Quick Hello

Hi, there.  Just a very brief (too brief!) note to say hello.  It's been a busy return-to-normal for me after spending Thanksgiving with my family in Florida.  I hope that you had a lovely holiday, too, however you celebrated.  This is not a "real" post, I realize, but I hope to deliver one of those, or a Friday link update, at the very least, to you by the end of the week.

I leave you with a YouTube stream of Above & Beyond's studio album, Group Therapy.  It combines tendencies that are trance-y and club-worthy (which I happen to enjoy, but admit the obnoxio-value :) with those that are graceful and a little melancholic.  I've been listening non-stop for the last several days.

See you soon. xx

(Image of Albrecht Dürer's violets via WikiPaintings.)

Yousuf Karsh at the National Portrait Gallery

Select works from Armenian-Canadian photographer Yousuf Karsh are now on view at the National Portrait Gallery, following a gift of 109 photographs from Karsh's widow, Estrellita, to the museum. The Gallery will show the Karsh gift in two installations.  The first, Yousuf Karsh: American Portraits, includes photographs of notable Americans.

I wanted to share with you some of Karsh's work, including pieces that don't appear in the current Portrait Gallery exhibit. (Like the one immediately above. Disclaimer!)  Karsh's portraits focus on notable figures in society, including entertainers and policy-makers, so you may recognize some of these images.  See more after the jump.

Le weekend est arrivé!

It's been a super busy, fly-by week here.  One highlight was seeing the excellent documentary The Square, which I'll tell you more about next week. (Bottom line: See it as soon as you can.)  What will the weekend hold for you?  I hope it's a good one! xox

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I really loved this Newshour piece featuring poet Naomi Shihab Nye.

Hand-etched wooden spoons would make a great cold-weather craft or holiday gift.  I can just imagine them sticking out of the tops of stockings at my house.

A kind of awesome foray into green lipstick, including tips for wearing an emerald pucker.

Gorge metallic leather coasters, maybe as a hostess gift?  Or house-warming?  Or for yourself, just because?

Have you ever made potato roasties?  This Middle East-inspired recipe calls for the addition of tart sumac.

Nicholas Nixon's beautiful series of annual photos capturing four sisters over nearly forty years. 

This Facebook status generator is hilariously accurate. 

Le Beaujolais nouveau est arrivé!  Taste it tonight at the Embassy of France.

Kitties and cute men together are as great as you think they will be.

A list of D.C. bars and restaurants with fireplaces.  They left out the Georgetown Ritz-Carlton lobby, which serves s'mores on weekend evenings around 6. 

(Image via Design Sponge; lipstick link via The Cut; Beaujolais tip via Eater DC.)

Have a Wonderful Weekend!

How was your week?  Mine was busy and good.  I continued on my bluegrass/country music kick, and ended up falling further in love with Blake Shelton.  Yes, I know that he's taken.  But, with songs like this one, he can't help but make me swoon.  My goodness gracious. 

Hope you have a wonderful weekend!  I'll see you back here next week.  xox

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Ten D.C. delivery and take-out pizzas to try.  I can vouch for Pete's (Sit on their patio in Friendship Heights if the weather's nice.) and Angelico.  And jumbo slice.  :)

Mystery-flavored Dum Dum lollipops, demystified.

Swiss artist and scientist Fabian Oefner uses gravitational forces to manipulate paint, then takes high-speed photographs to capture the result.  See his process here.

These gold leafed shell salt cellars (a mouthful!) would make pretty gifts for the holidays.

The annual Cheap Art Sale D.C., offering pieces for less than $50, is happening this Saturday in Mount Pleasant.

Oh!  And there's a phenomenal concert happening next weekend at the Kennedy Center.  The American Voices Concert will feature Renée Fleming, Alison Krauss (!), Josh Groban, and other national treasures.  Unfortunately, only the fanciest tickets are available at this point, but if you have two hundred bucks kicking around and an open dance card for Saturday, November 23, then I think that I just helped you nail down some plans.  :)

(Image by Serge Leblon for Elle, via Fashion Bomb Daily.  Lollipop link via Cup of Jo; Fabian Oefner link via Laughing Squid; Cheap Art tip via B.)

Have a Happy Weekend!

Hi, friends.  What will you be up to this weekend?  I am taking the opportunity to enjoy a little staycation, relaxing at home and maybe enjoying a dinner with friends.  Hope that you have a lovely few days ahead.  xox

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I walked by Barcelona, a new tapas restaurant on 14th Street, last weekend.  It is gorgeous.  Like, I might want to move in.  Strong Yelp reviews, too.

Alternatively, if you are in Madrid (Some of you are!), you may like to check out Marta Argüelles's exhibit at La Portegna's store in el Barrio de Salamanca next Thursday.  Find details on La Portegna's Facebook page.

Not Martha's hilariously suspenseful Kinder Egg A Day series.

Products to keep your winter boots and shoes looking new.

What to expect from Game of Thrones's fourth season.  Gulp.

I have been listening to this throwback on repeat since hearing Alison Krauss's CMAs performance the other night.

The robin's egg color of this sweater is refreshing. 

Why isn't there a filtering water pitcher (Looking at you, Brita.) as pretty as this carafe?

I'll play my Native Southerner card and say that D.C. still needs good barbecue.  Here's hoping that DCity Smokehouse delivers.

A whole lot of delicious uses for cinnamon.

(Image is Urbano 12 by Marta Argüelles.)

Have a Lovely Weekend!

Hi, friends.  I'm waiting for some big news, and my nerves are at about a 22, on a scale of 1 to 10.  Needless to say, I am looking forward to the weekend and unwinding a little.  Tomorrow, I'm having dinner at a French place that I haven't been to in a while, which should be nice.  Otherwise, I'm expecting a pretty quiet weekend.  Will you be working through your Halloween treats, or maybe you've got something special lined up for Saturday, too?  Whatever this first weekend in November brings you, I hope it's good.  xox

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Banksy just wrapped up a month-long "residency" in New York with a graffiti-like tag, made from Mylar balloons and installed on the side of a warehouse.  See all of the recent NYC pieces here.

Uniqlo may be coming to D.C.  Fingers firmly crossed.

This clip of a dad lip-syncing his daughter's tantrum had me in stitches.

Beauty bloggers have been buzzing about this pressed powder, which gives you a glow as if you were in the most flattering light.

A nice interview with one of the men who you likely will see behind you bar if you stop into Off the Record any time soon.

Classic pieces for a fool-proof fall outfit.  (I'd say that combining neutral pieces made from natural fibers is a fool-proof approach to dressing year-round. :)

If you're looking for a sweet weekend project, this brown butter apple pie looks like a delectable option.

(Lip-sync video via Little White Lion.)

Happy Halloween!

For a few years, Frida Kahlo has been on my mind as Halloween costume inspiration.  I decided to take the plunge this year, when portraying Frida turned out to be the easiest of my choices!  The only things that I bought to complete the costume were red lipstick and false eye lashes. 

Click through for instructions and a more complete look at the costume. . . .

Have a Relaxing Weekend!

Busy, busy it's been around here.  For me, the weekend will involve friends and finalizing my Halloween costume.  Till now, it's been just an idea (a very simple one :), so it's time to assemble the pieces and determine details.  I'm looking forward to the fun, low-fuss project, which may evolve into something with more pizazz than originally planned.  We'll see....

What are you up to this weekend?  Whatever your plans, I hope you have fun and enjoy browsing a few bits from around the web.  xo

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A dating site sees a spike in D.C. activity, thanks to the federal shutdown.

Local chefs look forward to new players in the District's restaurant scene.

Graphite drawings that the artist says are the product of "daydreaming and keeping track of it."

I found these German chocolate-glazed gingerbread cookies in the grocery store, and they are SO delicious.  Maybe a little early for the holidays, officially, but the delicate warmth of the spice is so lovely for fall.

Quirky DIY kids' Halloween costumes that will make you giggle.

I may be coming around to the idea of the heeled bootie.*  A refined ankle makes all the difference.  These and these and these pass muster.

A slouchy silk sweater that looks like it would be nice to live in. 

Would you order a custom-blended lipstick? 

This gnocchi looks like a hearty, indulgent weekend meal.

For the Why Didn't I Think of That? file: apple cider sangría.


*Yes, I know that they have been a thing.

(Image via The Editorialite, gnocchi recipe via Epicurious on Pinterest.)

Happy Friday!

My goodness.  What a week.  Instead of a Friday link round-up post (since I sort of did that Wednesday), I thought I'd share the New York City Ballet's serene performance, NEW BEGINNINGS.

From the film's description on YouTube:

"Filmed at sunrise on the 57th floor of 4WTC in lower Manhattan, this short film captures an extraordinary and moving performance of Christopher Wheeldon's After the Rain. It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, and a tribute to the future of the city that New York City Ballet calls home."

Hope you find time this weekend for rest and renewal.  x E. 

(Via swissmiss.  Top image via the New York Daily News.)

What To Do During the Government Shutdown - UPDATE

Since this is a "D.C. blog"*, I'd be remiss not to mention the federal government shutdown, which has affected many thousands of federal employees in the metro area, and millions nationwide.  The situation has obvious implications for government programs, large and small, and for individuals who depend on government salaries, benefits, and services.

Leaving the nitty-gritty of the political conversation to the pros, I wanted to offer advice, relevant to the scope of this blog, on how to handle the shutdown if you're among the D.C. folks who find themselves with some extra time on their hands over the next few days. 

Without further ado, here's what to do during the government shutdown:

Attend Sixth and I Historic Synagogue's Shutdown Central, with free coffee, food, West Wing episodes, and yoga.

Check out upcoming author lectures, held both during the day and in the evening, at Politics & Prose.  Make sure to stop downstairs for an excellent coffee.

Answer WaPo's reader poll: How long do you think the government shutdown will last?

Work out for free, or at a discount, with a federal employee I.D.

Eat and drink, also for free, or at a discount, with a federal employee I.D.

Or, come downtown and support the food trucks, which were still truckin' on the first full day of the shutdown. 

Try out a shutdown-inspired pick-up line. 

Take a drive out to the country and pick your own apples and pumpkins in Maryland or Virginia.

Visit one of the cultural institutions that will be open despite the shutdown.  The National Geographic Museum is offering free admission to furloughed employees for the duration of the shutdown.

Find a book at a D.C. public library.  This Town may be a good choice.

Write to your member of Congress.  :)

UPDATE:

If you decide to watch Netflix from the comfort of your couch, you won't be alone.  House of Cards would be an à propos choice, though Top of the Lake and The Fall are two of my recent favorites.

Ford's Theatre will stage two free performances of The Laramie Project between now and next Tuesday, October 8.

*If you don't know, now you know.

(Capitol dome image via Old Blueprints.)

Happy weekend!

What does your weekend have in store?  I'm going to head over to the District Flea for the first time since it launched two weeks ago.  It'll be fun to check out the vendors and see how the District Flea distinguishes itself from D.C.'s other open-air markets, Eastern Market and the Georgetown Flea Market.  I'm hoping for a healthy mish-mash of independent junk sellers and local artists.

Here are some links for your reading and browsing pleasure!  Hope you have a great weekend.

Churchkey will host a beer garden at the District Flea, starting this Saturday.

Saturday night, check out Art All Night in Shaw.  It's modeled after the Parisian Nuit Blanche and will showcase D.C.-based painters, sculptors, dancers, and other artists across multiple gallery spaces.

On Monday evening, an event organized by CrowdTrust will discuss how new SEC regulations impact start-up fundraising.  RSVP here.

With cooler weather on its way, I can't wait to try these Indian restaurant-inspired recipes.

Hopefully, we won't have occasion next week to listen to the City Paper's soundtrack for a government shutdown.

Hang on to some summer brightness with a watch in winter white.

Beauty bloggers have been raving about this eye shadow palette.  The last time I bought Wet 'n Wild cosmetics was probably when I was in middle school, but I'm tempted to try these shades! 

Jimmy Fallon's completely hilarious lip-sync battle.  The nine-minute video is very worth your time.  I cried with laughter.

For the New Yorkers out there:  A handy field guide (maybe a bit too generous a term) to Central Park fauna and some flora.

(Photo via Apartment Therapy, Fallon video tip via C., and CrowdTrust event tip via B., and Art All Night tip via J. :)

Gospel Brunch at The Hamilton

A highlight in a weekend of many highlights (including the D.C. Pride Parade. Wow. Moving and exhilarating on many levels.) was the excellent gospel brunch at The Hamilton. We were lucky to catch one of the last shows of the D.C. Jazz Fest, with the brilliant Anthony Walker on piano, plus other gifted musicians and vocalists. And the Southern-style fare hit the spot. In a town replete with weekend brunch options, many of which feature a side of jazz, this one is absolutely a must, whether you're a D.C. local or visiting from out of town.

On the way out, I couldn't help but appreciate the décor's whimsical avian motifs.

Mural-sized paintings of tropical birds, by Hunt Slonem, line the main dining room walls

Swan in flight. And, the glass ceiling! So pretty I couldn't bear to crop it out.

Hope you enjoyed your weekend, too. Do you have any favorite brunch spots where you are?

Notebooks

Gosh, how pretty are these? Perfect for just about any reason you might have to jot down a few thoughts or to sketch something that catches your eye (or comes to your mind), if I do say so myself.

Lovely sherbet- and gold-hued notebooks by Brown Paper via Oh Joy!

Sassy Liberty print notebooks at Paper Source.

Life and Art: Venice

When I visited Venice a few years ago, I fell in love at first glance. The buildings seemed to float on opaque turquoise canals, and it was immediately apparent why Venice is known as La Serenissima ("the most serene"). The city was especially quiet since it was the middle of winter. Summer throngs were months away, and light snow dusted the three bridges that cross the Grand Canal.

Maurice Prendergast, Grand Canal, Venice, ca. 1898-99

A somewhat unexpected new love that I encountered in Venice, aside from the city itself, was the work of the Canadian-American painter Maurice Prendergast. The Peggy Guggeheim Collection (Ms. Guggenheim warrants her own post at a later date.) held a relatively small, but vibrant and captivating, exhibit of Prendergast's paintings of Italy. Included in these were lovely odes to La Serenissima, its canals, and its people.

Combing through my travel photos, I found themes similar to those depicted by Mr. Prendergast and his contemporaries: 

Right: Maurice Prendergast, Venetian Palaces on the Grand Canal, 1899

Right: John Singer Sargent, Palazzo Labia and San Geremia Venice, 1913

Right: Frits Thaulow, On the Grand Canal, Venice, 1885

 Have you been to Venice? Have you ever found a favorite artist or painting while on vacation?