Weekend at home

After months of being in Baltimore, Alex and I spent this weekend in DC getting our Christmas tree and exploring one of DC's small hiking spots, Roosevelt Island.

Alex on Roosevelt Island (Georgetown in the background)

Me with Roosevelt

We also got our (charlie brown) Christmas tree! The 1.5' tree was bought at Whole Foods...and every year we get a new ornament...this year it was a pink sparkly flying elephant from Pier 1.

Our tree has a lot of bright colors (hard to see in this picture)...we like the bright pinks, oranges, blues, greens, yellows, etc...we did have 1 present wrapped under the tree...until Alex figured out what it was and asked that it be returned for something different...sigh. Wait until he gets coal.

Who's ready for Christmas??

Thankful for Turkey

It's Almost time! I will be spending Thanksgiving with Alex's family in Baltimore.

Alex will be in charge of the turkey again this year! Last year was his first time and he did an amazing job!

I will be baking (I believe the recipe is Uncle Rob's? or Margarets..or some family members) double stuffed Apple Pie! Thanks to Grandma and Mom I will have my own apple pie dish and fall cut-outs to use this year.
I made it last year and it was fantastic! I used a little more butter than what they recipe called for and a little more cinnamon...and added a few granny smith apples to sweeten it up.

Pie from last year

And I will be making..ok! ok!  I will be bringing Pumpkin Soup scented with Mulling Spices garnished with cinnamon; Shredded Brussels Sprouts tossed with toasted Pine Nuts, crisp Pancetta Lardons and shredded Carrots dressed with warm Bacon-White Balsamic Vinaigrette; and a delicious Corn Souffle. I decided to order from Occasions Caterers...why should I have to spend the day cooking in the kitchen when I can just order it ;) And it helps with oven take-over.

What's everyone else making (or ordering) for Thanksgiving this year?? xoxo

Welcome Baby E!

Helloooooo baby Elijah!  I am so happy and proud of my beautiful cousin and her husband who gave birth to a tiny and persistent! little boy, Elijah. Baby Elijah came earlier than we expected but we are so happy to report he is doing well. Welcome to the family, Elijah. May you help off set the ratio of girls to boys in this family!
xo

Beautiful Wedding in Baltimore

Bride & Groom first dance

Back from Baltimore where Alex's great friend Drew was marrying his long time girlfriend, Eleni (she told me they had been dating for 10 years!) As previously mentioned, the ceremony and reception were at the Peabody Library in Baltimore. I have to repost the pic of the peabody and line it up from a scene in Beauty and the Beast...they are identical!

I am so glad that Alex has so many great, fun friends...but I am even happier that their girlfriends/fiances/ and wives are even more fun and nicer! Here is a picture of me with Jenny who is set to marry Joe next spring!

Fall Food Staple: Taco Chili

By far- my favorite Fall recipe. (And it incorporates cheese & sour cream - my faves!)

1 lb of 99% fat free ground turkey
1 can of chick peas
1 can of gorgonzola beans (white kidney beans)
1 can of tomato sauce
1 can of diced tomatoes (or if you like to spend time in the kitchen, chop a fresh tomato)
sprinkle of cumin
sprinkle of cayenne
dash of hot sauce
onions (optional---i dont like onions so I don't add them)

Brown the turkey. Pour everything else together in a big pot. Bring to a boil then simmer for 15 minutes. I usually wait 25 minutes. Scoop your chili in a bowl, mix in shredded cheddar cheese (better if you mix it in your chili then just leaving it on the top) and a dollop of sour cream - voila!

This makes a pretty good amount so put on your flannel pajamas, turn on some football, and enjoy a nice bowl of chili.

Enjoy!

Vintage on U St.

Yesterday we took the day to stop in at every consignment/vintage shop on U St...total of 10 shops! I've been looking for shoes that will go well with cropped wool pants and skirts for fall/winter and was about to buy from BR and Piperlime when I found just what I wanted at Treasury on U.

For only $26! And they're pretty comfortable!

We are off to Eastern Market this morning...fingers crossed for some great pieces...