that my cousin likes to say is so passe. But with new shops continuing to pop up across the country, I don't see an end in sight. Cupcakeries are simply ice cream shops for cake lovers. And wouldn't you know it, I happen to love both! I should open up a cupcakery ice cream parlor! Pair your favorite cake, warmed in the oven upon ordering, with a scoop of gourmet ice cream and the frosting of your choice. Wouldn't you just die?!

Well, this weekend I added another tasting to my list. Hello Cupcake in Dupont Circle. And I'm giving it two thumbs up! Moist cake, delicious frosting (not overly cream-cheesy), no lines, plenty of seating, adorable decor, creative cupcake names, and a solid selection. I'll definitely be back.

-Hello Cupcake-
I am loving the pink, although I can definitely see some inspiration coming from Sprinkles in L.A.

-The Peanut Butter Blossom-
I also took home the Vanilla Gorilla (banana cake with vanilla frosting).

-Can't believe I made it home before devouring.-

To date, I've visited five cupcake shops across the country:

1) Magnolia Bakery, New York City

-Enjoying the red velvet in Central Park-

-Waiting in line forever outside Magnolia-

2) Georgetown Cupcake, Washington, D.C.

3) Sprinkles, Beverly Hills, Los Angeles

4) Kara's Cupcakes, Ghirardelli Square, San Francisco

-Enjoying a pumpkin cupcake by the bay-

and 5) Hello Cupcake.

I can't say that I have a favorite, as all have been quite delicious, but Magnolia is probably at the bottom of my list. The cake isn't as moist as I like, and the frosting is a bit too rich for my taste. Still, it's an adorable bakery that I would recommend visiting. I'll just get the banana pudding next time.

Is there a cupcake bakery in your town? I'm anxious to visit Cupcake Island back in Omaha, although reviews haven't been so great. Do you think it's just a fad or are cupcakes sticking around for awhile?

Believe it or not, there are more cupcake bakeries in my area, so I'm not done taste-testing yet!

A Coast-to-Coast Reunion

-After dinner on Capitol Hill.-

Last weekend my high school friend was in town, making the trip out from San Francisco, where I visited her last fall. It was her third time coming to see me, and I think it was my favorite. She was able to meet several of my friends, and our no agenda weekend turned into a fun-filled yet relaxing few days.

At the end of her stay, I asked her a completely normal question (in my opinion): "What was your favorite thing that we ate this weekend?"

"To be honest, I'm not really that into food."

Silence. I mean, what a shame!

And then she answered, "Probably the salsa we had Thursday night."

No surprise there. This girl could drink salsa out of a can, and we not only had Mexican twice in four days, we snacked on chips and salsa at home every evening.

Of course I would've answered my question differently and mentioned one of the "Passover Specials" at Paolo's, a tender beef brisket marinated in a light cherry sauce and topped with carmelized onions. Speaking of marinade, I also loved the Salvadorian roasted chicken plate I had at Los Tios. And the Indian butter chicken at the Delhi Club, along with samosa chat . . mmm, perfection.

-THE brisket-

-Tuna salad tartine with olive tapanade at a French cafe-

-Chocolate-dipped macaroon-

But we did do more than dinner last weekend, including a couple nights of dancing and the first day of our Bible study that we plan to keep up long distance, since she's not yet plugged into a group in California.

-Night out in Georgetown-
The height difference is a little ridiculous, no?
We are each other's go-to fashion friends. Love getting dressed up every now and then.

I told her she doesn't know it, but she's really an East Coast girl . . although I'm not sure I'd leave California either if I was her.

She left me not only with some great new memories, but also a Swiffer SweeperVac! The entire apartment is tile and parquet flooring aka impossible to sweep or keep clean. But I've now learned I have another domestic bone in my body, because I LOVE sweep-vaccing the floors!
Thanks Friend! Come back again soon!

Fabulous Friday

I think Fridays, in themselves, are fabulous. I think French tulips are, too. Which is why I hope to find some this beautiful weekend and fill one of the many vases I have sitting in my "treasure box". I want to give you the same assignment. Go to Costco for inexpensive roses or splurge at your local florist shop, just get yourself some flowers and celebrate Spring!

Oh, and check out more fabulous things over at Simply Seleta. She has Fabulous Fridays every week!

p.s. I found this beautiful picture at La Dolce Vita, another fabulous blog.

Great Run

Tonight I went for a run along the Potomac and watched the sunset from the Lincoln Memorial. THERE ARE NOT WORDS. It was so lovely watching the orange bounce off the ripples in the river, the sun hiding behind the tall buildings in my neighborhood across the water, and the boats going under the Memorial Bridge with its arches and beautiful architecture. I wished at that moment that everyone I loved could be there with me. And then I remembered that the One I love the most already was. He created it! :)

Wish I had pictures.

Design Break

I've loved this month's issue of Elle Decor, which takes us through the gorgeous home of Alexandra Wentworth and George Stephanopolous, decorated by Elizabeth Martin and located right here in D.C.'s Georgetown neighborhood, just a short walk from my apartment.
I love the Moroccan pouf here and the book shelves painted in a beautiful accent color.
What a lovely collection to have on display. Alexandra has been collecting these seashells her entire life, and recently received a collection of her grandmother's seashells from a museum that displayed the treasures from her days with National Geographic in the early 1900s. I love when a home reflects some family history!
The blue chairs, the zebra rug, and the African headdress. Love, love, love!

Imagine my envy when I found that my boss was heading to their home this week! Can I come??

Good . . or Bad?

I'm wondering if the names "dear" and "hon" mean my boss likes having me around . . or he thinks I'm 15.

Haven't decided how I feel about this.

Fresh Look for Spring!

In celebration of my blog's FOUR year anniversary, I've gone ahead and gifted it with a bit of an upgrade. Hope you all like it!

Easter

. . was wonderful. After church, my girlfriends and I co-hosted an Easter potluck brunch at her adorable home in D.C., although having a guest in town meant I wasn’t truly deserving of the title of co-host. But I did contribute candy and a couple of dishes for the day – yummy cake (a moist cinnamon/sugar coffee cake) and a cheesy, cracker-topped vegetable casserole.

Other food included: mimosas, croissant sandwiches, turkey wraps, fresh fruit, deviled eggs, crackers and brie, and adorable cupcakes!

Cherry Blossom Season

I wish this weekend was like the last. Gorgeous, not rainy. In addition to hitting up Middleburg for a few hours, I spent a beautiful Sunday afternoon admiring the cherry blossoms . . and weaving my way through thousands of tourists. My fourth spring here, I thought it about time I went to the Mall and saw them up close. As you can see, it was the day of the pink trees AND the pink cardigan. My friend and her adorable poodle came along. (Message to The Girl: Don't scroll down and look at the puppy. You might end up at the pet store this afternoon.)




Isn't it lovely?

Good Friday to You

First of all, I think you need to see some more pictures of Middleburg. The Girl took some good ones. I have to say, I like the one with the old Jag in the background – it really captures the place I think. I am learning to be more patient with my camera. I need to practice slowing down, finding the right shot, setting it up, etc. I think I will get there someday.

And second of all, and most importantly . . . it’s Good Friday! It’s true that I, and perhaps you too, have heard the story of Jesus’ death on a cross a bajillion times. And when you’ve heard something that much, it tends to become familiar – just a bunch of words and a story we forget is TRUE. And it’s the only reason we can have hope in this temporary world.

Praise God that all my sins have been taken from me and borne by Jesus, and I don’t have to carry their guilt into the future. I’m free!

One thing in particular that struck me today as I was reading the Word was how willingly He did it. He wasn’t a helpless victim! To think of how I’ve sometimes felt sorry for myself when suffering pain. But Jesus suffered more than anyone – not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually, too. He understands any pain we feel, because He’s already felt it. And He endured it so that God would be glorified.

And how good is our God to want to make a way for us to be able to be with Him forever?, to remove the barrier of sin that keeps us from Him. It’s a gift of grace and love that has changed my life. And I want to continue changing because of it.

“When the word of the cross breaks into our heart by the power of God's Spirit (I Peter 1:3, 23), and we awaken to the fact that God loves us so much that he takes the life of his own Son in order to bring us under his Shepherd-care and Shepherd-protection and Shepherd-provision and Shepherd-guidance, at that moment we die to the lie of sin. We die to the power of sin's deceit which tries to persuade us that a better future can be had through sin than through righteousness.” – John Piper

1 Peter 2:21-25
“For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth; and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to him who judges righteously; and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed. For you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls.” - Peter writing to Christ followers

Middleburg

Part of the fun that was last weekend included taking an evening trip out to the countryside with The Girl, my former co-worker and good friend. Both Midwesterners and design lovers, we can appreciate an occasional escape from the metropolitan area, especially when it involves cute antique shops like Bella Villa. We both counted the trip a success as we not only left the shop with something in our hands – or trunk, in The Girl’s case – but also enjoyed walking down the main street of this adorable town, even stopping for burgers at a local pub.

I can’t wait for the next excursion! I know of a place in Leesburg . . .

p.s. If you check out the BV website, you can see The Girl's new buffet in the picture on the right!

Company's Coming!

At last, someone is coming to see me again! It's been over a year since anyone has paid me a visit, and I'm excited to show the city to another friend. This friend has visited me twice before, but two years later I'm much more settled into my life here, have new favorite spots and also a core group of friends. I'm disappointed the weather will be a bit cooler than last weekend and rain is in the forecast, too, but hopefully it won't put a damper on any of our plans . . that we haven't made quite yet. Doing tourist stuff is a must here, but in my opinion living here is much more fun. Since she's already seen the must-sees, we can focus on just spending time together doing everyday things.

Having company is a great excuse to clean, but it also reminds me that ugh, I am the only one who ever does! Or at least it feels that way. Fortunately my sweet roommate offered to clean the kitchen floor this time, and I focused on the pretty disgusting bathroom.

I hope she's a little hungry when she arrives, because her favorites - chips and salsa and sparkling water - are waiting, and I'm always up for a snack myself. :)

Pink!

I never should have subscribed to the J. Crew mailing list! They send me emails EVERY DAY! A girl can only take so much. The cargo pants, the sweaters, the constant sales! Last month I finally caved. It was right around Valentine's Day, and I agreed that free shipping pretty much DID equal love, just like they said, only I didn't think the prerequisite should be a $150 purchase, a little high in my opinion. But I still went ahead and purchased this pink cardigan, no free shipping for me. Last weekend it was finally warm enough to wear it. I don't often do pink, but I think it was the perfect choice.

A Favorite Vacation Spot: Branson

I’m sure everyone, including my Branson-regular friends are surprised to see me list this place as a favorite vacation spot.

Since the Traveler asked “Where do you stay and what's your favorite "to do" in Branson?”, I thought I’d share the answer with all of you.

I’ve visited Branson only three times before, but I’d love to go back again. I used to think of this family-friendly Missouri town as a place only my grandparents would enjoy. In fact, it probably wouldn’t even be hip enough for Uptown Grandma. But I took back those preconceived notions after traveling there with AMC (Awesome Married Couple) a few years ago. But who wouldn’t change their mind when staying at a house overlooking the fabulous Table Rock Lake? Every day, after toast for breakfast, we’d grab our swim gear and drive down to the docks in West Branson, where AMC’s gorgeous boat awaited us. And we’d spend ALL DAY ON THE LAKE. Then into Branson for the evening.

So my favorite “to do” is boating, cliff jumping (although be careful, someone was killed in one spot), jet-skiing, and docking for greasy pizza slices or Danna’s BBQ. Definitely Danna’s BBQ. The BBQ nachos are “highly acclaimed” for a reason. Save room for dessert, too – but it won’t be easy.

Evenings in Branson were always the perfect end to an exhausting day in the sun. The show or two I went to was quite good, though. I also enjoyed putt-putt golf, the rip cord, and stopping at Scottie’s Frozen Custard (which sadly has closed, I believe). What a shame! One thing I never did but heard good things about was dinner on the Showboat. Somewhat pricey, but worth it, or so I’ve heard.

So yes, Branson is great! And before I forget, I should mention a great place to stay if you don’t have friends in the area. Big Cedar Lodge is right on the lake, a cozy place where my friends have stayed before. Their Sunday brunch is delicious, too. We would take long morning boat rides across the lake for it.

I hope the Traveler and his friends have fun on their trip! I’m confident they will.

It's Somebody Special's Birthday

Last week, the girls and I (and Boopa the doll) celebrated our non-birthdays. After all, isn't cake always a little better when there's a candle to blow out?

Today my favorite friend of twelve years plus is celebrating her real birthday. How did 28 come so soon? Weren't we just eating at Applebee's for her 16th?

But no need to dread the late 20s when the coming year promises to be extra special. Best Friend is pregnant! I can't recall if I've written about this before, but I'm thrilled as can be to meet Baby S! I know BF and her husband will be wonderful parents, and hopefully I will be a wonderful auntie.

I wish I could celebrate with her today, bake her a cake, sing her a song (although I doubt I could top the song-and-dance routine she and her hubby did for me on my birthday). She is a dear, sweet friend to me, and I can only hope that we can reunite in the not-too-distant-future for a belated celebration (preferably on a beach somewhere). ;)

Happy Birthday to my beautiful BEST friend.