Sign of Spring

Spotted today on my morning walk with Rusty...a sign of spring! Not to mention, birds were out chirping away. Ladies and gentleman, spring is almost here...

Election Night 2012 on U Street

This is what my neighborhood looked like on Election Night 2012 after Obama was re-elected as President. Screaming, dancing, hugging and crying! U Street was completely shut down because of the celebration. Such an exciting time to be in Washington, D.C.

Soul Food for Breakfast

When I first moved to DC, about eight months ago now, a friend drove me around the neighborhood in the pouring rain and pointed out a little diner on the corner and said go there when you're hungover and craving greasy food. I actually stuck my head out of the window to take a picture so that I wouldn't forget Florida Avenue Grill, on the corner of Florida & 11th Street. 

Well, it took me some time but I finally made my way back, only I wasn't hungover and it was 1pm on a Thursday. Doesn't get more southern comfort food than this place and I practically licked my plate clean. My scrambled eggs and turkey bacon came with a side of buttermilk muffins and spiced apples. And of course we had to order a side of the famous hotcakes. You practically had to roll us home but it was well worth it. 

Cruisin' on U Street

On Saturday, we were heading to our friends' housewarming party in Mount Pleasant and spotted this pup cruisin' along U Street on his skateboard. People couldn't help but stop and stare, including us. This is why I love our neighborhood. Now I have to teach Rusty how to do this!

Blind Dog Cafe

I stopped into the Blind Dog Cafe yesterday for a quick bite. I first learned of the new pop-up cafe taking up residence at Darnell's through the U Street Listserv. It's located just a few blocks from our house so we decided to check it out. 

This cozy corner spot is perfect for catching up with friends, answering e-mails (free wifi), or taking a mid-day coffee and croissant break. There is a nice size patio too which will come in handy as spring gets closer. We ordered two sandwiches - the roast beef with pesto and turkey with spicy mayo. Both were pretty good, just a little pricey ($11 each) and next time we need to tell them to go easy on the sauce. The atmosphere inside is very comfortable and relaxed. There's ten or so tables and a couple plush antique couches and chairs. Below are a few photos and for more on how Blind Dog Cafe got its start, check out this Huffington Post article. 

Lunchtime Stroll: Current Boutique

One of my favorite things about working from home is using my lunch hour to explore the neighborhood. When deciding where to live in D.C., we asked a ton of friends for suggestions. Most people said Dupont area, others said Arlington, VA and a couple recommended U Street.

After scouring Craigslist for weeks, we found a great one bedroom/one bath on 12th and U and we couldn't be happier with the place. While our rent is a bit pricey (and drastically higher than Miami), location was the most important factor for us when moving. Oh, and finding an apartment building that allows dogs. That was kinda important too...wouldn't want Rusty out on the streets!

The U Street Corridor has so much to offer. Great restaurants and bars. Adorable boutiques and one-of-a-kind vintage shops. Weekend Farmer's Market. Sweet jazz bars and music venues. Lots of people. Cool vibe. And so much more!

During lunch today, I was strolling 14th Street and stopped into Current Boutique. The shop is half consignment/half new. The ladies behind the register were really sweet when I asked if I could take pictures for my blog. Too bad I didn't have my DSLR because there were some awesome finds. Like designer dresses for under $50 bones, funky shoes and purses, and a good selection of coats. I left empty-handed, but know I'll be back the next time I get an urge to do some shopping around my 'hood.