Restaurant Adventure 2010 #1...

I've wanted to go to Busboys & Poets for quite some time now because I heard so many good things about it, so on Monday, my gal pal and I headed there and we had a wonderful time. Not only was the food and atmosphere fantastic but while having dinner, I noticed that the more people started pouring in, their wrists were adorned with a yellow bracelet because.....they were going to perform! Monday night is apparently Open Mic night!!!! They sang songs and read and spake poetry and it was just a fantastic positive, amazing atmosphere and evening, it honestly made me feel like I was in Love Jones during the cafe scenes!

I love the description phrased on their page: "BB & P is like your friend from college who on any given night could be found at either a coffee shop, poetry slam...."

Their mission: Busboys and Poets is a restaurant, bookstore, fair trade market and gathering place where people can discuss issues of social justice and peace. Each Busboys and Poets location should enhance the community -- allowing us to bring together a diverse clientele reflective of the surrounding neighborhoods. Busboys and Poets creates an environment where shared conversations over food and drink allow the progressive, artistic and literary communities to dialogue, educate and interact.

I thoroughly enjoyed myself and I would love to return to Busboys & Poets!

{photo courtesy of Busboys & Poets}

Peace and Hope for Haiti...

in the aftermath of the inconceivable earthquake {the largest in 200 years in Haitian history} that hit Port-au-Prince, Haiti yesterday, my sincerest prayers go to the people of Haiti as well as their family members who live in other parts of the world and all those effected, who are trying to reconcile what happened on yesterday.

My prayer is for peace, comfort, strength {mentally and physically}, revival of the hearts and minds of the people and its city, assistance from those around the world & the ability to somehow see a bit of light {hope} even at this unimaginable time.

Though tragedy, expected or unexpected, is never an experience that is easy to deal with, I that prayer from pure hearts for Haiti can and will offer some semblance of peace.

{photo courtesy of NPR}

Happy New Year…!

As another year has ended, another one has begun. I’m very excited about each new year seen and doubly excited to make a list of wonderful things that I would like to do within the year. So in honor of the New Year Resolution tradition, I’ve made a very small list of things I either: want to do, should do, need to do, would love to do and the list goes on. Since this is a milestone year, I think that as the year continues along, I will add more items to the list hoping that I can accomplish them all!

1. become more time conscience, meaning “become better at being on time”
2. do something creative and fun every month either solo, with my family members and/or gal pals, be it something small or big, just do something that brings me some type of joy. i.e., taking a cooking class, going to a concert or play etc.
3. learn a new skill/craft. Perhaps learning another language or learning the art of letter pressing!
4. explore new restaurants around the city because this city has soooo much to offer and it’s time that I become serious about breathing in its culture, plus I like to eat really good food!

Let's get started!

{photo courtesy of Confetti System}

Merry Christmas....

May you and your family, friends and loved ones have a very Merry Christmas. May it be filled with laughter, love, comfort, peace and warm memories! Be loving and thankful for those persons in your life & being able to celebrate another wonderful holiday.

Let's also take time to pray for those who have lost loved ones during the course of this year or in years past, and that their minds be filled with great memories and healing. And in a world where people can often times like you one moment and dislike you the next, be an example and allow the light {Christ} that resides in you to be seen. Be kind with your words as well as your actions and most of all love one another.

Merry Christmas!

{photo courtesy of Target}

Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas...

with only a few days until Christmas, people {including myself} are still perusing the malls to finish off our shopping! The stores and crowded, as well as the parking lots but you still get a warm fuzzy feeling when you think about the reason for this season...the Earth's greatest gift..Jesus Christ. It's amazing that he gave such a wonderful gift to us all, his life, his sacrifice, his forgiveness and most importantly, his Love.

Enjoy your day and many many more!

If it's Magic...

This is a clip of my friend & talented musician/singer/songwriter Terrence Cunningham singing Stevie Wonder’s “If it’s Magic”. listen to 0:28-2:59. He's an amazing talent!! Yay for Terrence, keep up the excellent work & people, please add him on your "must listen to artist" list!

If it’s magic…
Then why can’t it be everlasting
Like the sun that always shines
Like the poets in this rhyme
Like the galaxies in time

If it’s pleasing…
Then why can’t it be never leaving
Like the day that never fails
Like the seashores there are shells
Like the time that always tells

It holds the key to every heart
Throughout the universe
It fills you up without a bite
And quenches every thirst

So…
If it’s special
Then with it why aren’t we as careful
As making sure we dress in style
Posing pictures with a smile
Keeping danger from a child

It holds the key to every heart
Throughout the universe
It fills you up without a bite
And quenches every thirst

So…
If it’s magic..
Why can’t we make it everlasting
Like the lifetime of the sun
It will leave no heart undone
For there’s enough for everyone

Slippers my Dear...

Do you think that if I put these shoes on and prance around I may somehow become a beautiful ballerina? Well if not, I'm sure they would be stylish and comfy on my feet!

{photo via Daily Candy}

My Chocolate Peppermint Cookie Version...

Last night I had every intention of making the Chocolate Peppermint Wafers which was my plan A however it became a very long evening and making cookies from scratch just wasn't suiting my fancy. Sooooooo I went with my plan B, which was to purchase some Milano cookies, dip them in melted chocolate and sprinkle them with crushed peppermint & then package them up.

Thank goodness for a plan B and hopefully they will bring a little cheer to my co-workers day!

Chocolate Peppermint Wafers...

I'm going to make a batch of these cookies tonight and give them as gifts to my co-workers tomorrow during our Christmas exchange! I hope they turn out delicious! Of course I'm going to have to package them up really nice and hope that they serve as good gifts. Tis the season to be giving & to be kind.

{photo courtesy of Real Simple}

Snow and Graham...

Snow & Graham makes pretty paper EVERYTHING {cards, calendars, wrapping paper etc.} and they have a small blog to go along with it! Things like this make me happy!

{photos courtesy of Snow & Graham}

VW Glam Princess...

I ♥ smell goods so I'm excited to take a whiff of the latest Vera Wang perfume, Glam Princess. It sounds yummy {Top notes of crushed red berries, juicy guava and sparkling pear, heart notes of orange blossom and vanilla orchid, base notes of warm ambrette, sugary marshmallow and soft cashmere wood} and I hope it smells divine! It's scheduled to be released this month just in time for Christmas..yippee!

The Joy of the Lord...

is my strength {do not sorrow}. -Nehemiah 8:10

Yesterday my Pastor preached on the subject of Joy and it reminded me of something that I read the other day:

worry implies that we don't quite trust that God is big, powerful or loving enough to take care of what's happening in our lives. stress says that the things we're involved in are important enough to merit our impatience, our lack of grace towards others, or our tight grip of control. bottom line: trust God!

{book: crazy love, overwhelmed by a relentless God, francis chan}

{photo courtesy of Real Simple}

Happy Birthday Bows and Bags...

One of my very good friends birthday was earlier this month & her wonderful cousin decided to throw her a surprise birthday dinner with some of the women in her family and some of her close girlfriends. I was asked to make some favor bags in honor of the celebration!

After some brainstorming, her cousin and I decided to create "Relax More, Stress Less Pamper Bags", to include, teas, a relaxing cd, devotion books, love & kindness quote cards, chocolate covered pretzels & a candle. I love using brown handle bags when making favor or party bags because you can utilize any color scheme that you like. In order to "jazz" up the bags, I decided to use navy blue, fuchsia and green and then hand tied a ribbon and a paper heart {words read: Relax More, Stress Less Pamper Kit}. The girls loved the bags and the birthday girl was happy, surprised and overall overcome with delight!

I'm glad that the bags turned out well but even more estactic that my friend's night was memorable for her and that she had a wonderful time.

Yes, please Dress please...

Dear gift giver,

I would like said dress in a nice box, wrapped with a big pretty bow, please of course.

Merry Christmas!

Sincerely,

gift recipient

Party Piñatas...

I really want to host a small yet fun filled holiday party this year. What's better than getting all dressed up, eating well, spending time with your gal pals & recaping over the year? If I do manage to have one before the year's close, I think that these dazzling, festive & pretty pinatas would be in order!

{photo courtesy of Urban Outfitters}

My Green Nugget of a Gem...

I will proudly be the first to say that I have def. been converted to a guacamole LOVER! It was in part due to my sister's {hi sister C.D.H.} constant talk of it and prompting me to climb aboard this lovely green gem train! Now, I make it every chance I get and have incorporated it in a number of food dishes.

The most splendid most wonderful thing is now that they actually have a book about various ways to prepare it!! {and the crowd shimmers with glee}. Guac Off MUST be added to my ever growing collection of food books!

Merry Christmas to me perhaps? hint hint wink wink sister/friend

The great thing is that not only does it taste good, but it's good for you!

{photo via Oh Happy Day}

Make Merry the Kate Spade Way...

I wonder how many of these 20 Ways to Make Merry I can do this month. My ultimate goal will be to do all 20 but we'll see how it goes. Perhaps if I space them out during the course of the month, I can have all 20 under my belt! The cool thing aside from the 20 Ways, is when you roll over the graphics, you get a lovely little surprise!

{photo courtesy of Kate Spade}

Happy December...

We've finally approached the last month of 2009...Welcome December! All in all its been a wonderful 11 months and prayerfully this month will be no exception.
As people pull out the lively Christmas decorations, crank up the Christmas tunes, and heat up the hot chocolate, perhaps it'll put everyone in the mood for being kinder, more loving and in cheerful joyous spirits. It is indeed the most wonderful time of the year!

{photo courtesy of Martha Stewart}

Recipe to Try: Spicy Sweet Potato Wedges

Sweet potatoes are yummy to eat in any season but they seem perfectly at home during the Fall. Here is a wonderful recipe that I happened upon via one of my favorite food blogs, Smitten Kitchen.

Roasted Spiced Sweet Potatoes

Adapted from Gourmet, January 2002
Makes 4 to 6 servings.

1 teaspoon coriander seeds

1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon dried hot red pepper flakes (the latter will make them quite spicy, so using according to your preferences)

1 teaspoon kosher salt

2 pounds medium sweet potatoes

3 tablespoons vegetable oil
Preheat oven to 425°F. Coarsely grind coriander, fennel, oregano, and red pepper flakes in an electric coffee/spice grinder or with a mortar and pestle. Stir together spices and salt.
Cut potatoes lengthwise into 1-inch wedges. Toss wedges with oil and spices in a large roasting pan and roast in middle of oven 20 minutes. Turn wedges over with a spatula and roast until tender and slightly golden, 15 to 20 minutes more.

{recipe and photo via Smitten Kitchen}

Beautiful Headband..Twigs & Honey...

I would like this glorious ribboned headband in my possession right now so that I can wear it everyday..well as close to every day as I possibly can.

{photo courtesy of Twigs and Honey}

Miniature Notepads...

Now don't these miniature notepads just make you want to throw a couple in your purse or give them away as favors?!

Iomoi has a number of beautiful items that would make perfect gifts and/or compliment your home! I'd def. drool a little bit if someone decided to give these away as gifts!

Smores Galore...

I'm having serious thoughts about giving these sweet treat smore kits as Christmas gifts to my co-workers! This is such a terrfic and wonderful treat & simple display that I really wish that I would have thought of it first. I don't know what I truly adore more, is it the clear packaging that let's you see the yummy goodness inside or the treat itself? Either way I'm going to enjoy putting them together and giving them away!

I've tried this recipe and it turned out divine!

{photo courtesy of Twig and Thistle}

Delightful Calendars...

I gladly happened upon one of the most creative calendars I've seen by Cats Let Nothing Darken Their Roar. How fantastically awesome are they?!
{photo courtesy of Cats Let Nothing Darken Their Roar}

Curbside Cupcakes...

OMG I'm so happy that this is real! A real live brightly colored pink cupcake van that drives around and sells yummy cupcakes. I love this town!

{photo courtesy of The Washington Post}

Same Day Update:

So I got a call shortly after I posted this and my co-worker called to tell me that Curbside Cupcakes was outside our job!!! {I mean honestly how totally radically blissful is that} I gathered up two of my other co-workers and dashed out the door and met Kristi and Sam! They are WONDERFUL people and so FRIENDLY. I had the Red Velvet Cupcake and be still my little ticker..IT WAS O-MAZING!!!!!!!!!!! The cupcake was so moist and flavorful and the cream cheese frosting...oh the cream cheese frosting was divine! I'm so glad that I was able to appease my palette and have a delicious cupcake to end off the work day!

Happy Birthday Office Style...

I'm thinking about doing this Happy Birthday Banner for a friend of mine at work. I love the fact that it's mini sized and can fit right onto her computer. It should be a lovely surprise for her. I'll post a picture of how it turns out! What will the creatives at Paper Source think of next!?

{photo courtesy of Paper Source Blog}

Penelope Toop Project...

is finally heading out the door as of tomorrow morning. A friend of mine wants me to make some party hats for her bridal party next year. So I mailed her some color samples in a little packet and away they go! Excuse the slight blurriness of the photo..PT needs a new camera pronto!

The small packet included:

a. PT Party Hat Color Request Form

b. PT Color Swatches

c. Self Addressed envelope

d. PT Business Card

I'm very excited about this project and the opportunity to showcase my little darling venture, *Penelope Toop!

*Penelope Toop is not only a blog, but it's me {though not limited to}...a darling little Party Planner and Favor Maker...♥

Flower Brooch My Darling...

Today I made a flowered brooch out of paper and I liked it so much that I put it on.

{finger snap snap}

Have a Lovely Weekend...

As the work day approaches its close and with the weekend right around the corner..I couldn’t be happier.

Things to do this weekend should include but are def. not limited to:
a. enjoying some “me” time
b. begin and finish a project
c. eat something sweet and tasty
d. spend some time with loved one {pets included}

As always, have a beautiful weekend, be safe and be lovely!

{photo courtesy of Miette}

Surprise!...

Yesterday my co-workers and I surprised my supervisor and took her to lunch to celebrate her birthday. Her actual birthday is on Saturday but we thought we’d do something early so that way she wouldn’t expect a thing. It worked. We had a series of clues {that I made} delivered to her by a few people and we even had our security guards play a role.
Her 1st clue let her know that the next day she would have to keep a watchful and observant eye as she will begin to receive a series of clues within that day. The 2nd clue was given to her manager to give to her after their Manager’s Meeting. That clue read that at 12:45 she needed to gather her belongings, turn off her office light, head to the elevator, and once in the lobby, stop by the guards booth and give her name {I had given them the envelope to give to Theresa}. The 3rd clue told her to head out of the building and head to the following address {which was the address of the restaurant}. She was given the 4th and final clue by one of our co-workers who met her outside of the building and it said SURPRISE & Happy Birthday! I love happy surprises and making people pleased as punch!

Mark Twain Humorist Award..Bill Cosby

I’m so excited that I have an opportunity to head to the Kennedy Center and be in the audience as Bill Cosby accepts the Mark Twain Humorist Award tonight! It should be a wonderful evening celebrating Bill Cosby and his comedic stylings over the years with special guests, dining, entertainment and just an overall fantastic evening! Some past awardees include, Richard Pryor, Lily Tomlin, Whoopi Goldberg and Carl Reiner.

I’m taking my camera and prayerfully I will have some wonderful photos to share. This is most assuredly going to be a GREAT night!

Go Pirates Go.....

I just want to give Victoria Secret {Pink} a rousing round of applause for finally allowing my alma mater & Home By The Sea, Hampton University to grace it's store, well online store that is, for it's Collegiate Wear!

I'm so super excited. They weren't selling Hampton U. items online and you could only purchase their wares in stores in the Tidewater Area. I'm doubly pleased as punch because I love Pink sweats as they are def. comy and this wonderful surprise just added an extra inch of smile to my day! Go Pirates Go!

Little White Dresser is so so Nice...

I'm so glad that I stumbled upon Little White Dresser and as usual I'm filled with glee. Eveything is so very beautiful and just warm with fuzzy thoughts at how creative people really are. I can't wait to purchase a few items from this shop.
{photos courtesy of Little White Dresser}

Oui Oui Paris....

these cards are so cute from Darling Clementine!

Have a Heart...

Now who wouldn't want to have this beautiful heart near the original ticker?

{photo courtesy of Finn Jewelry}

I {heart} Movies...

I will admit that I have yet to see Paris Je'Taime, but I do have the DVD at home and I think that I will watch it tonight and once I finish, I really do want to see New York I Love You that comes out in theatres today.

{photo of Real Simple}

Portable Sunshine...

I wouldn't mind toting around in this jacket this Fall and Winter season. Please kind ma'am or sir {cough cough, DB} make me extra happy and surprise me..oh yeah and you can put a big, fat bow on the box and/or bag.

Oh and don't worry about how I will keep warm, I'll wear long sleeves and wear a belt to keep my beautiful coat secured.

Thank you bunches!

{photo courtesty of Anthropologie}

Recipe to Try: Mini Lemony Loaves of Yummy Goodness...

I would love to walk into my kitchen, look over to the counter and find on a nice little dainty saucer, these nice Mini Lemon Pound Cakes ready for me to devour..lady like of course. yum yum yum

Tried and Fried

After my last showdown with trying to fry something, the end result was tasty but somewhere in the middle things got a little smokey and widows and the front door had to be opened. But alas, I will/shall not be defeated so I really do want to try my hand at pan frying and prayerfully there will be no smoke, the dog won't go bonkers and DB won't need to shoo smoke out the house!

While viewing the net, I happened upon a delightful and mouth watering recipe via A Cup of Jo courtesy of The Parsley Thief. The Parsley Thief gives a wonderful step by step directional of how to perfectly execute Parmesan Chicken Cutlets, my pan frying recipe of choice.

Parmesan Chicken Cutlets

{Adapted from Barefoot Contessa, Family Style Cookbook}

Serves 6

6 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves

1 cup flour

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

3 extra-large eggs

1 tablespoon water

1 1/4 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Grapeseed oil

Trim the chicken breasts & remove the tenderloins. Reserve them for another use. Place the chicken between plastic wrap, or inside a resealable plastic bag & pound to a 1/4" thickness. Combine the flour, salt & pepper on a plate. Beat the eggs with the water & pour onto another plate. Grate the Parmesan cheese & combine with the bread crumbs on a third plate. Coat the chicken breasts on both sides with the flour, then dip into the egg & finally into the bread crumbs. Press down on the chicken slightly, so that the breadcrumbs adhere. Heat 2-3 tablespoons of the grapeseed oil in a large skillet, over medium low heat. It should be about 1/8" inch deep. When the oil is hot, cook 1-2 chicken breasts at a time for about 4-5 minutes, or until golden brown. Flip & cook an additional 4-5 minutes. Remove from the heat & serve immediately. Or, place on a cooling rack set over a rimmed baking sheet in a 250 degree oven, until ready to serve.

{photo courtesy of The Parsley Thief}

And it would really make me Happy…

To stay at the Crosby Street Hotel in New York City. It officially opened on September 29th and if I were a New Yorker, I would have been oh but too thrilled to walk down its quaint cobblestoned road and dreamily sigh at its magnificence.

I’m thinking that if only I could have some sort of lovely little party there and then go upstairs to my room and stay for a few days, it would make me uberly happy. And there’s nothing better than a Happy Princess!
{photo courtesy of Crosby Street Hotel}

Ruffles can add pizzazz to anything...

Even on a pillow. Check out this simple tutorial via Kelly + Olive couretsy of Merrilee of Mermag.
{photo courtesy of Mermag via Kelly + Olive}

DIY..My oh My...

I found this wonderful tutorial on how to make your very own grosgrain chain necklace or "bands of bling bib" as it’s affectionately called, from the super de duper fantastically talented & Glamourai Blogger Kelly Framel {who is also featured in the November Issue of Lucky magazine}.

Kelly is not only amazing style wise, but she is also an phenomenal jewelry designer. Visit her Etsy store here.

I’m literally so pumped to do this project, I pray that mine looks as astonishing as Kelly’s! I’ll keep you posted!

{photo courtesy of Glamourai}

Have a Lovely Weekend...

I will be spending my weekend purging through “old” clothes/things and deciding:
a. What to Keep
b. What to Donate/Give Away
c. What to Throw Away

It should be interesting and fun filled? I think that I should invest in “spring cleaning” with each new season, living a cluttered life does not make me happy, it only jitters my nerves.

Here is a wonderful quote I found while perusing Flickr’s tribute to Domino Magazine by Michelle Adams, “if you surround yourself with things you love, then your home will make you happy”. I think that I’m going to recite this while I purge, remembering that I can be surrounded by things that I love but that they can be orderly!

{photo courtesy of Flickr}

New Dandies...

I have some new fun filled and wonderful blogs that I happened upon..they make my ♥ {heart} happy!

1. Loving.Living.Small
2. Smitten Kitchen
3. Making it Lovely

Be sure to check them it, it'll bring a smile to your face, and insight to your life in their own special way!

Farmer's Market

Today I had the great joy of going to a Farmer's Market in downtown DC. I was extremely excited and let me tell you that I had a ball. Fruit, cheeses, vegetables, flowers, gelato/sorbet, breads and meats galore..I couldn't contain myself. Well actually I did well because I walked away with only three peaches, four apples, and a loaf of bread!

It happens every Thursday from 3:00pm-7:00pm and trust me I will be there or be square!

Lonny Magazine...

Lonny Magazine {the name is a combination of London and New York} is a most wonderful gem of a magazine that I spotted over at Design *Sponge today. The magazine was founded by teamsters Editor in Chief, Michelle Adams, maven behind Rubie Green and Co-founder & photographer, Patrick Cline & has launched today!

It looks like this is going to be a wonderful treat to invest in & I really hope that it has beautiful longevity. This magazine seems to be an equivalent to our beloved but now gone Domino Magazine.

{photo via Little Willow}

I'm no Julia Childs..but I too like to cook...

So it’s now common knowledge that I like the cook, really like to cook, but don’t look for me on shows like Food Star, Iron Chef, Chopped and the list can truly go on. But since I do enjoy experimenting and trying to cook things that "whet my whistle", I think that I’m going to make a mini “cookbook” of all the recipes/things that I want to try out and then follow in the footsteps of Julie Powell {a la Julie and Julia} and keep a tiny log of how each "experiment" turns out.This should be fun and interesting and most of all non-disastrous . I’m excited.

Here is a small glimpse of some of the delectable treats I want to try my hand at:

*Vanilla Lemonade
*Macaroni and Cheese
*Lamb Chops
*Cream Cheese Pound Cake
*Cornish Hens

{photo via Design *Sponge}