Halloween block party

This weekend was our neighborhood children's Halloween parade. We saw so many cute diverse costumes. Emilu went as an owl! The parade started out from the neighborhood playground and stopped at local bank, where the kids were treated with candy, then by Whole Foods, where they picked up fresh apples and other sweets, and the final stop, Logan Circle.  I've never seen so many kids dressed up and playing and running around. It was fun.

Exploring the pumpking patch

Last weekend we went pumpkin patching in the neighborhood of Cathedral Heights here in Washington.  Emilu was beyond excited.  I often wonder what goes through toddlers' heads when they see something for the first time. They point, they touch, they grab, they taste.  A time for exploration and imagination. 

Home companion: Bookshelves

Via From Scandinavia with love

I know this is not your traditional bookcase-filled with books. But I love the vibe of this room, and the shelves is what makes this room pop with visual interest!  A whimsical modern touch that makes me giggly and ready to tackle any craft, reading or fun activity!  A family room with an equally substantial family bookcase!

Married in Manhattan

On Memorial Day weekend my brother in law and his beautiful fiancee tied the knot in a series of events that not only were fun and jubilant, but celebrated who they are, as individuals, in each others' lives. 

I loved the no-fuss wedding from the start.  The officiant was a long time musician friend, and the wedding was full of them.  One of the groomsmen, another long time friend, played Mendelssohn in his best George Harrison as they walked down the "aisle."  They held each others' hands til death do them 'part.

The ceremony and reception, followed by an intimate, seated 4-course lunch took place in one of their favorite restaurants in the East Village.  This is where they had their first date four years ago, and to commemorate this, the owners of the restaurant set the small patio table, where they ate that first evening, with candle lights.  Close family and friends gathered around in the small but cozy restaurant and watched them exchanged vows. Followed by emotional and funny toasts; recollections about their years in high school; their passions growing up and the friendships made along the way, which brought some people to tears, and others to deep belly laughs.  Various generations conglomerated in that tiny room. Forty-six handpicked and very special individuals filled the room, in the words of the bride, "with two simple feelings so palpable in this very room: generosity and loyalty, we thank you for being here," to celebrate this joyous occasion.  And by the way, beautiful brides, do toast at their own wedding!

The photographer was the bride's sister, and a few friends, including me, took up to the task of embossing the day's images with extra cameras to ensure they had plenty of memories to look at. 

Of course, there's isn't anything closer to a NYC event than an after-party, and the groom is the king of the after parties.  After the memorable lunch, we walked a few city blocks to a lounge with a roof terrace, to keep the momentum going.  The rest of their friends joined us and we danced, and drank, and had a great time!  I loved how the groom's DJ friends stepped in to provide the music. And the cigar boxes, provided by my dad, were a huge hit, as the men (and some women)  proceeded to enjoy their puffs.  (Thanks, dad!)

The last venue, another bar a few blocks east, welcomed us with an assortment of delicious dumplings, provided by a friend of the groom and bride, including an edemame one that was just heavenlicious!  What a great New York wedding this was.  Cheers to the lucky couple!

Happy weekend!

I love how we are slowly transitioning from Summer to Fall. The evenings are cooler and the mornings more crisp. A little sweater goes a long way right now, doesn't it? We are relaxing this weekend with some friends, how about you? We might check a few new Art & Market venues this weekend. Last weekend, we stopped by the new Union Market in the northeast, and it's looking pretty good.  Although not Chelsea, it's got good bones to become something special. Here are some pictures.

Also we can't wait to attend the official opening of Mount Pleasant's Public Library, just a few blocks from our neighborhood.  There will be kids activities there, and I can't wait to see how Emilu takes it all in.  Have a wonderful weekend, and see you back on Monday.

Summer pickings

About two weekends ago we drove up to Germantown in Maryland to visit Butler's Orchard and we were delighted! The drive is about 40 minutes from the district and if had kept going north for 45 minutes more, we would have arrived at Gettysburg. We are dying to visit some historic towns, and Gettysburg is on our list for the next road trip. The Orchard produces yearly harvests of seasonal favorites. We were there to pick our own blackberries, which ashamed as I am to admit, I had never seen this fruit on the tree. It was a first for Emilu and I. And we loved it. Glorious roads of blackberry fields that seem to never end.  And I loved that it was all so green and cheap!  A small quart in the supermarket is almost always around four or five dollars.  We got a pint for less than three dollars!  Much better than farmer's markets. Next time we go, we will pick apples and raspberries. Oh we can't wait!

Kids Zone: Pretty tents

These kids' tents are so unique and creative. Kids love a tucked corner just for them, where make-believe happens. And they can be fun and even soothing, as they retreat into their own space to think, create or just play.  I know these images have been posted thousands of times all over the internet.  But, I couldn't help but feel like a kid again with these pretty tents.   I think I know where to put one. 

Photo via

p>

>

{Images via MPMK}

Source via

photo credit