Talk Radio, a Cross-Country Road-Trip, and Pay Tolls, or A Lesson on How to Be Brave

The streets were quiet and deserted except for a handful of dedicated runners as our tiny Jeep crawled around Lincoln Park in southeast D.C. for the last time. It was early and the sky was still dark, causing confusion as to whether it was day or night. As we headed for the western-facing highway, my heart felt tugged by sentimentality and a renewed fondness for the place we were leaving. Perhaps the impending absence of our cozy, delightful Capitol Hill neighborhood was making my heart fonder. Funny how this happens.

This departure from Washington, D.C., has been pending for a while now, a couple months actually. Feeling the uncontrollable urge to move back west has been overwhelming for both my husband and I so we knew it was time to end our chapter in D.C. and start a new one in a new place. So where are we headed? To the land of hipsters, of hippies, of green, lush wilderness, of microbreweries, and of coffee shops: Portland “the Rose City” Oregon, of course.

Yes, as I write this on a blue-skied, chilly Monday morning, my husband and I find ourselves unemployed, driving through western Pennsylvania in our stuffed-to-the-brim Jeep, with only a short-term lease to our name in Portland. We have one friend there, a small apartment, and no jobs, but we couldn’t be more excited or more ready. Most people we’ve told our plans to have said we are either “awesome”, “crazy”, or “lucky”. As for “awesome”, sure, maybe.“Crazy”? Probably. “Lucky”, no.

We’re bravely choosing to start a new chapter, rather than waiting for the chapter to choose us.

So here we are, crossing the country one state at a time (7 today alone!), all in the name of Taking Risks, Being Brave, and a dash of YOLO rationale. Since we’ve chosen to up and leave our comfortable D.C. apartment, our great neighborhood (which I’m missing already), and stable jobs, there have been several times when I’ve wondered what we’re actually doing, if it’s wise, smart, really dumb perhaps, idiotic. But regardless of what word is most accurate, I like to say that we’re being brave.

Being brave looks different for everyone. Being brave for you might mean staying exactly where you are, in a job that’s tough, or in a new city that is intimidating. You very well could be more brave in your present circumstance that I will ever be and for that I totally applaud you. For now, for me and for my little family, our “brave” looks like driving through the hillsides of Pennsylvania en route to the Land of Hippies, our new homefront.

5 (Secret) Capitol Hill Restaurants to Try This Weekend

If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for local, non-chain, unique places to dine and drink. I’m not claiming to be a foodie nor do I think I’m even qualified to be one, but I do know good food when I taste it. That being said, I’ve been lucky to try a few restaurants on Capitol Hill that you may not have heard of before, but are worth checking out this weekend.

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The Pretzel Bakery – 340 15th SE 

I stopped here one time this summer to grab a bottle of water, but was swayed to try their basil lemonade. Hands down the best lemonade I’ve ever had! I went back just last week to try their famous handmade, buttery soft pretzels. I contently sat for several minutes nibbling on their everything soft pretzel after having dipped it in a caramel mustard sauce, all while sipping on that delicious lemonade.

Insider tip: Pretzel bun breakfast sandwiches aren’t an all day affair at the Pretzel Bakery so be sure to get their before 11 if that’s what you’re in the mood for.

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Jimmy T’s – 501 E Capitol St SE

Nestled next to a long stretch of traditional row homes on East Capitol SE, Jimmy T’s is a neighborhood staple for Capitol Hill residents. This past spring my husband and I walked down to this popular breakfast spot and immediately fell in love with the casual, laid back vibe of the place that makes you feel like you’re in a small town diner you went to as a kid with your grandma.  Check them out for a cheap, classic, home-style breakfast.

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Romeo & Juliet – 301 Massachusetts Ave NE

Although they’ve been open for about two years now, Romeo & Juliet is still undiscovered gem in the Capitol Hill neighborhood. Since we first stumbled upon it this summer, this bar/restaurant has become a weekly happy hour spot for us. Our favorite apps include the (out of this world) potato cheese croquettes and lemon artichoke hummus.

Insider tip: For your first time at Romeo & Juliet (and perhaps all of your times), sit out on their outdoor patio for incredibly cheap beer and delectable appetizers.

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Mangialardo’s & Sons – 1317 Pennsylvania Ave SE

You may never heard about this small sub shop, but go around lunchtime on a weekday and you’ll find a line of people out the door. Having been in business for decades, this family-run business is the best place for sub sandwiches on Capitol Hill, perhaps in the District. We’ve had lunch here several times and keep going back time and time again for their huge sandwiches and even bigger bags of chips (you’ll see what I’m talking about when you go!).

Insider tip: Be sure to try the famous “G Man” sandwich. Also note, the shop is closed on the weekends.

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P&C Market – 1023 East Capitol St SE

P&E Market has been a go-to of mine and my husband’s for a couple years now for last-minute beer and wine runs. They do, however, have a random smattering of cheeses, bread, chocolates, and pasta sauces, as well as a short, but creative sandwiches made fresh in the market in minutes. Grab a sandwich before crossing the street to hang out at Lincoln Park for the day.

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Where are your favorite “secret” places to drink and dine on the Hill? Do share with the rest of us!

A Local’s Guide to H Street’s Food Scene

If you’ve lived in D.C. for any length of time, you’re probably well aware of the awakening that is occurring on H St. in the northeast portion of the District in terms of great bars and restaurants. It seems every other week a new food joint opens on H that grabs the attention of foodies and non-foodies alike. From the restaurants I’ve had the pleasure of trying, I can truly say H St. is the best place to go in D.C. for memorable, delicious food that you’ll come back to time and time again.

Here’s a short compilation of my personal H St. faves.

Toki Underground – 1234 H St. NE

This Asian-infused restaurant is teeny tiny, but boasts mouth-watering ramen bowls and dumplings that you won’t soon forget. My personal suggestions include the Taipei Chicken Curry Ramen Bowl and the Kimchi.

Insider tip: Call ahead for reservations to avoid waiting a few hours for an open spot.

Biergarten Haus – 1355 H St. NE

This German beer house has hundreds of beers on tap and an expansive menu offering food you’d find in Bavaria. The beer house has an enormous outdoor patio perfect for watching football with a big group of friends.

Insider tip: Weather permitting, sit on the upstairs outdoor patio for a fun, festive German-beer drinking experience.

H Street Country Club – 1335 H St. NE

Surprisingly, this “country club” prides itself on serving over 25 different types of tequila which compliments their delicious Mexican food. While you’re eating and drinking the night away, you can be entertained by classic games like mini golf, skeeball and shuffleboard, which are all located inside the bar.

Taylor Gourmet – 1116 H St. NE

Craving a Philadelphia-style hoagie or wanting to try one for the first time? Look no farther than Taylor Gourmet. With traditional styles as well as unique flavor combinations, you’ll undoubtedly find something you love for a quick lunch or a lazy Sunday afternoon snack.

Insider tip: Try an order of risotto balls as an appetizer. You’ll probably end up getting a second order.

RedRocks H St. – 1348 H St. NE

This “neapolitan bistro” is famous for their delectable pizzas and pretty great happy hour. With three levels, including a top floor outdoor patio, RedRocks holds the award as one of the biggest restaurants on H St.

Insider tip: If happy hour is on your agenda, try to grab a spot on the upstairs patio. You’ll have an awesome view of the city.

Copycat Co. – 1110 H St. NE

Copycat Co. is a split level bar/restaurant, but the upstairs bar is the place you should take note of. What this bar lacks in size, they make up for in their quality and quantity of cocktails. You’ll love this dark, cozy bar as you sip a classic Old-Fashioned or an original Manhattan.

Insider tip: If strong cocktails aren’t you’re thing, Copycat may not be for you. But if they are, this is your new kingdom.

The Queen Vic – 1206 H St. NE

Imagine finding yourself in a traditional English bar on H Street, everything from the beers to the British-accented bartender. Well, this is The Queen Vic! This place is a casual, low-key, no frills bar where you and your pals can unwind with a couple (or many) pints.

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What are your favorite places to dine and drink on H St.? Please share with the rest of us!

Painted Church | SW Washington, D.C.

For a while now, I’ve heard rumblings of a painted church somewhere in the southwest quadrant of D.C. that is a true hidden gem and a “must-see”. Since hearing about it, I have been bound and determined to find it and snap a few pics to share with you all. Before going, I did a little research on the history of the church and why it’s painted the way it is. I learned that the non-profit local arts club Blind Whino owns and operates the former church and exists to promote and encourage local art and artists through concerts, exhibitions, performances and other events hosted at the church. Cool, right?

Well, find it I did this afternoon. It truly is a place you must see!

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Interested in learning more about Blind Whino and their engagement with art and the local community? Check out their website here.

Afternoons in Coffeeshops | Big Bear Cafe (NE Washington, D.C.)

About a month ago, I quit my full-time job to pursue some other interests, one of which happens to be a cross-country move from Washington, D.C., to Portland, Oregon. This has left me with more time to write, read, and run around town. I’m not going to lie – it’s been pretty awesome!

Yesterday afternoon I found myself sitting on the outdoor patio of Big Bear Cafe in the northeast D.C. neighborhood of Bloomingdale. My husband and I had been to the coffee shop last winter and, because of a random January heat wave, were able to sit on the patio. We totally loved the java and the overall vibe so I knew I’d have to make it back to spend more time there. Little did we know then that Big Bear has been given multiple awards, including best independent coffee shop, best outdoor dining space, and best place to get breakfast in the district by Zagat, the Washington Post and the Washingtonian. With these impressive titles, this cafe is worth a look!

Although it was incredibly warm and humid yesterday here in the city, I refused to let the heat stop me from enjoying one of the last lingering days of summer. With an iced coffee and a snickerdoodle cookie to keep me company, I passed the afternoon away by planning, reading and writing. After my two experiences at Big Bear Cafe, it definitely goes near the top of my list for one of the best places to spend an afternoon.

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Where is your favorite place to spend an afternoon? Please share with the rest of us!

5 Ways to Survive Living in a Big City

When I moved to Washington, D.C., from Colorado over two years ago now, I really had no idea what I was getting in to. Having grown up in the suburbs of Minneapolis and gone to college in Colorado Springs, the District was by far the biggest city I had ever lived in. There were quirks and traits about living in a big city that I wasn’t aware of and frankly wasn’t prepared for. Now, two years later, I’ve learned a few things about big city life and have realized I’m evolving into what they call “a city girl”. Looking back, there’s several ways I’ve stayed sane while living in the Nation’s Capitol and what may help you as you adjust to big city living.

1) Take day trips and/or weekend trips. Even if it’s a quick weekend hiatus to the beaches in Delaware or an afternoon trip to sip wine at a Virginia winery, be intentional about getting out of the city often. This helps with the claustrophobic, “stuck” feeling you can sometimes get while living in a big city by reminding you that life still exists outside of the horns and congested streets! Need some day trip ideas? I wrote about several in a recent post for you to check out.

2) Find Your Neighborhood Go-Tos. Having lived in Capitol Hill for the entire time I’ve been a D.C. resident, I’ve easily found my favorite spots in the neighborhood. Almost daily you’ll find me meandering through the coffee shops and restaurants around Eastern Market, making the neighborhood feel more cozy, manageable and smaller. Not to mention, the baristas and wait staff at your favorite joints will begin to recognize you, making you feel like a true local.

3) Get Involved in Something Random. Several months after moving to D.C., a friend from work asked my husband and I to join (drumroll please!) a bocce ball league. Yes, they have leagues for bocce ball. For us, though, this made all the difference in terms of meeting new people we never would have met before and it got us out of the house on a Tuesday night, which, if you’re anything like me, is hard to do. And who doesn’t feel pride in saying they’ve played in a bocce league? If you’re big city is anything like D.C., there will be a number of sports leagues to join as well as a variety of other random things to get involved in!

4) Have a Car. I know there are many reasons you may not have a car while living in a big city. That’s totally cool! Just on a personal note though, having a car has truly made all the difference for me. I love being able to have the freedom to jump in the car and drive rather than waiting for the bus or metro (even though I’ve done that countless times to and from work!). If you can afford it and it’s something you’re interested in, think about getting a car. It’ll make those day or weekend trips easier.

5) Have a Plan to Leave (at some point). If living in a big city doesn’t jive with your long-term goals or plans, start thinking about your plans once you break up with the big city. Knowing that the big city isn’t for forever will help you survive the busy whirlwind that you find yourself in. For my husband and I, living in D.C. was never the long-term plan, which has made it easier to fall in love with what the big city has to offer for the time we’re here.

5 Books to Put On Your Fall Reading List

If you’re anything like me, the colder weather that fall and winter bring cause me to read more. Most days all I feel like doing is curling up on the couch with a cup of coffee and a good book. I’ve perused my shelves and pulled out five novels that you should put on your fall reading list. Happy reading, friends!

1. Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri

Winner of the Pulitzer Prize in 2000, Interpreter of Maladies is a masterpiece that will leave you thinking about it for weeks, months, and years to come. Jhumpa Lahiri is one of the most gifted, talented writers I have ever read (and probably will ever) read. She has a way of gently crafting her words, characters and stories to make you feel as if they are living and breathing next to you. This book is a true gift to readers and you’ll find you won’t want it to end.

2. My Antonia by Willa Cather

Although the oldest book on my fall reading list, My Antonia plays itself out on the warm, windy prairielands of Nebraska. Considered to be one of Cather’s greatest works, My Antonia celebrates the life of the novel’s free-spirited heroine, Antonia, or Tony as we come to affectionately call her. Not overtly a love story and not strictly a story of a plutonic friendship between Tony and her childhood friend, Jim, My Antonia will make your heart burst with “what ifs” and wish you could change the ending.

3.  Peace Like a River by Leif Enger

Set in the cold prairie of Minnesota in the 1960s, Peace Like a River follows the Land family who are coming to grips with a murder charge against a member of the family. What happens next is all at once unpredictable and sweet. As you watch the Land’s struggle through adversity and a lack of compassion from those around them, Peace Like a River will leave you with a renewed love for your own family as you watch another hang on tightly to each other through hardship.

4. One True Thing by Anna Quindlen

In this national best seller, Anna Quindlen shares a story that depicts the complicated, intricate relationship between mother and daughter. If you are a woman and have any sort of relationship with your mom, you’ll find this book sheds light on the deep friendship you can have with each other, and the pain it can often bring. One True Thing was the first novel I read by Quindlen, but realized within the first few pages knew it wouldn’t be my last.

5. Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell

As the only non-fiction book on my list, Outliers is a must-read regardless if you’re in the mood for a true, research-based book. It will undoubtedly leave you with a deeper and, at times, startling new outlook on different cultures around the world, human kind as a whole, and why we act the way we do. This is another book you’ll think about time and time again.

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Have any book recommendations to share as the fall is approaching? Leave a comment below!

More Than Just a Coffee Shop – Ebenezers Coffeehouse

Since Ebenezers Coffeehouse first opened their doors in 2006, they have been a staple in the northeast Capitol Hill neighborhood near Union Station.  The origination of the coffee shop is rooted back in the early 2000s when the National Community Church (NCC) bought the building in which Ebz now sits. Formerly a busy crack house, the building was dilapidated and run down when the original purchase took place. Today, with a fresh coat of paint and fully gutted, Ebenezers sits renovated and restored.

There is, however, more to Ebenezers than what meets the eye. Besides providing its customers with delicious lattes and vanilla chais, the coffeehouse has a deeper mission, one you may be unknowingly contributing to each time you grab a cup of joe from their shop.

Let me explain.

Nearly all of the products Ebenezers offers for purchase directly give back to the charities the product is tied to. Everything from the coffee beans to the loose leaf tea to the bottles of water for sale at the coffee shop contribute part or all of their proceeds to local or global outreach programs. One such product are the 2 Degrees granola bars you’ll find on the shelves at Ebz. Every time you buy one of their bars, 2 Degrees feeds a child living in poverty and hunger. At about $2 a bar, 2 Degrees makes it easy for you to help a child in need half way around the world. It’s that simple.

From the very beginning, Ebenezers has created intentional partnerships with company’s like 2 Degrees that are also intentional with their products and how those products can influence and change lives around the globe. Similarly to these charitable company’s, Ebenezers has committed itself from it’s inception to donating 100% of the proceeds they make in the coffeehouse to outreach programs here in D.C. and around the world. It’s projected that by the end of 2015, they will have given $1,000,000 to these programs.

On one of their walls, you’ll see the coffeehouse’s missional phrase “coffee with a cause”. Between their partnerships with charity-minded businesses and their own commitment to donating to outreach programs, Ebenezers is doing a lot of good for the community around them.

Ebz may be just a small, neighborhood coffee shop, but their mission extends across the world to places and people that desperately need resources and financial assistance from people like you and I. Next time you’re in the Capitol Hill neighborhood, be sure to stop by Ebz for a cup of coffee. You’ll feel good about where your money’s going.

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Interested in more products Ebenezers carries that do good? I have some here!

 One Village Coffee – Offering a variety of blends and single origin coffees, One Village is Ebenezers’ primary coffee roaster. One Village Coffee ensures the beans they receive to roast and sell back here in the States are fairly traded.

Humankind Water – You’ll find these bottles of water available for purchase at Ebenezers. Humankind exists to promote safe, clean drinking water for communities all over the world. One hundred percent of their net profits go to the building of wells in impoverished areas across the globe.

Compassion Tea Company – Within the past year, Ebenezers has partnered with Compassion Tea Company for their delicious and popular loose leaf teas. The company’s mission is to provide medical support to rural east African communities where such resources are scarce. They do so by donating 100% of their profits to those areas.

Treadmills & Mascara

So there I was, logging several miles on the treadmill, hurrying as fast as I could to make the mile tracker speed up. I was running late again, or at least I felt like it, so I cut my workout a few minutes short so I would have time to change and slather on some makeup. Grabbing my workout bag, I jogged down the steps to the women’s locker room, threw on some fresh clothes and then headed over to the sinks so I could use the mirror. I walked past an older lady freshening herself up, dabbing on some makeup. I didn’t look up to acknowledge her because I was in a rush, of course, but, out of my peripheral, I saw her glance at me. And then I noticed she looked a little longer at me. Quickly, I washed my face and began putting on some mascara.

“You’re so fast!” I heard her say. I finally looked up at her.

“You’re so fast!” She said it again. “You were fast running upstairs running on the treadmill and now you’re so fast again!”

“I know,” I said as I laughed. “I feel like I’m always in a rush!”

“You won’t always be like that,” she continued. “There’ll come a time when you don’t have to do everything so fast.”

“I know, I haven’t even had kids yet,” I said.

“Oh, just you wait then,” she laughed.

I kind of stopped then, realizing all at once how fast I run my life, how much pressure I put on myself to hurry and to rush so I can get to the next thing. There are many days – not all – where I live a rushed life, where I go, go, go until I drop into bed each night, depleted and wiped.

But today, a random stranger could see that’s how I’ve been living my life. She saw me hurrying and, though sympathetic, could see right through me.

“You won’t always be like that,” she had said.

But do I have to be like that right now? I don’t want to rush, hurry and go so fast. It’s exhausting!

So, I’ve decided to pose a challenge upon my self, a 7-day, 7-minute challenge. For one week I am committing myself to taking 7 minutes of every day to sit and do nothing. Yes, sit and do nothing. It’s a small step, but I want it to help me slow down a bit.

Ironically, the older lady left before I finished getting ready, but as she walked away, she looked at me and said with a grin, “Kick butt.”

If 7 minutes a day for a whole week is too much, do your best to slow down a little today and every day. And if you must go fast, do so well and may sure to kick butt while you’re at it.

6 Non-Touristy Things You Must Do in D.C.

1) A hidden gem nestled in the luxurious homes of Georgetown, Dumbarton Oaks & Gardens is a must-see for both D.C. residents and tourists alike. Get lost for an afternoon amongst the gardens that wind through several acres of the historic estate. National Geographic recently named Dumbarton as one of the world’s ten best gardens. After working up an appetite, head down to the famous Baked & Wired coffee shop and bakery for cookies and coffee.

2) For the most part, D.C. residents avoid the National Mall at all costs during the  summer months, but the Jefferson Memorial & Tidal Basin is the one spot not to miss regardless of the time of year. Particularly incredible during the blooming of the cherry blossoms in the spring, this memorial sits on a small reservoir known as the Tidal Basis. During the summer months, paddleboats are available to rent so you can spend time the day taking in the memorial.

3) Have lunch or dinner at Bluejacket, one of the city’s very own microbreweries. With rotating beers on tap, try one or a few in a beer flight. Be sure to try the Forbidden Planet and Mexican Radio beers and the Bluejacket Double as an edible compliment to your drinks! If you left room for desert, head a block over to Ice Cream Jubilee for unique scoops of honey lemon lavender, Thai iced tea, and banana bourbon caramel.

4) If you find yourself in D.C. on a Saturday or Sunday, be sure to make the year-round outdoor Eastern Market a part of your plans. With over a 100 vendors on the weekends, you’ll lose yourself wandering through the crates of fresh veggies, jewelry stands, painting displays and food tents. If you’re in the mood for some java, grab a cup from Peregrine Espresso where the long lines on the weekends are worth the wait.

5) Unbeknownst to many, the grounds of the U.S. Capitol spread across 290 acres and are open to the public. The grounds to the east of the Capitol make for a quiet, picturesque spot for an evening picnic with friends and family. Bring food from home or grab take out from a variety of area restaurants, including a favorite of locals, Good Stuff Eatery (for a truly life-changing experience, try their famous toasted marshmallow milkshake).

6) On the banks of the Potomac River sits the historic and impressive Kennedy Center. With a concert or show playing nearly every day of the week, you’ll be sure to find something you’ll want to see.