Weekend Edition

Happy Friday Everyone! What are you up to this weekend? I feel a little discombobulated since I thought that the Superbowl was this weekend! So I'm not totally sure what the the next two days has in store for me, but we'll soon find out!

I wanted to mention that Matt and I discovered two really neat stores this week. One, is Politics and Prose way way up on Connecticut Ave. People have recommended it to us for a long time, but since it's kind of a trek, we just now got the energy to give it a go. And wow, we'll definitely be back. They have an amazing selection on the first floor, and then SURPRISE a second floor is filled with even more books and a kids space. There is also a quaint coffee shop on the lower level. And...they may allow dogs in the store. I can't be sure about this, but while we were there we saw three! Maybe one day when Rex calms down, he'll wear a sweater vest and sip on a latte at Politics and Prose!

The other store that we visited briefly is TROHV in Takoma Park, DC. It's a modern/industrial furniture store that sells all kinds of goodies. It reminded me of a really fancy Urban Outfitters or Anthropolgie without the clothes. I loved everything inside and have already fantasized about how it would all fit in our apartment, now I just need to win the lottery!

The photo above was taken by me with Instagram from a trip to Harper's Ferry, WV last summer. 

Hillwood Estate

On New Years Day, Matt and I visited Hillwood Estate in northwest DC. I am not crazy about house museums, but Matt, having been to Hillwood before, convinced me that this is not one that I want to miss. He was right, the mansion, setting, and art collection was interesting, well maintained, and beautiful. The story behind Marjorie Merriweather Post's home turned museum and gallery was very intriguing. Her relationships may have been somewhat fleeting (she was married four or five times) but her dedication to her Russian and French art collection was a constant throughout her adult life. The pieces include intricate Faberge eggs and picture frames. At one point Matt and I couldn't believe that there weren't security guards all over the place to protect these one-of-a-kind items! I'm thankful for that though, we were able to enjoy the house and Post's collection at our own pace. I also loved that we didn't have to take a guided tour to see everything. The self guided brochure contained answers to all my questions and set the context for each space in the house. Of course, I walked away with questions, but that only makes me want to return to the home that much more!

The Dining Room still decorated for Christmas

They had a great temporary exhibit going on "pret-a-papier"- period costumes constructed of paper!

Make Over for the Old Post Office

Unfortunately, I missed DC Preservation League's Annual Meeting at the Old Post Office. At the event last week, the Trump Organization and Design Team released their redevelopment plan for the historic building. Here is a slideshow of what they propose and a brief history of the building. What do you think? Personally, I think the reuse of the building is perfect for a hotel and the huge center laylight is perfect for illuminating the building with natural light. The presentation does not discuss the exterior of the building or the notable clock tower. I hope they keep the clock tower open to the public! What a great view.

Luisa Pascalis de Thomas's pintrest

Weekend Edition

Hello! What are your plans for this weekend? I'm looking forward to seeing my family in Williamsburg, especially my sister, Hannah. :) We've got plans to attend an Oyster Roast to benefit my old Montessori school. (love Montessori!) There is also Grand Illumination in Colonial Williamsburg this weekend. It's so beautiful to walk around, drink cider, and admire all the eighteenth-century holiday decorations. Tonight Matt and I are planning on checking out Canal Park with some friends. It just opened and there is ice skating!

image courtesy of http://p-a-r-t-y-planning.tumblr.com/post/16993209467/fycharleston-oyster-roast-this-is-a-cool

Trick Or Treat!

Happy Halloween/First Day of November Everyone!

Matt and I made it through Hurricane Sandy without power loss, or any significant damage; however, there are a couple leaks in our building. The hurricane victims in NJ and NY will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers.

During the days indoors and the Federal gov't shut down, Matt and I got a slight case of cabin fever. Fortunately  our neighbor let us barrow some DVDs, and many stores were open on Tuesday. We love our trips to Whole Foods! Matt always says, "they make grocery shopping exciting"! But here's a photo of what we did for most of the storm...

Despite the recent storm, treat-or-treaters were out in full force last night. We ran out of candy in 30 minutes! Here are a few shots from the night. Can you guess who I was?

Happy Fall

What a beautiful fall day. Rex thinks so too! ;)

Here Goes Nothin'

So...writing on this blank slate is a little intimidating... but I'm sure I will become accustom to sharing bits and pieces on here as time passes. I intend to use this blog to share my experiences with you as a new young professional who lives on Capitol Hill. I'm a preservationist, so this blog will center around my experiences with local businesses, neighborhoods, and communities in the DC area. I want it to be fun and relevant, so we'll discuss other things as well!