Key to my heart

Did I mention a month ago that I pre-ordered Bright Eyes' forthcoming album, The People's Key?  Is it February 15 yet???  I feel like a teenage girl because I'm so giddy with excitement.  

If only Conor and co. were coming to B-more...

Cheddar Broccoli Soup with Seedy Mustard Croutons

Last night I made Heidi Swanson's tasty cheddar broccoli soup for dinner.  I love her healthy, hearty recipes.  

My favorite part was the addition of crispy, buttery homemade croutons. How to: Tear chunks of a day-old baguette into 1 inch pieces, cover in melted butter, seedy mustard and sea salt, toss, then toast in the oven at 350 for 15 minutes or until golden brown.  

[Thanks, Emily, for giving us Heidi's cookbook for our wedding!] 

Ooohhh, shiny...

Many women would agree that gold hoops are a wardrobe staple.  Another great way to justify a purchase!  

Happy Friday lovely readers :) 

Music therapy

Maybe you recognize these images? Maybe not. 

They're album covers from the latest releases from Ghostland Observatory, Iron & Wine and Foals.  I'm high as a kite because all three bands are coming to Baltimore, and we've got tickets! There's nothing in Seattle that I miss more that the music scene (other than coffee), so it always feels like a jackpot when great bands tour in B-more.  

Been to any great shows lately? 

My heart broke a little yesterday...

The Minimalist, the brilliant Mark Bittman, will no longer be writing his weekly column for the New York Times.  I'm having a bit of a foodie pity party because of this news, but am happy he is moving onto new opportunities in food advocacy.

Despite him leaving the column behind, I still have this idea that Bitty and I will be friends one day when I live in NYC and that we'll cook together in either his tiny apartment or ours. Is that weird?

How many is too many?

This wooly bag would be so great for work.  You could stuff your lunch in there, have room for a small make-up bag and even your giant wallet.  I just got a new purse for crying out loud. This one would be used for completely different occasions, though...

Movie indulgence

Instead of curing the blues with food last night,  I decided we should go to the movies (again).  We saw Sofia Coppola's new film, Somewhere.  The best part was, our local free weekly paper was hosting a movie night for their readers, so we were surprised with free tickets!  

The cinematography in Somewhere was beautiful with loads of airy, washed out shots of Los Angeles and southern California.  The plot, ......hmmm.  I wasn't totally captivated by the plot.  Elle Fanning's performance, on the other hand, was delightfully innocent and beautiful. How often do we see an 11 year old shine and glimmer on film with their own natural poise and sensibility?  Not often enough, I realized.

What movies have you seen lately?

Feeling blue

Last night we saw Blue Valentine.  And, yesterday my mom went home after a lovely visit to our home in B-more.  To top it off, I'm working Saturday, so today feels like Monday again.  The sum of this equation is that today feels rough. 

Too often I convince myself that I deserve a treat or reward for surviving another day, but I'm getting tired of eating my way out of the blues.  I even considered a gym membership. Meh.

It seems like many people I know are feeling a little blue as of late.  (In fact, I think the girls across the table from me at the coffee shop are having a full-blown counseling session at their table, wowza.  Three cheers for self-affirmation!)

Not feeling it?

I recognize not everyone is keen to celebrate Valentines Day in the traditional sense.  So, here are a few things just for you.  Is anti-Valentine too strong? 

Happy almost February loves.

Rocker

This modern chair print makes me smile.  My fave is the powder blue rocker; what's yours? 

Quick! Act smart.

Today Tuesday is a Monday, so tomorrow is Wednesday, so it's almost Friday, right?  

Whatever day it is, I hope you had a great weekend and have a lovely week.  My mom is visiting and we  packed it in this weekend with brunch Saturday and Swan Lake that evening, visiting all the monuments in DC on Saturday and then heading to Philly yesterday to see the Liberty Bell and the Philadelphia Art Museum.  A jolly ole time. 

Now, more coffee. xo

Have a fun weekend!

My mom is coming, fun fun fun! Have a good one... :) 

Coming soon...

Reception photos.  There's some fun ones!

Something pretty

Thought we could all use a touch of color today. 

Is it Friday yet? 

Chubby Stick

As if the name weren't enough to sell me, this new moisturizing lip color from Clinique comes in eight different lovely shades.  

Wish list!