Oh my little blog, how I’ve missed you. I have been most occupied. There have been many sips, some steps and lots of Pooh in my life as of late. Let me explain.

As some of you dear readers may know, I am helping the folks at Waterfront Market (namely Alexandria’s honorary mayor, owner Jody Manor and his gal Friday, the genius Rashmi Pappu- an artist/photographer moonlighting as a restaurant maven) with their wine list. It couldn’t be more fun. We are stocking the shelves with artfully crafted, terroir-driven wines, it’s such a dream. We’ve got a rosé sparkler from Michigan (yes, you read that right), a killer Chenin Blanc from South Africa and a kick-butt Chinon from the Loire Valley. I’m so proud of our selection, we are working with some wonderful importers and I’m also really proud of our pricing. It’s a little bit of a secret for now, but the word will soon be out that Waterfront’s got some of the quirkiest and most interesting wines around with some seriously excellent pricing. We are in it for the locals- come and get your juice at the Pier. If you live near Old Town Alexandria- go go go. We just put that crazy delicious pink bubbly from Michigan on our shelves. So back to the sips… we’ve been taking lots of them in the quest to develop the wine program. Working with Rashmi has been a blast, it’s a good day when you’re genuinely exhausted from tasting too much wine. And yes, that is possible.

To the steps- I have laced up my character shoes and jumped back on the choreography train, folks. After a few years on the down low with my little ones, I am newly motivated to get back into the theater. I’ll be the associate choreographer on Signature’s “Cabaret” this coming season and have lots of new fun things in the works. Honestly, it’s just great to be back in the theater and in the rehearsal studio again (my favorite part). My body doesn’t quite bounce back the way it once did after a day’s work- oh aging, aren’t you fun- but it’s good stuff and I’m so psyched to be breaking out my jazz hands.

And Pooh, dear Pooh. My kiddos are in love with that Winnie, they cannot get enough. They love watching his Many Adventures and I have to say, I’m ok with it. I would much rather be watching Pooh and Piglet cavort around the Hundred Acre Wood than jump around with those crazy Gabba Gabba whatever-they-are. My mother-in-law used to read the A.A. Milne stories aloud to her fellow showgirls in the “Call Me Madam” Broadway dressing room in  the 1950s, how times have changed, so there’s something so sweet and sentimental about my kiddos’ newfound love for Pooh.

Happy Weekend to you all. I hope you are off to some fun adventures. We are headed to the beach (yay!) with some friends, one of them being my talented friend Jess Hartman. We just went to her opening night of Smokey Joe’s Cafe here at Arena in DC last night and folks, it’s awesome. Big congrats to her and the cast. The last 6 or 7 numbers of the show are like going to church. If you want to hear some serious singing (these people are not kidding around) and toe tapping tunes, hit this show up. Back to the weekend at hand- it’s supposed to rain but I’m ok with that, I rather like being holed up with friends and family in a cozy beach cottage. Sounds like heaven to me. What’s not so heavenly- packing with toddlers. Seriously, it’s like preparing for a friggin’ moon launch. What gives with all this gear!

A few things from above that look yummy and inspired:

1. A Sparkling Grapefruit Sage Mimosa. Yum. I spied this juicy image floating around Pinterest with no recipe to speak of, so here’s my version:
1. Fill your cup 3/4 full with sparkling wine or champagne
2. Add a splash of grapefruit juice
3. Garnish with a wedge of fresh grapefruit and a sprig of sage
Voilá. My new favorite drink (other than a great glass of vino of course).

2. An Oversized Beachy Striped Tote. It’s $59 and it goes with everything. Done.

3. Lemon-Dijon Chicken Salad Sandwiches. Come on, how cute are these things- look at them all wrapped up. Truthfully I don’t even like chicken salad but that Anna Watson Carl makes everything delicious and she’s making these like the Frenchies do- sans mayonnaise. Yum. I’m looking forward to making and packing these little beauties up at the beach this weekend.

4. Because who doesn’t love these two in the air with jazz hands to boot. Pure happiness.

5. Fig Tartlets. Shhh. Don’t speak. Enough said, I’m sold and making these stat.

What I’m Drinking: 

That Sparkling Mimosa above and some delicious Italian rosé. This one in particular from our Waterfront selection, it’s crazy good.
Here’s What I Get:

Get it here if you don’t live in my neck of the woods.

And A Few More Things:

This little Italian movie may be the greatest road movie ever made. On the list.

This one’s on the list too. A Year In Burgundy- I can never get enough good wine docs. Cue the Amazon instant video.

There’s a butt selfie queen? Oy.

How Monica Lewinsky Changed the Media. 

That’s all. A Happy Mother’s Day to you all. Cin Cin and Enjoy.

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I love the idea of a stylish and good umbrella. I say “the idea” because no matter how much I really want to be one of those umbrella toting citizens of the world, the truth of the matter is, I absolutely never have one and am always completely soaked when it rains. You’d think living and walking in NYC for 12 years would convert me into one of those readily prepared umbrella-carrying citizens but alas…  If you fall into that prepared/toting category and are in the market for a new little lady to keep your head dry, this striped numbed is on sale and pretty darn cute. She’s a cheeky little thing isn’t she, yep she knows she’s cute.

Rainy-Day Umbrella, $19.99

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So long Old Town! One last photo op on our way out the door. Old Town Alexandria was so good to us and we had a blast living there. We brought our babies home to that tiny and loved apartment and I loved all of our long stroller walks through the Colonial streets of that charming town. Our move to the ‘burbs was a bittersweet one. We were so sad to say goodbye to Old Town but happy to have some real space and a small patch of green to call our own. More Progress Reports on our ongoing reno to come- now I know why people say that home improvement is ongoing, there is an absolute endless lists of things to tackle, but that’s what makes it fun right? We’ll be making various trips to Lowe’s and the hardware store this weekend amidst attempting to unpack boatloads of boxes- what is even in these things is beyond me. How in the world is it possible to accumulate so much when you live in 700 square feet? First world problems to be sure. I don’t mean to complain about “stuff” but it does get to be a bit much. I mean really, how much do we really need in our lives? I’d like to just give everything away but I know I would just end up buying most of it all over again. Here’s to a life more simplified, that’s always a good goal.

What I’m Drinking: 

Our refrigerator isn’t working yet (long reno sob story), so it’ll be a warm Blue Moon with a slice of orange for me on a plastic cup (until we can find that elusive box of glassware). I’ll put a 6-pack outside to cool overnight- cool weather can be a blessing. Ha.

A Few Things:

“What Facebook is doing to your brain is kind of shocking.”

What a cute ad campaign.  I love those black doors.

You may have heard, but there’s been a big breakthrough in the Big Bang Theory- I can’t even fathom figuring this out. Fascinating.

Hip Hip Hooray- my friend Anna Watson Carl has finished her “Cookbook Diaries” and will be self-publishing her Yellow Table cookbook this year! Three Cheers for realizing a dream!

L’Wren Scott’s passing this week was so sad. She was such a gifted artist and designer. I remember L’Wren Scott as she was the costume designer for the 2000 Academy Awards that I was lucky enough to perform in. I’ll never forget my fitting with her, she had yet to propel to the fast track in the fashion world and was in the beginning stages of her work as a rock star designer but it was clear that she had the goods. I’ve never felt better, she knew how to make a gal look and feel great.  I posted a small photo of our Blame Canada kickline in our Royal Mountie garb here on the blog.

For all you DIY’ers out there, a super cute pennant pillow. I can’t sew to save my life but for those that possess that seamstress-y thing, I think this would be so great in a little one’s room.

Happy Weekend Dear Readers! Cin Cin all and Enjoy the first weekend of Spring!

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It’s officially here folks and I have to say, today it actually feels like Spring in my neck of the woods. It’s 55 and sunny- who can believe it! Here are a few of my favorite things for Spring.

1. A Batch of Lemon Thyme Bars- because who doesn’t want a little citrus and fresh herbs with their sweets- done.

2. Some Stella McCarney Two-Toned Oversized Sunnies: a bit of a splurge for me considering I usually lose my sunnies each season but if I can keep track of them, they’ll be worth the splurge.

3. Some Sabre Tortoise Salad Servers- I can’t get enough of the Sabre spoons from Paris. I love these salad servers and Spring is all about fresh veggies- the better to toss them with, my dears. I’ve got to get my hands on these teaspoons too, sold exclusively in the US at Happy Bones Coffee in NYC’s Nolita. (They’re currently out of stock but are expecting more in late April). Aren’t they great.

4. A Great Rosé: a list just isn’t a list without a good rosé on it- any time of year. But Spring beckons for a mineral and crisp glass of salmon-y pink juice. I’m loving this one imported by the can-do-no-wrong pioneer, Kermit Lynch. When in doubt, reach for one of Kermit’s bottles, he doesn’t disappoint. This one’s $15 and lip-smackingly good.

5. A Darling Baby Zebra Print: Springtime reminds me of freshly hatched chicks and fuzzy baby animals. How sweet is this little zebra. Sharon Montrose’s lovely animal prints start at $25.

6. A Pair of Raffia d’Orsay Slippers- fresh and fun and so nice to get a little fresh air on your tootsies.

7. A Jet Black Hinge Bangle- because it’s just cool, and Spring is a cool time of year.

8. An Octagon Embellished Terra Cotta Planter: ’tis the season for planting and gardening and stuff of the green-thumbed sort and also, I love an octagon. And also, I have a backyard! Say What?!

9. Some Shiny and Shapely Hardware: there’s that octagon again. An easy update.

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Step up your Springtime Strappies.

A great little update for a few bucks.

Cute right?

H&M Modernist Strappy Sandal, $33

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Happy Weekend dear readers. Two things: it’s Oscar weekend and February is OUTTA HERE! Hoo-to-the-Ray! Will you all watch the Oscars? I am religious about watching- it’s one of my favorite nights of the year. I used to throw an Oscar party every year, but I could never really hear anything and didn’t ended up really watching, so now we just watch it sans party. I make a little toast to realized dreams each year as I danced on the Oscars in 2000 realizing a dream I’d had since I was a wee lass. Good times. I love these vintage photos of chic ladies and the fabulous Warren Beatty from the 60s. What style. Natalie, Audrey, Grace, Liz… does it get better? Maybe. I can’t wait to see what Lupita wears.

What I’m Drinking: 

Bubbly. Of course. Please, even if I am watching the Oscars in my tiny condo in Virginia, you better believe I’ll be bubbling it up Hollywood style. My wallet can’t handle a bottle of Champers this weekend so it’ll be a Burgundy Cremant Rosé Brut please: Bailly-Lapierre. At $18, how can I go wrong? (Well, I can but I’ll let you know how it all shakes out.) Tasting Note to follow. Good times indeed.

A Few Things: 

If you haven’t already printed this out and made your bets, here’s your Oscar ballot.

The Ice Age Cometh?

This makes me happy. My beat-up old grey Converse are getting a stud-ly makeover just as soon as I have a free hour (which will be never).

A DIY Moroccan Wedding Blanket pendant? So chic.

Oprah auctions off nearly all of her material possessions.

How to get a glimmery smokey eye.

Zagat’s Hottest Coffee Shops in the U.S.

Cin Cin!

Oscar Photos: Alan Grant- Time/Life

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Metallic Loafers for $33?
“Go on dance. On the floor. In the Round.”

MJ would-approve-oxfords, $33

P.S.: I always thought it was “Hang Around” not “In the Round”, didn’t you? Mama-say-mama-saw-mama-coo-saw…

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Happy Weekend dear readers! I like to think this lounge chair is waiting for me, it’s a nice thought anyway. What are you all up to this fine February weekend? The temperatures are finally warming up over here so we’re going to try to spend some quality time with outdoors. I’ll be soaking up every last bit of city livin’ that I can while we still live smack dab in the middle of Old Town Alexandria. I love walking to the Saturday Farmers Market, strolling King Street and its fabulous local shops and restaurants (Oh Hank’s, how I’ll miss you and your dollar oysters!)- I’m  so sad to leave this darling town. Granted, we are only moving 15 minutes away but I know how these things go- it’s never quite as easy as you think to get back. I have vowed to make the tiny trek to the Old Town Farmer’s Market every Saturday morning- weather permitting. It has become such a happy place of mine and I’d love the bebes to continue to enjoy the fresh flowers, colorful produce and live music every weekend. I think it’s one of the country’s best small markets. Sigh… I am clearly preparing to say Sayonara to my beloved town and hit the mean streets of the ‘burbs.

But let’s change the subject and get to the vino…
What I’m Drinking:

Let’s talk Tempranillo. A beautiful and versatile Spanish grape, this is the grape of the famed Rioja region. It’s also used all throughout Spain in single varietal bottles as well as blends. The traditional Rioja winemaking method uses American oak. If not well-balanced, I can’t get away from the intensity of the dill that comes through on the nose and I’m not the biggest fan. I’m trying a budget-friendly bottle(because that’s the way we roll around here as Miss V.’s reno slowly steamrolls out of control- Ahhhhh!), Val de los Frailes Tempranillo from Spain’s up and coming Castilla y Leon wine region (hence the lower price tag than a Rioja or Ribera del Duero). I’ll let you know what I think of this one. Tasting note to follow.

A Few Things:

1. This house! Those windows, those trees, all of it. (La Dolce Vita)

2. This girl- that skirt kills me. (The Sartorialist)

3. This leather and pipe DIY wine rack. (Design*Sponge)

4. This cute little scalloped mirror (is $28).

5. This bike with a bucket.

6. This Garden to Table Harvest Party! A garden between the sidewalk and the street- now that is genius. (The Yellow Table)

And Another Thing(s):

The James Beard semi-finalists are out. Any in your neck of the woods? I’ve already made a date with my friend Maddie to get to Rose’s Luxury here in DC.

Bucket list hotels.

Sucks to be this guy.

Beck- the Silver Lake Springsteen? I don’t know. What say you?

Charlie and Meryl, how we love thee, but boy do I love their moms even more!

I’m not quite sure what to think about this. Now with the Op-Eds? Franco, you’re pushing it.

It’s almost spring, time to break out the leopard flats. I found these at Target for $14. Stick an orthotics insert in there and you’re good to go. (I sound like I’m 80, but let’s be honest- a $14 shoe is not going to be big on arch support).

Top 10 Spring Break Destinations via The Glitter Guide.

Great clutches- not exactly budget-friendly, but fun to look at.

An oversized navy cable knit pullover with a couple of zippers for fun at $38? Ok.

And lastly… Yuna Kim was robbed, I’m just saying.

Cin Cin ya’ll and Enjoy the weekend!

Image

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Just a quick roundup of things that are making me happy nowadays.

I’m wearing this spotted shift to an arts gala next month. I can’t resist a good dalmatian print.

These plates make me smile. I just bought a set for Miss V. (aka: our new house).

Washington’s Beltway through the lens of Rashmi Pappu’s camera. Rashmi is a talented local photographer here in Old Town Alexandria. I love following her Instaworld.

If I can’t eat there (anytime soon anyway), I might as well read about it. Faviken is the first cook book penned by critically lauded 28 year-old Swedish chef Magnus Nilsson. His restaurant, also named Faviken, is situated on a 20,000 acre farm in the Scandinavian countryside. Talk about a destination meal- this is the stuff of dreams.

This little baby really puts a smile on my face. I have shopped high and low for an affordable espresso machine that is easy to use, makes delicious coffee and is above all, great looking. I’m a big illy fan, so this one takes the cake. Sold. C thinks it looks like a Panda Bear, I think it looks like it knows it’s awesome.

And the fabulous Miss Stritch- she never disappoints. If you didn’t catch this appearance on Kathie Lee & Hoda… you’re welcome. Not only does she drop the F bomb, but she’s got her feet in Kathie Lee’s lap and she’s wearing a floor length fur. What is happening! DI-to-the-VA. Love her. I can’t wait to see this new documentary. And if you haven’t seen Elaine Stritch: At Liberty, do yourself a favor and see it pronto, her stories are unbelievable.

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Cute blue midi dress for $20? Bought. Done and done. Go get yours.

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