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.)

Have a Spooky Weekend!

Switching gears a bit: Halloween, OMG.  I'm going to a party this weekend.  I figured out my costume, which took a 180 from the idea I was planning on when I updated you last week.  If I muster up the courage, I may share a snapshot or two next week.  :) 

What are your plans for the weekend?  Will you be dressing up and going out, or staying toasty at home?  In any case, I hope you have lots of reasons to smile this weekend.  Here are a few bits and pieces from the web that I thought you'd enjoy.  xo E.

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One hint as to my costume: it involves this lipstick, which is the perfect strong red (more orange/brown than blue in the undertone department) and very emollient.  I never really have been one for bright lip color, but am kind of excited about this.

If you have a pug to dress up for Halloween, here are a few hysterical ideas.

If you still need to figure out what to wear, these are some imaginative ideas.

Here are a bunch of DIY fall craft ideas that will keep your creative juices flowing post-crazy costume.  Start collecting those fallen leaves now!

I made a variation of this thyme-roasted sweet potato recipe last week, and yum.

Cleveland Park eatery Palena will transform its current café space into a coffee shop concept, serving coffee and fresh baked goods in the morning and moving into lunchtime fare at midday.  It's not clear whether the café will continue to offer dinner service, but let's hope it does.

Google Maps now show D.C. Metro lines.  Cool, huh?  The quirks mentioned in the link seem to have been fixed.

Here is a smooth, sexy tune from Spanish crooner Pablo Alborán.  If you like what you hear, try this one, too (The video gives a glimpse of my old stomping ground in downtown Madrid.).  And this one.  The sentimental lyrics brought a lump to my throat.

(Image from Apartment Therapy via House Beautiful; Palena tip via Eater; craft ideas via swissmiss.)

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 (Rainy) Weekend!

Apologies for the light posting this week.  Things got busy!

One highlight worthy of special mention is happy hour at BLT Steak.  The place always seemed to fade into a particularly non-descript block of I Street, so I'd passed it by many times before I stopped in this week.  It turns out that BLT achieves the dark, cozy steakhouse vibe without being stuffy.  Think dark woods and leather, combined with warm metal accents and beige walls.  I am a fan.  The happy hour menu offers exclusively $5 treats: beer, wine, cocktails, and mini appetizers.  The complimentary trio of snacks (popcorn, olives, and an Asian party mix that seems house-made) may be the real winner and is totally addictive.  Dare I say that it rivals the similar snack trio (olives, wasabi peas, and mixed nuts) at Off the Record?  

Hope you have a great long weekend ahead.  If you are in D.C. or the vicinity, stay warm and dry!  I am expecting a pretty perfect weekend for breaking in my slow cooker, nesting a little, and maybe catching up with The Newsroom.  Here are some bits and pieces from around the web, including a few excuses to get out of the house if you want to brave the drizzle!  xx E.

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Fashion Art Design Georgetown is happening this weekend, and lots of local shops and restaurants are hosting events that look like fun.  The sale tonight at Tari and Saturday night's closing party at Malmaison seem promising.

Washington Post dining critic Tom Sietsema has released his Fall 2013 Dining Guide.  Do you agree with Tom's appraisals?  Three-starred Le Diplomate is one of my favorites.

My weekend cooking adventure may feature something along the lines of the Pioneer Woman's white chili.  You know how I feel about beans.

These evocative photos of abandoned places will transport you.

I love these pointed-toe, half-d'Orsay flats.

Fall beer tasting on Saturday at Politics & Prose.

Russian eatery Mari Vanna's keys-for-VIPs policy gets more interesting.

This song makes me want to shake it all out and jump around.

If you haven't settled on a Halloween costume yet, you may want to consider these hilarious ideas.

Some of Ginnifer Goodwin's pitch perfect (including many fearless) beauty moments.

(Image via Sandy a la Mode.  Abandoned places photos via C., and Halloween costumes via A.)

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.)

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. :)

Happy Weekend!

The lovely Esther Williams, through the lens of Slim Aarons.

I'm not sure why this week has felt so long, but I am looking forward to a few days off! Over the weekend, I'll go with some friends to a concert at D.C.'s historic Howard Theatre. Beyond that, who knows! Don't you just love the freedom of weekend possibilities? Hope you have lots of fun this weekend and enjoy these bits and pieces from around the web.

More neon! This time in the shape of a beach-proof carry-all.

Phenomenal French countryside poppies.

Strawberry rosé spritzer. A great, seasonal twist on the classic mimosa.

These dove salt and pepper shakers from Jonathan Adler are simple, yet design-y, with just a dash of kitsch.

What adorable hair and makeup (not to mention the outfit).

Gauzy cardigan = summer perfection.

Awesome DIY crystal bottle stoppers.

Um, wow. This is like a blueberry version of chocolate lava cake. 

An NYC-based resource for house plants, via Sous Style.

Pixelated t-shirt. I'd pair this with white jeans.

Happy Father's Day Weekend!

Iconic Oval Office photo of John F. Kennedy and John F. Kennedy, Jr., by Stanley Tretick.

Posting has been a bit light this week since I spent most of my free moments socializing with my guests. No weekend plans yet, but I'm looking forward to enjoying the (hot!) summer weather. Maybe some pool time is in my near future. Did you have a good week? Any weekend plans? Don't forget to tell your dad that you love him on Sunday (and as often as possible, really.). Here are a few bits and pieces for you to browse before I see you again next week:

Interesting (and somewhat surprising) stats on dads in the United States.

Father's Day gift guides here and here. Or you could even make something extra-personalized and thoughtful.

A green goddess grilled cheese sandwich. Mmmmmmmm.

Fantastic street art images from Melbourne.

Homemade lemon curd. In a clamp-lid jar. Who could ask for more?

These quilled wedding invitations almost look like living, growing vines and tendrils.

DIY travel tic tac toe game.

Exquisite hand-painted stationery.

Space-dyed striped canvas ballet flats. Could be a fun way to mix patterns for summer.

Super cute, simple, graphic (and inexpensive!) DIY kids' t-shirts. Same idea could work easily for adults, too.

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?

Happy Weekend!

in the Eastern Market neighborhood, D.C.

Hope you've all had a great week. I have some special visitors coming into town tomorrow, so am excited to hang out and play tour guide. Also, the D.C. Jazz Fest is wrapping up, so we'll see if we can't sneak a show into our schedule.

What will you be up to over the next few days? Hopefully, your plans are either fun or relaxing, depending on the kind of weekend you need most. I'll see you next week. In the meantime, enjoy checking out these bits and pieces:

Even adults should have dresses that "make us do a giant spin."

Oven-roasted tomatoes: one of life's simplest and most pleasurable pleasures.

Faux leather strappy sandals in turmeric orange.

Box of beautiful vintage threads and sewing notions. How perfect these would be for embellishing a simple t-shirt.

Oh, this could be useful! Secret iPhone tricks via Not Martha.

Gorgeous ceramic and recylcled glass bowl/serving dish in midnight blue.

The best street markets (Including antiques! And junk!) in NYC via Nat the Fat Rat.

An especially lovely Napa Valley wedding.

A handy interactive seasonal ingredient guide based on U.S. locations.

Cute overload: amigurumi jellyfish in every color of the rainbow.

Happy Weekend!

I'm going on a little road trip to parts south and looking forward to fresh air out of the city. If weather cooperates, we'll get some beach time, too. A handy city guide from Design*Sponge will be one of my inspirations as I explore Norfolk. At the top of my list: fresh-from-the-docks seafood at A.W. Shucks, shopping at Thrift Store USA and Firefly Antiques, and a stroll through the Ghent neighborhood. Have you been to Norfolk? If you have any insider tips, I'd love to hear them.

Image via City Data.

I'll report back next week. In the meantime, enjoy some link love!

Low-tech iPad cases made of repurposed oil paintings at Anthropologie via Design*Sponge.

This seductive sequined clutch would be gorgeous with summer whites.

Adorable little bunny cookies.

DIY rolled paper pencils via Not Martha.

Japanese minimalist potted plants from Qusamura via Art Hound.

A whole bunch of simple, seasonal "farm stand" recipes.

DIY painted straw market baskets and accessories. They're silver here, but any color would work beautifully.

Random pretty images. Love those neon feathers.

Painfully cute pasta hair bows and art.

Chive blossom vinegar recipe.