Obsessed: Peeps

Again, with the stuff I like to eat. I will own a package of Peeps in minutes. So light, fluffy, and delicious. There is a store not too far from my house too! And the Style section in my local newspaper, The Washington Post, does a Peeps diorama contest every year. I've always wanted to enter, but haven't gotten around to it. It's on the bucket list. I highly recommend the chocolate peeps, as well as the chocolate covered peeps. If you are thinking about getting me some, I prefer the chicks over the bunnies.

Tuesday Shoesday: TOMS Wedges

For my first ever Tuesday Shoesday: I love these shoes, $69. And I love this company. For every pair of shoes purchased, TOMS donates one new pair to a child in need. The wedges come in 6 different colors, but the navy stripe is my favorite. It reminds me of sailing, the Derby, seersuckers, Martha's vineyard and Cape Cod. Plus, I love wedges - they allow me to wear heels without being in pain, so you will see a lot of wedges here. And I am also newly in love with peep toes. Coming from catering and restaurants, we always wore closed toed shoes. But I am getting out of that box and branching out with peep toes!

Join the Tuesday Shoesday fun by checking out the picks on Simply and Forever, Landlocked Bride, Gwyneth Paige, Swatchbook Weddings, Meant to Be Sent, Weddings & Pretty Things, Life in the Super Burbs, Slice of Lime, April Foster Events, Postcards and Pretties, Swoon Over it Photography, Jan Schill Photography and Lauren Kelly Events!

Obsessed: John Hughes Movies

Kevin Smith pays much homage to John Hughes, and it was because of this I revisited the Brat Pack films while in college. See, being born in 1980 means I am only technically a child of the 80s. Upon popping in the VHS I rented from the no-name rental store around the corner, I was immediately in love.Sixteen Candles. The Breakfast Club. Pretty In Pink. Ferris Bueller's Day Off. No one has captured teen angst like John Hughes did in the 1980s. And when you look past the fashion and the music (unless you are like me and love the fashion and the music), the movies are absolutely timeless.

Obsessed: Kevin Smith Movies

OK, let's be real clear. When I say "Kevin Smith movies" I mean the originals - Clerks, Mallrats, Dogma, and Chasing Amy. Sure, Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back, Clerks II, and Zack and Miri Make a Porno might also qualify as "Kevin Smith movies" - but I have to draw a line in the sand. The originals have shaped me in ways I cannot describe. There was a time in college where we had no cable TV, so all Charity (my roommate for 3 years) and I did was watch these movies over and over again. I know pretty much every line from each movie. I have been to the Secret Stash retail store in Redbank New Jersey. I have been to the Quick Stop. I have been to the boardwalk at Asbury Park to play skeeball. I have seen Monmouth Community College from the road. If you haven't seen these movies, I suggest you stop what you are doing and go watch them. Unless you have no sense of humor. Then forget it.


All images from www.viewaskew.com

Obsessed: 1001 rules for my unborn son

1001 rules for my unborn son

I don't have a son. I don't plan on having one either. But I found this blog via Snippet and Ink. And I positively love it. There is a book too. Which would make a good Father's Day gift, I am betting.

Obsessed: Jaleo

Jaleo (ha-LAY-oh) Did I mention that I like to eat? Jose Andres is a world renowned chef who specializes in Spanish cuisine. Jaleo is a tapas restaurant with amazing cocktails and sangria to boot. You can find one in DC, MD and VA - and I've been to all of them. It is my top choice when eating out, much to the chagrin of those I eat with - Larry in particular prefers to order one big plate of food, rather than 4 small plates of food. But between the beet and citrus salad, the apples and manchego salad, the hangar steak, grilled garlic shrimp, gazpacho, patatas bravas (did I mention the sangria yet?) and the flan - it's close to culinary heaven for me. You gotta go. And take me with you!

Obsessed: Shel Silverstein

Another one of my favorite childhood authors has to be Shel Silverstein. Where the Sidewalk Ends. A Light in the Attic. And possibly the best: The Giving Tree. The poems and stories told by Shel Silverstein are captivating, hilarious, and incredibly imaginative. The Giving Tree in particular is one of the best love stories I've ever read. I frequently give these books as gifts to kids and adults alike. If it's been more than a year since you've read one of Shel's books, I recommend you head over to the library, or the store, and refresh yourself with Shel Silverstein.

Obsessed: Roald Dahl

I love all things childhood. I read a lot as a kid, so childhood books in particular resonate with me. So let's take a moment and recognize the literary giant that is Roald Dahl. A few titles, to jog your memory: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Charlie and the Glass Elevator, Fantastic Mr. Fox, James and the Giant Peach, The BFG, Matilda, The Witches and The Twits. If you don't absolutely love at least one of these books (or, at least, one of the movie adaptations) then we can't be friends. Seriously. The man was a genius.