Touring Union Market

Not sure if I’m late to the game or ahead of the trend on this one… but I feel like I just uncovered a new hidden gem in DC: Union Market.

We stumbled upon the market a few weeks back and last weekend Sam requested a return visit for his birthday to grab lunch at TaKorean. You really can’t turn down the birthday boy’s request, even when it means driving across town just for kimichi. But I was very happy to be back!

The new Union Market building is hidden in Northeast DC behind the former rundown market shops. But inside is all bright and new! There are rows of local flowers, wine, cheese, produce, oysters, and yes, even pickles.

Our favorite thing to do is pull up to the bar at Buffalo & Bergen – an old fashioned soda shop, and order a float. Then we walk into Salt & Sundry – just hands down the coolest home goods shop. The place is full of large colorful art, soft dish towels, local DC cook books, and my barware. I would move right on in if they let me!

Union Market is now officially on the list of places to take visiting friends when in town. Since it’s right down the road from the Arboretum, another one of my favorite little DC secrets, I can envision many trips to Northeast DC very soon.

Passport DC Embassy Hopping

Exactly one year ago, I was in my car, driving solo up Massachusetts Avenue, heading north through the city. My errand for the morning was to tour a potential apartment in Glover Park – the one I now call home! However, as I approached the buildings along Embassy Row, large crowds of people caught my eye. In what looked like a mini-DC version of the Epcot World Showcase, each embassy was putting on a display of their national pride. Visitors were being entertained with steel drums, a Chinese Dragon, and many groups of dancers. In one hand they held a goody bag, filled to the brim with souvenirs. And in the other, various ethnic food.

As Sam likes to finish the story, as soon as my apartment tour was over, he called to see what I thought of the complex and the neighborhood. But instead of describing my future home, I answered: “It was nice! But I have to tell you about this Embassy Tour I saw this morning along the way there. We have to go!”

Unfortunately we missed Passport DC 2012, but we had 365 days to clear our schedules and prepare for 2013′s Embassy Tour. This post is a long time coming, so please excuse any excessive excitement or exclamation points.

Zambia

The Embassy of Zambia wins for being the most generous with their food! You entered into a large banquet room, where there was a huge potluck feast of local food. Things like chicken wings and sweet potatoes seemed appetizing… but when they got to the dried sardine fish and caterpillars, I let Sam do the taste testing.

Japan

Japan’s Embassy visit was crowded but entertaining. Everything from Honda cars, robots, geishas were all on display. And the friendly staff was there to hand out iced green tea and teriyaki chicken.

Afghanistan

The Embassy of Afghanistan was off the beaten track, hidden deep in Kalorama, so the crowds were not as excessive as on Massachusetts Avenue. Still worth the trip! We made our way up to the inviting second story garden for a cup of black tea.

Barbados

I should have known when we were greeted at the door with a poster of a scantily clad Rihanna that Barbados would be fun hosts, but I had no idea. When you entered the building, you did a typical tour to see the official tourism board photos and learn more about the country. As we headed out, they directed us to stop in the “Rum Garden” out back. We scurried to the backyard where there was rum tasting, dancing women, and lots of fresh food on the grill. I’m not the biggest rum fan, but when in Barbados, do as the Barbadian do!

Not to nerd out on you, but the Embassy Tour was a blast! We made friends at each of the embassies we toured. Some embassies were more fun and upbeat, others were a little more reserved. But it was great to get a peek inside the buildings I drive past every day.

Other Supleratives:

Best Food: Indonesia - curry fried rice sort of dish

Best Coffee: Turkey

Friendliest: Belize – we have a picture with the Ambassador to Belize to prove it!

Anyone up to join us for Passport DC 2014?

Hot and Cold

This past weekend the annual Gilt Warehouse Sale came through DC, so a group from work bought up some last minute tickets and made plans for pre-shopping bottomless brunch. But when you wake up on an early spring Saturday morning and weather.com reads 55 degrees, plans should be changed. Instead of a typical brunch inside, we hiked over to The Standard and were waiting at the gates when it opens.

By 1pm we were well into eating brats, drinking hefe weizen, and soaking up the sun. By 2pm we were sun burnt and tipsy — and perfectly ready to drop some major dough at the Gilt sale.

Once inside the Gilt sale, it was quite overwhelming. The dark large room was full of crazy women competing over overstuffed clothing racks while a DJ played loud thumping music in the background. It was enough to cause me to walk right out the door, but I was a woman on a mission. With a heavy handful of hangers I made my way to the dressing room where I narrowed down my goods to 2 items: a pink polka dotted silk Milly spaghetti strap top & white flared Seven jeans — straight off John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever. Both of which are perfect for upcoming summer days.

But things are weird in this place they call DC… one minute you’re soaking up the sun and one day later you’re slipping into your snow boots to walk the dog.

A scarf and three coffees and an extra sweater layer still couldn’t keep me warm today. All winter I begged for a snow storm and now that it’s March I’m counting the days until warm sunny weather again.

Catching up – holiday style

Go to the kitchen, brew a pot of seasonally-appropriate coffee, and settle in for quite the post. We’ve got some catching up to do! It seems like the holiday season has consumed the past few weeks. From Thanksgiving, to prepping for Christmas, I’ve been busy baking, decorating, and shopping too – thank goodness.

Right before Thanksgiving, my best friend of 10+ years finally came to visit DC from Atlanta! It was great showing her my apartment and life in this new city. Since it was her first visit to the area, there was a lot of sightseeing to do, including tours of the White House and US Capitol building. My inner-motive for her trip was to have DC win her over. She’d return to Atlanta, pack her belongings, and move to DC that very week. We’d live in the same neighborhood and have regular shopping outings and brunch dates. Unfortunately, as much as she enjoyed her trip, I think DC was just a little too northern of a town for my friend, the Southern Belle. Now that it’s my turn to visit Atlanta next, I can’t wait to return to my old stomping grounds and visit my favorite hometown.

Speaking of “tis the season” — this past weekend, Sam and I attended my work party on Friday and his on Sunday. The two nights could not have been more opposite. While my work functions go a lot like a crazy college party (yes, with tequila shots, break dancing, and tipsy coworkers stumbling), Sam’s stuffy work parties are… well, stuffy. Yummy and fancy food and such, but rather dull. The average age at my party was probably 25, at Sam’s party the average age was around 75. You get the idea. It was still a good time dressing up two nights in a row, heading downtown, and breaking out the heels.

The apartment is very festive for the holidays. As I mentioned while writing my Blogger’s Christmas Tree post, our Christmas tree is decorated and lighting the apartment. I love the warm glow of the twinkling lights that bounce of the living room walls. It will be a sad day when it’s time to take it down!

Here are a few things that I’ve been reading this week:

I Shot the Serif: fun typography game for graphic design nerds like myself
Despite my personal shopping ban for the week, I just ordered PB2 peanut butter powder, these kick-ass Madewell biker boots, and a personalized ornament for Tilly
In case you’ve been living under a rock this week, Pantone named their 2013 Color of the Year
How cool is this cheetah painting? I can’t get enough animal print
Ashton Kutcher as Steve Jobs – what do you think?
Definitely trying these galaxy nails out soon

Happy Sandoween

Today I’m working from home thanks to Hurricane Sandy. Which really means that I’m updating my Pinterest boards, enjoying some riesling, and sending emails via candlelight. This Sandy storm is no joke though! Keep safe, y’all!

As you’ll notice, my kitchen is home to a seasonally-appropriate pumpkin altar in honor of Halloween.
Combined with my mom & Sam’s efforts, it would be safe to assume we covered any possible pumpkin diy idea you’ll find on Pinterest these days… ombre – check, gilded gold – check, chevron – check.

So your mom is visiting DC

When your mom is in town, it’s your responsibility to show her a good time. It’s your goal to make her love your city as much as you do. Especially when it’s her birthday.

play tourist and see the sights // ride a double decker bus tour // narrate the city tour // point out favorite restaurants and locations // explain bus route on DC map

visit every single museum on the National Mall // walk through the sculpture garden // catch a cab // ogle over embassy row // order too many tapas

drive to Charlottesville // taste wine // taste more wine // picnic in the sun

visit a pumpkin patch // taste the world’s best apple cider

find the perfect pumpkin // watch football // cook your favorite white chicken chilli

teach mom sushi 101 // walk the streets of georgetown

catch a water taxi by the key bridge // snap pictures of the monuments

stop at shops along King St // olive oil testing // eat dinner with mom & the barkers // drink atop the national mall at POV

Did I miss anything? Pretty sure we crammed as much as humanly possible into three days.

DC Wine Week: Wine Accessory Shopping List

The happiest time of the year has arrived… it’s DC Wine Week! In honor of the week’s wine-themed festivities I’m guest posting on the DC Wine Week blog:

Wine Accessory Shopping List

For me, drinking wine has also been a social activity. When I moved to DC over a year ago and didn’t know a soul, connecting with new friends was facilitated with a glass of wine in hand. So when I first heard about DC Wine Week I knew this was right up my alley.

In honor of DC Wine Week, I picked out a few of my favorite wine themed gadgets and goodies. And because your favorite wine is something to be shared, I made sure I selected items that were cute enough to show off.

Keep Calm and Drink Wine Tote (Etsy):

Toting along a bottle of wine as a party favor? This quirky wine tote takes your sweet hostess gift to the next level of thoughtful.

Corkcicle (Corkcicle.com):

I bought the Corkcicle for my wine making Dad this past Christmas, but it may have been one of those gifts you give because you actually wanted it for yourself.

Wine Pairing Dish Cloth (Uncommon Goods):

Keep these well-designed wine pairing chart dishtowels handy. They’ll brighten up the kitchen and help you pair any dish with the perfect wine.

Agate Coasters (West Elm):

If jewel tones are supposed to be all the rage this season, then these deep blue agate coasters couldn’t be any trendier.

Emerson Electric Wine Opener (Target):

Face it, not all of us can pop open a bottle of wine so easily with those chintzy waiter bottle openers. This rechargeable electric opener opens wine bottles with just the push of a button.

Modern Hand Stamped Wine Charms (Etsy):

These classic and customizable wine glass charms keep wine glass owners straight at parties and provide a bit of bling for your wine glass.

Personalized Oval Wine Stopper (Etsy):

Keep wine bottles fresher longer with these monogrammed wine stoppers, which also make great gifts for friends!

morgan reid, reidmore, dc wine week, wine blogger, dc blog

Set of Stacking Green Wine Glasses (Crate and Barrel):

A set of four wine glasses are sturdy enough to bring out for the parties and colorful enough to provide a pop of color on your kitchen shelf.

Caloric Cuvee:

Looking to indulge in a glass of wine but want to keep an eye on your calories? This comical wine glass keeps you in check.

dc wine week, reidmore, dc blog, wine, fashion, blogging, washington dc, party

Want to enjoy DC Wine Week for yourself? Join me this Tuesday, October 16 for Red Burgundy & Plum: A Night of Fashion & Wine, hosted by DC Wine Week & Very Busy Mama at Lost Society. Buy your tickets here for an evening of wine, fashion, and some of my favorite DC bloggers.

Shopping list

Mint cardigan – Zara / New York City scarf – Madewell / Dotted smoking slipper – Groupon

So much for saving money… at least the polka-dotted slippers I bought were part of a Groupon deal. Who knew Groupon even made shoes?

Sunday night at Natalie & Erika’s Madewell event I couldn’t help scooping up this colorful Manhattan scarf, which not only doubles as a map when visiting NYC next month (fingers crossed), but also reminds me of my summer spent in the Gramercy neighborhood. Because I’m not 100% sure how to wear the large square scarf like this, my new favorite blogger, Tammy of A Loyal Love pointed out a YouTube video for 25 Ways to Wear a Scarf. The video by Wendy’s Look Book got 13 million views, she must be doing something right! The Mira at 1:45 in might be my favorite look!

By the way – to my 3 readers (#1 Sam, #2 my sister, and #3 maybe a person who accidentally stumbled across this blog in a search for Groupon deals…) what do you think of the minor re-design of the reidmore page? I was looking to change up the layout a bit!

A Shade of Blue

Back before I moved into my new place, I blogged about the 5 things I wanted to see design-wise in my new apartment. And slowly but surely my apartment has been filling up with goodies from Home Goods, TJ Maxx, Target, Joss & Main, etc.

Ok – side note first. Why the hell am I roommates with an Interior Designer and I’m the one who furnished and decorated the entire place? Thinking I should maybe take over her designer title?

Back on topic, I was looking for the following:

Blue living room
Golden bar cart
Chalkboard paint on kitchen wall
~~Yellow stenciled bathroom~~
Frame arrangement in living room

And after 2 months, I can actually cross them mostly off my list! Unfortunately because of the dated and colored tile situation in the bathroom, the stenciling is a no go for now. However, I feel so accomplished looking back at my decor goals and seeing I’ve followed through on 4 of the 5!

And now… without further ado, welcome to a slice of my home.

Blue living room & frame arrangement over the sofa – check

A golden bar cart – check

The chalkboard wall – check! Makes a great guestbook for my housewarming party too!

I’m feeling very settled in the new place, like it’s finally home. There are still a few edits I’d like to make of course. In fact, my new design project is my bed. I don’t have a “big-girl” headboard and need to invest in a real life adult bed. It’s not like I’m sleeping on a cot, but my bed looks like something I had in college. In addition I’m looking to add either an island cart into the kitchen or an entry wall console to collect keys and mail. That depends on what sort of deals I find. After that I’d also like to work on a custom art project to hang on the large blank bathroom wall, but as you’d guess, I wouldn’t call that an emergency. I’ve been craving some serious Goodwill design makeovers after reading Young House Love and Bower Power on a daily basis.

By the way – if you’re in need of a great and cheap mover in the DC area, shoot me an email! I loved my movers and they were EXTREMELY reasonable price wise. Never ever will I move without paying someone to help again. Period.

An update in photos

A Haunted Pub Crawl in Annapolis

Dupont’s Farmers Market haul

Introducing Tilly to Flashlight, the office guinea pig

DIY photo booth at Rocket Bar

Housewarming fiesta with old newspaper friends

Tomorrow I’m flying out to Houston. What started as a business trip is turning into a hybrid of sister bonding time & wedding industry events. Stay tuned for instagram shots of cowboy boots of mechanical bull riding for sure!

reidmore

my quest for a good bargain, new friends, and the perfect margarita

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