Good Morning World!

Good morning world!  I hope everyone had a lovely weekend.  I enjoyed my long weekend in celebration of Dr. King.  Friday consisted of dinner at my Old Town favorite - Faccia Luna.  It was a little more crowded then usual thanks to the ever-so-popular Alexandria restaurant week. 

Saturday is confronted my greatest fear- the DMV which actually proved to not be too terrible this time around.  I can finally cruise around in my convertible worry free. I then ventured into DC for some much needed catch-up time and reflection with a friend at Founding Farmers.  I highly recommend the Bijoux cocktail if you are ever there and torn between the many delicious handmade cocktails on their menu. Several cocktails later we found ourselves at the Georgetown Sephora where I discovered a new makeup regimen favorite (coming soon in a post). 

 Sunday found myself sleeping in until well past my usual 8am.  The weather was far too windy and cold so my boyfriend and I seized the opportunity to explore the American Indian Smithsonian museum and enjoy being the only semi-packer fans at the Bayou restaurant. At least they have the best vegetarian meatloaf I have ever had.  

Monday was spent mostly relaxing and feeding the ducks at the Alexandria waterfront.  Such a senior hobby but my boyfriend and I just love it.  We then decided to cook one of our favorite meals...zucchini risotto.  mmmmm 

What did your weekends consist of?

Good Morning: My Life is a Series of Coffees

In Soho...

The Village

Along a mountain stream

In Philly

Sometimes iced in Minneapolis

In Door County at the beach

In Pairs (St. Germain) with a raspberry croissant

In colonial Old Town

On top of peak 8 in Breckenridge

Good Morning Beautiful Coffee!

Say good morning with a beautiful alternative to the French Press....(filters all the grounds).

Easter fun in the Kitchen

How cute is this recipe for "Bunny Buns?"

Ingredients

• 2-1/2 to 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (8 ounces) sour cream
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 egg

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine 1-1/2 cups flour, sugar, yeast and salt.
2. In a small saucepan, heat the sour cream, water and 2 tablespoons butter to 120°-130°; add to dry ingredients.
3. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes. Add egg and 1/2 cup flour; beat 2 minutes longer. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.
4. Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. (I used my stand mixer with the dough hook attachment.)
5. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
6. Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide into 24 pieces. Shape each into a smooth oval. Try to make one side slightly thinner for the head.  Taking a pair of kitchen sheers, make two cuts on the top of the dough to form ears.  Place bunnies on baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 30 minutes.
8. Bake at 375° for about 10 minutes or until golden brown

Snap Shots

I have captured so many fun moments via my camera phone over the last few weekends and thought they would be fun to share. They are mini slices of my life :)

Pieces of the Berlin Wall seen at the Newseum

Crossing the Key Bridge for some Georgetown Fun

Our new Orchid...

Delicious new item at Trader Joes.... Amour De Paris Peach Cocktail

Three Cheese Zucchini Risotto

Cookin' up the zucchini and garlic...

Love Sweet Green Frozen Yogurt!!!

Crazy lookin' photo....indulging in a pear martini at my favorite restaurant, Match Box in China Town.

The Love You Take is Equal to the Love You Make

Happy Valentine's Day......the sexiest day of the year.

(images sourced from: Marie Claire, Tumblr, TopShop, Balconnette, personal...)



Sweet Emotion

All week I try to eat as health as possible and work out daily....but when the weekend hits I definitely need to indulge a little.  Certainly "Crumbs," the cupcakery conveniently located by my gym and place of employment, Free People, has proven to be a deadly temptation.  I broke down and bought my boyfriend and I some cupcakes....The Elvis (banana and peanut butter) and Rasberry Swirl (the better of the two.)   And to make matters worse I discovered a wonderful local coffee joint by my apartment in Old Town Alexandria....Misha's.  Not only do they serve amazing coffee, but they also serve my favorite.....almond croissants and blackberry danish.  Bon appetit!

Life is a cafe

Nothing relaxes me like a good book, a fire place, and a coffee. And there is no better time of year to hunker down in a cafe then during the dreary months of Janurary and February.  Not to mention dressing for a day at the cafe couldn't be better......oversized book bags, slouchy sweaters, and vintage bohemian fabrics. 

(Madera Weekender Bag from FreePeople.com, fadetoblackny.blogspot.com)