Life by Design

The last few weeks have made my heart full again... good food, people and a STAYCATION - hooray! It's not like I'd fallen out of love with DC but the daily real life political comedy and work grind (plus oh hey... the Grand Jury!) was really starting to wear on me and leave me one tired cookie. 

But flip the switch because there are BISCUITS to be had... And damn delicious biscuits at that! The Hubs and I quested out to Mason Dixie Biscuit Co.'s new brick and mortar and the reviews rang true- this joint is legit.  We shared a Classic Fried Chicken Sandwich and I'm still thinking about that hot little buttermilk number... Someone else please make the trek so we can discuss?!

We also finally made it to Dumbarton Oaks.  We meandered through the expansive District garden and swooned over peonies (just passing their peak) and fields of roses of every variety. It was a great reminder to slow down and take a deep breath. 

Not in the mood for an adventure? Pull up a pillow and watch 'The People Vs. OJ Simpson'. This short series as the LA Times claims... "is profound!" And let me tell you... I sympathize with the story of the jury.  My 18 month Grand Jury stint is only a third served and who knows... I might end up like the woman who tries to sprint for freedom but is then tackled by a U.S. Marshall... Stay tuned...

OR head to Union Market and catch their drive-in movie series. 'Honey I Shrunk the Kids' this past Friday was a hoot and had us dreaming of Air Jordans, scrunchies and Oatmeal Creme Pies... (!!!)

P.S. The top snap is of the queen bee herself Ms. Cid, who's found a new perch on our TV console.  Maybe she has an eye for Mid-century Modern?

Spring Edit '17

April showers sure brought May flowers to the District and a few beautiful goods to oogle too! 

MINI SWING DRESS | This little number is fresh and sure to turn heads!

MAKE-UP BAG | Clare V. teamed up with Sephora to create this sweet clutch to hold all your make-up goodies and "bring beauty to the street"... 

CAPITOL PENDANT LIGHT | The bell curve on this pendant makes my heart pitter padder. 

BEADED FLUTTER EARRINGS | Sophisticated and bright, plus these earrings are on SALE (use code SALESTYLE to get an extra 30% off)!

CANARY SLIPPERS | Have you been introduced to Birdies?! I'm dying to pick up a pair of these chic and toasty slippers with style!

HOST | A modern guide to eating, drinking and entertaining that will inspire you to host! Authors Eric Prum and Josh Williams have really outdone themselves.

CAST-IRON TEA KETTLE | Cutting back on caffeine is harder than I anticipated but maybe this kettle added to my afternoon tea could be the trick?

SUNNIES | Classic cat-eyes with an updated pearl frame and blue-tinted lenses, uhhh YES please!

CHECKED TOTE | The perfect carryall to tote around your summer reads!

Weekday Musings

It's been over 30 days since my last confession (AKA blog post) and let me level with you - this past month has been a whopper. In fact, 2017 has been a real bust. In January we lost my grandfather on my dad's side and before I could get home to celebrate his life, we lost my grandma on my mom's side to a painful and unrelenting tumor.

My grandma was the definition of a matriarch - she truly was the glue that held our tribe together and now that she's gone I feel alone in a way that's tough to explain. I write this while sitting next to the most adoring (and handsome) husband who has stayed true and steady. But although I have my partner in crime, I still feel isolated and my heart aches as if its on its last leg.

Cidney Munn Brown was 99 years old and lived a full and joyful life. Her style not flashy but colorful and classic. Her size petite but her personality full of spunk and energy. She hummed as she worked and fiercely loved her family.

Grandma's love was such a force she did not just become part of your heart but was right alongside your left ventricle pumping blood and life into the rest of your body. Today I'm learning to live without her and for now that means I'm taking it day by day. So for starters here's a shortened (and FUN) version of Weekday Musings...

EATING | NYT sea salt chocolate chip cookies. You guys, I'm not generally a fan of chocolate chip cookies but these little morsels are divine! Maybe it's the sea salt?! Plus, isn't the secret to a happy hubby keeping him supplied with cookies? As such I've decided to embark on a bit of a cookie quest and will try to bake on the regular. Check back here for frequent updates!

CRUSHING ON | Jesse Tyler Ferguson is a Montana native and my most favorite to follow on Instagram. His profile says it all: "Mitch on 'Modern Family.' Activist, Red head, aspiring professional food cooker person." Take a gander and get ready to smile BIG!

READING | I just finished up The Nest by Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney and as the reviews promised it's big hearted and hot damn hilarious! Pick up this little novel for a long flight and I promise you won't be disappointed.

WATCHING | "Veep" is back, need I say more?!  Not only is the quick wit of this show still on point but Julia Louis-Dreyfus's wardrobe is only getting better and better. Gahhhh if only I could afford this political elite's killer closet - I mean... Season Six is a must watch!

WEARING | Gahhh... I crossed off #56 on my 101 in 1001 list... I told you I'd do it!

* Photo by Jaclyn M. (My grandma despised this photo because she said she "looked old!" - mind you it was taken when she was 95 (!!!) and since its printing this photo was displayed prominently on her dresser just as it sits on mine...)