Azalea Walk

Azaleas in full bloom at the National Arboretum!

Hiatus

Sunrise at the Tidal Basin

To my dear, faithful readers: I have decided to take a hiatus from blogging. Not because I haven't been enjoying the sweetest activities to blog about. Rather, my heart just doesn't feel into it these days. Hopefully I'll feel up to the task again soon. In the meantime, have fun creating your own sweet memories to share! xoxo, Anna

Habits

One would think that by now, over a year into writing this blog, I would be in the habit of carrying my camera around in order to capture all the sweet moments I've been experiencing. But alas, I've completely fallen out of the habit. So rather than show you what I've been doing, I will tell you.

Last weekend I tried a new restaurant for lunch before heading to the National Building Museum with Mason. Lunch was delicious, (although I still haven't found pizza that I truly love) and playing tourist in the city for the afternoon was a very enjoyable experience. I also attempted Ina's Perfect Roast Chicken, and am sorry to say that mine fell far short of perfect. It could have been the chicken -- mine came from a farm in Maryland -- or it could have been the way it was cooked. I used a rotisserie instead of a roasting pan, hence the flavors didn't come together in quite the same way. Lesson learned? Don't mess with perfection and always follow the recipe!

This morning I met my friend Nancy for breakfast at a cute French cafe in Old Town Alexandria. After our croissants and coffee, we headed to the Holocaust Museum for a somber couple of hours. I was happy to go, and even happier to have a friend to go with. It was not an easy thing to do, but something I have been meaning to do.

On tonight's agenda? Heading back to the city for cocktails at a speakeasy! I'm not really sure what to expect, but it sounds fun and mysterious. And who doesn't love fun and mysterious, especially when cocktails are involved?

I've also recently gone here and seen some fabulous artwork.

I've watched all the football playoff games and can't wait for tomorrow's championships.

I've brought Frances to work with me, (more on that later).

I've acquired a really, really awesome new cooking pot and will be breaking it in tomorrow.

Stay tuned...

'Tis the Season

Ways that I've been enjoying the holiday season so far:

1. Going wine tasting in Virginia's horse country
2. Visiting the National Cathedral for the Annual Crèche exhibit
3. Trying out a new wine bar
4. Going for a hike while laughing at all the Virginians who say, "it's so cold!"
5. Finally going to a Buffalo Bills backer bar
6. Decorating a tree (at work) and fireplace (friend's house)
7. Having margaritas!
8. Shopping
9. Happy Hour at a local brewpub
10. Driving around to look at pretty Christmas lights
11. Having dinner here and here
12. Spending an afternoon at the National Portrait Gallery
13. Checking out the view
14. Trying to find good pizza (or maybe this?)

Needless to say, I've been extremely busy trying to enjoy myself and be as gluttonous as possible, it would appear! The reason for this? My parents took Frances back to Buffalo with them after Thanksgiving. For one month, I have very little responsibility and I'm taking full advantage. This would explain why I haven't been blogging, (as well as why I feel like I've gained 10 pounds). I love my Frances, but man am I enjoying my freedom. This holiday season has been full of fun, new things, and lots of joy. I definitely owe my parents, and I definitely don't want the month to end.

Welcome to Washington

This year, my family will be celebrating Thanksgiving in our nation's Capital. I've been busy cooking, baking, cleaning and preparing to see my family for the first time in over three months! I'm so excited! Aside from eating, I'm planning to show them around my new hometown, do some shopping, sightseeing, and a museum or two. After an extremely busy couple of months, I'm looking forward to having some relaxing family time.

Enjoy your turkey and time off! Happy Thanksgiving!

Like Etsy Come to Life

With the best intentions, I ventured into the city on Saturday to attend a festival that's been high up on my list of THINGS TO DO IN WASHINGTON. Prior to going, I pictured a nice, leisurely Saturday morning strolling through the vendors, Frances in tow, checking out a bunch of Etsy sellers. What actually happened involved a huge traffic jam, a parking nightmare, and an extremely high level of frustration. Thanks to a wonderful friend -- I owe you one! -- I was bailed out of the mess I found myself in, and eventually made it to the festival, two hours later and sans Frances. Which turned out to be a good thing because the crowds were out in full force.
I'm a huge fan of Etsy.com, and love the idea of supporting local artisans.



I didn't end up buying anything, but it was fun to look. And I learned a big lesson, in the process: always check the traffic before heading into the city! Seriously, I should know better by now, right?

"Above all, have a good time!"

And have a good time we did, my mom and I on her surprise birthday trip to Washington, D.C. It all started with this movie, which led to this book, which ultimately brought us to our nation's capital for a Julia Child -themed day, (it is safe to assume that I am mildly obsessed with this fascinating woman!). And what better way to celebrate another fascinating woman's birthday?

Beginning at the National Museum of American History, we meandered through Julia's Cambridge kitchen, completely unchanged since it was last in her house.

I was in awe, not only because Julia is a major idol of mine, but also because of that cookware. There was some major kitchen envy going on!

A few things I love about Julia Child: 1) she loved food, and could recall every little detail about all of the special meals she ate; 2) she led a completely full, albeit, childless life; and 3) she admittedly didn't hit on her passion until she was thirty-two.

"I was practically in hysterics from the time we landed... I was a late bloomer who was still growing up. I didn't get started on life until I was about thirty-two, which was good because I was old enough to appreciate it. I had it all ahead of me."

Well, Julia, I can only hope I've got it all ahead of me, too!

Later on, it was off to Georgetown to get a glimpse of Julia and Paul Child's home. Yes, I walked down the same sidewalk that Julia must have walked down hundreds of times.

Then it was off to dinner, a French restaurant, no less. Had it been around when Julia lived in Georgetown, I am certain she and Paul would have eaten there.

I had the trout.

My mom had the duck. And we were both thrilled with our choices, and the day. It was so much fun to follow in Julia's footsteps, and try to be half as adventuresome as she was.

[happy birthday, mom!]