Under the weather

(photograph from artist Havilah Savage)

Oh, the cold has lingered this week like a viral plague, and I am not happy about it. I've spent most nights nursing my NyQuil cocktails and deliriously watching sitcom reruns. But, I promise the creativity will flow again and so will the posts for all my readers out there. Readers, you're out there there, right? Somewhere?

Mirror Mirror

(via, artist unknown) 

I’m getting in the down-n-dirty today: talking self-image. So, ironically and fortunately, my opinions on my body become less and less critical every year, while my perception of my innermost self becomes more and more scrutinizing. I think this is called ‘growing up.’  Now don’t get me wrong, I still try to get to the gym regularly, eat a somewhat balanced diet, and probably spend too much time in front of the mirror each morning, but as I slowly (note: slowly) approach 30, I have become more comfortable in my own skin as the time passes.  From about the age of 15 to 20, I rarely wore shorts; I just didn’t like the way my legs looked. In my mind, the years of ballet had made my calf muscles resemble that of a linebacker, and my Norwegian tan (or lack thereof) didn’t help matters. Now, boy mocks how my cutoff jean shorts resemble the size of undergarments; looks like I’ve come a long way! It is truly a great feeling to embrace your curves. As my friend Leah always says, ‘this is as good as it’s going to get,  so work it out!’ Though, I hope I always feel that way with every passing year of age.

Pool Days

A summer cold kept me from seeing my nephews this weekend, but I made do with the impromptu D.C. weekend, including a BBQ festival, a relentless heatwave, and many movies in the A.C. On Sunday, I twisted boy's arm to take me to the pool. Deviating from the usual "beach lists", here's what we brought to keep us content and entertained. 

Date Night: Old Town

Yesterday was the hottest day in D.C. this year, nearly breaking 100 degrees. Upon deciding to not attend a political fundraiser last night (man, that sounds so annoyingly D.C.), boy and I opted for a more causal evening to beat the heat. Our solution: shorts, martinis and oysters. We may be watching too much Mad Men.  We went to one of my new favorite spots - Hank's Oyster Bar in Alexandria- highly recommend! We were privileged to have the sole window seat, overlooking the busiest street in Old Town. The olive martini, oysters and Old Bay seasoned shrimp were the perfect fusion of summer tastes. To continue the party, we carried on to a hotel bar. Odd, I know, but hotel guests are delightful specimens for people watching, don't you agree? 

Tiny House Movement

Have you heard of the Tiny House Movement? I stumbled across the Tiny House Blog and was amazed about the popularity of these little homes. Tiny houses are built on trailer platforms and typically sized between  100 and a 130 square feet. Being the extreme minimalist that he is, boy thinks it's a great idea, but I just don't think I could get on board.  I would go crazy with no room to host, no space for guests staying the night, and no separate quiet spaces of my own. Well, and my claustrophobia would surely kick in! Photos below are from the home of a creative couple who wanted to call a home- the Tiny Tack House- their own. I couldn't help but think of the tune, Little Boxes, when reading this. 

Rich Little Poor Girl

My friend Katie pretty much has the best job(s) ever. As a cook at a year round camp in mountainous Asheville N.C. by day, and jewelry peddler by night, her life is surely coveted. Her jewelry line, Rich Little Poor Girl {I thought of the name, right Kate? } features recycled and new odds and ends,  creating asymmetrical, minimalist pieces. I love her tagline- 'clever with the quarters.' With exciting opportunities on her horizon, the Saturday afternoon hobby is turning into a real venture. I'm so proud of this girl, and she's truly a hippie, Asheville native now- bravo! Check out these shots from her recent photoshoot, and I want that green leather bracelet!

A dad to remember

Oh, we're getting downright personal today . . .

I truly hated this past Sunday. Families were celebrating and thanking, and I was steering clear of social networks and any dad-related conversations.  Due to a series of unfortunate events in my family, my dad and I have become estranged these last few years. And while the wounds are still ever present, and the man that exists now is someone I don't know,  I hold onto the memory of him from my childhood. Because he was a great dad. The best.