If the Hat Fits.

Do you look good in hats? You either do or you don't, right?  I love hats. What a great, yet simple accessory. So many of us are afraid of looking silly. I don't think anyone can look bad in that adorable find from Anthropologie, but perhaps we just haven't found the right fit....yet.

I think most of us have an energy that needs to be harnessed. When I worked a regular job- and I say regular depicting a predictable, in office, 9-5, structured, cubicle, type job- I was underwhelmed, and underworked to say the least. My "regular" job did not fulfill my creative energy, in fact, it put a cap on it.

This year has been a bit different. I threw the 9-5er to the curb and began doing things I love. All those creative outlets began to open doors. The truth is, this year, I will be wearing many hats and I'm just as intoxicated with each and every one of them. And perhaps looking a bit silly at times got me there. No one should go through life doing anything other than what they love. This changes everything. And change is  good  great. Period.


We should be inspired every day. And if you're not, maybe it's time to look a bit silly in a giant sombrero. (Kidding-find something flattering please.)  All the pieces will fall into place and we realize all that really matters is having people we love and somewhere to hang your hat. And if you've already found this, a pat on that back, and well,

Hats off to you. 

You, Me, & D.C.

My hubby has never seen D.C.

So, off we went, just him & me. 

At 103, we melted in the heat,

but, I was so happy to see my friend Julia, Bon Appetit!

Seeing her kitchen made me feel like I was going to starve,

Where was my husband? Outside talking to a stranger about Brett Favre.

I was in awe of her display of history, my husband, not so much.

So we decided to treat ourselves to some refreshing lunch.

Her kitchen was by far my favorite exhibit,

but this little green guy was pretty cute too, ribbit!

Then we marched on to see the Constitution and Declaration,

but the child in David was more excited about the old train station.

An afternoon of more history, museums, and some very famous bling,

How would you like to have the legendary Hope Diamond on a ring?

After a balmy day in the heat, we were spent.

One last stop to see the Washington Monument.

We strolled back talking about how nice it was, just us,

and suddenly this passed : a love bus :o)

A hip little dinner at Birch and Barley then bed

Resting up for a trip to the Baltimore Harbor for the day ahead!

The harbor was so hot we thought we'd die,

we decided to give the aquarium a try.

Fish, jellies, and a dolphin show,

I didn't want to see this happy guy go!

But the crowd and screaming kids were taking their toll,

Lesson: the aquarium on a Saturday is the best birth control.

A day at the Harbor was beautiful as can be,

so back we headed for some dining in D.C.

The next day we were headed home happy but tired

one last stop in Georgetown at Baked & Wired

I find myself to be a bit of a snob with this type of confection,

but I must say, these cupcakes were sweet perfection.

It seemed this trip ended as fast as it began 

Home happy of course, we missed the kitties and this little man ;o)

All's fair in Love and Homeowners' Associations.

HOA's. ugh.

Being a new homeowner opens the door to so many lessons learned. Here's the short of it:
We bought a place.
We bought a dog.
We bought a battle.

"Did you know there are no pets allowed? No dogs, no cats, no fish." Says the emphysema stricken voice across the street.

No FISH??? Really.

Our neighborhood is old. Scratch that. Our neighbors are old.  Some of them are wonderful, some of them are just old. I think no smoking should be enforced before no fish, but that's just me (the naive new home owner who wasn't given the "updated documents" that states no dogs, no cats, no fish). 

So this was a catastrophe in our neighborhood, a place where battles are fought over where to get blacktop for the driveways, and what color to paint the fences. We were practically committing treason here. Our options given to us by the king: get rid of our French bully, sell our place, or tar and feathering.

Okay, I made that last one up. But really, that's what it felt like. We had committed a crime that truly divided the seas. Secret alliances were formed. Lawsuits were in the works. And rumors were spreading like wild fire about our viscous "80lb" canine:

I know. Scary right? And besides the fact he is the friendliest pup on earth, you have to admit, he looks phenom for 80lbs, right?

I was beginning to wonder who the real "bully" was in all of this. We were not made aware of the laws, and we were certainly not getting rid of our 20 pound pup. So what happened?

War was declared. A meeting had been set with all of the congregation. We were put on the chopping block, talked down to, (because we don't know anything being new home owners right?), and expected to bow down to the king.

I was astonished by the unfairness that was circulating around us. So what did I do? Without giving the trivial details, I embarrassed the king. Other pheasants abruptly began to speak up, and suddenly, it was guerrilla warfare. Our bully had opened a can of worms (which I'm sure are not allowed either). Turns out, they were waiting to overthrow the king. They just needed a voice to get there. Our bully had given rise to a world of complaints and without knowing, helped us win the war, (and no one had to be tar and feathered).

We gained a lot out of going through this experience. We found neighbors that define kindness, power that was misused, and a very important lesson:

At any age, don't be a bully.

......or a cat, or a fish.

iGet it.

I've been living under a rock. I just joined the iTeam and got an iphone. 

iknow. 

Though, it's only been one day, I'm not quite sure how I managed so long without it. It's all the things I've been looking for in a phone. Smooth functionality, a million gazillion apps, great camera, facetime, easy to sync and oh yeah, you can talk on it too! (I'm convinced this feature may soon be extinct).

I realize iphones are really starting to take over the world and usually conforming is not my speciality. But really, this team's got it figured out. This telly really does use everything it has to work together. There's no i in team? Ironic metaphor. 

While I've filled the last day with set up and app searching, I was SO excited to fill my first app folder with my very own iLikeys (can you tell iLikey that you can name your own folders??). Composed of Etsy, Rue la la, and a handful of fashion blogs, I am ixcited. 

So as I fill the inside of my new little ifriend, I realize she needs some clothes. How cute are these telly pouches?? Not just for the iphone, they are idorable. 

Ok, I'm starting to innoy myslef. And I'm pretty confident if my spell check could speak, she would be icursing at me now. 

So really, get the phone. Then dress it in cute clothes. 

All in favor?? ...... say i. 

wife and...... ??

oh yeah... Man!
Today is a day to celebrate those men! And while our family doesn't have a dad just yet, we do have this wild man:

and these guys:

So our dad is only one to fuzz faces, he still is our daddio in training. And I'm the first to admit. Dad always gets the short end of the stick.
Sometimes I forget about that hard workin' handsome male figure in this house. Can't wait to share what our Sandman's been up to!

gross. I know.

This has been our kitchen for the past 2 months. Filled with unattractive pickled oak (let's admit, thats a nicer way of saying PINK) cabinets, plastic, stain, and a healthy layer of sand dust over everything. Not to mention we look like an episode of hoarders.

While I wanted new cabinets(shocking), this project was much greener and much more pride filled for the man. As we speak, my house is filled with sounds of drilling as doors are being hung again! I am elated. Maybe I'll have a guest blogger hubby to share our end results.

Happy Daddio's day to all the dads out there!  (even if your kids are furry and have 4 legs) :o)

Not a food blog.

Alright, I'm trying not to make this a food blog, but you have to make these.

Really, you have to. 

Ever see someone after not seeing them for years? You come to realize they are all grown up and fabulous and you just can't believe it?! That's this sandwich. Let's get you two reacquainted.

Without further ado, I'd like to REintroduce you to.... (drum roll..?)

The grilled cheese and 'mato soup duo:

I know, don't they look fabulous?!

While 'mato soup hasn't changed much, (let's admit, she was boarding perfection just the way she was), you may have a hard time recognizing this Grilled Cheese sammy all grown up. 

I made these last night at our normal perfect dinner time of 10 o'clock (eye roll).

Here's how:

Get a giant loaf of that awesome Italian bread (the kind you aren't supposed to eat in today's organic society). Cut it into think slices, if it didn't already come sliced. Butter each side (or Pam). 

In a pan sauté a bit of sweet onion, some chopped garlic, and a pinch of basil, if you wish. Once the onions are transparent, put in a can of stewed tomatoes (no, I didn't stew my own tomatoes). Normally, I would have put in some spinach at this point. But, I didn't have any, so I used Arugula because that's what I found lingering in the veggie drawer. Let it get all yummy and fill the house with amazingness smelly goods until it looks like this:

Next, put that giant guilt stricken Italian bread in the skillet and let it start doing its thing. Now, cheese is key here. I used Jarlsberg because that's what Anne Hathaway eats in The Devil Wears Prada and she gets to wear Chanel boots everyday and well.....every little bit helps. 

Once it starts getting all melty melty spoon some of your 'mato goodness over the Jarlsberg. Lastly, I added a bit of Grey Poupon to the other side of the bread, just because it added a bit of tang and it's fun to say. Flip, flip, flip, until they are all suntanned up on both sides. Place on plate, cut them diagonally, and stack accordingly so you feel like you are in a cute little cafe in Italy. 

Done! You have to admit.... Grilled cheese sammy is all grown up and lookin' smokin' hot.

Now, go eat her before she gets old and wrinkly. And don't forget your 'mato soup.

Bare wall syndrome. Cure: canvas, tape, paint & a beret.

So let me first make something clear. I am not an artist. Not even a little. Awhile back when I discovered ETSY, I was on cloud nine. It fit my mold perfectly of believing I can make anything. Well, some failed projects later, I know I can make anything....in my head.

With that being said, I find myself in the same place as many newlyweds, (or new home owners for that matter). We get married, buy a house (or reverse order), stack it full of stolen furniture from our parents, get a dog, have kids, yada, yada, yada.... (Seinfeld fans, where ya at?). If you're anything like me, your newlywed brain wants an original Vettriano big enough to cover your newly bare wall. Blank walls make me itch. And I like to have all my ducks in a row before I can really breathe in a new place. Well, Mr. I won't buy a pepper for $3.99 married Mrs. I think I can make anything. So what did I do? I cleaned my brushes and hand-painted a Vettriano replica, better than his I might add.

Of course not!

Gosh. But I did come up with something that was easy and filled our wall...for now. I'll share.

I got these:  (the canvas, not a painter's easel.)

  I used 1in. tape, but really, do what you want. 

Next step is a bit complicated:

Ready? Start taping away on your blank canvas. Yes, literally start at one end and tape in big lines, small lines, whatever. And don't forget to wear a beret during this process. It will help.

Then, pick some colors that go with your house. Or that don't go with your house. Really, you can do anything. I just snagged a few of these little soldiers:

Paint, paint, paint. No rhyme or reason. Then Peel your tape and poof! There you have it.






ok, so it's not a Monet, but it does give us a punch of color on a giant, previously bare wall and I'm sure if you're more talented, yours will be better. 


Inexpensive, easy, a cure for the common blank wall and you get to feel like an artist.....(because you're wearing a beret, obviously). 


Get Painting, Picasso's!