Good Morning: A Girl in Rome

wili_hybrid

Moomah

Lately I've seen Moomah, a creative arts cafe for children and their parents, everywhere. First I saw the creative logos and packaging designed by Apartment One in HOW Magazine's design annual. I instantly fell for their identity made up of whimsical collages. And I thought what a great idea for a cafe. A space where parents and their children can spend time together and be creative.

Then I stumbled upon pictures of the interior. Which I realized, this is exactly how I would have imagined it. Collages of artwork, missed match furniture of various materials, and spaces to relax and be creative.

Looking at their website I just love the whole concept of this cafe. A place like this would be really popular in DC and many other cities. They believe in serving foods that are locally grown as well as encouraging kids to try new foods. Their menu is clever with items like yummus and a dish called the super tryer where kids choose 6 items to try.

I think their motto says it best, " A place of sweet whimsy, wonder and warmth, moomah is a creative playscape, a cozy cafe, a living classroom, a quiet hideaway, an art oasis, your meeting spot. Your favorite place to be together, and a place for your child to simply be." I just really love the whole concept and think it would be great in other cities. Below are more pictures of the interior and their branding.

Good Morning: Put Your Rainboots On

rachel_titiriga

Done with Jury Duty

Joe Gratz

I know I probably had the shortest case ever. Which is probably more the exception than the rule.

Jury Duty was actually a really positive experience. Maybe because I only had to take two days away from work, but I really enjoyed it! All the jurors on my case were a lot of fun and it was a really interesting process.

They told us we could talk about the case now, but I still feel weird divulging all the details of the case. But I will tell you about part of it so you can be more aware in the city. This young man walked up to a woman who was playing on her iphone and started talking to her. Then he snatched her phone out of her hands and jumped back in the car and sped off.

There was definitely more to the case than that. But I found it a good reminder to always be aware in the city. There have been more reports of snatching ipods and phones on the metro close to the doors. So this is just a friendly reminder to be aware of your surroundings when you are playing with your electronics. I know living in the city a few years now I get comfortable and less careful.

I completely lucked out with my experience, but I have to say I'm really glad I served jury duty. Everyone I encountered in the DC Court system was extremely friendly and helpful. Which surprised me and is probably pretty rare or unique to my experience. But the judge was very nice and respectful of us and our time. I enjoyed everyone on my jury. We all got along really well and obviously were able to come into agreement extremely quickly. It was a really positive experience for me which I did not expect at all.

And now I am back and can finally start every day life again.

Good Morning: Fly Me Away

HaoJan

DC Jury Duty

OZinOH

As luck would have it, I got picked to serve on a case as a juror. I'm beginning to think I can't catch a break! I guess thats what I get for thinking what are the odds I'd get picked and have to miss even more work!

On the bright side the whole legal system is a really interesting process. Nothing like you see on tv. I'm in the midst of it right now so I can't say anymore, but I will offer a few tips if you do get called. Which if you live in DC its only a matter of time.

-I got there around 7:45 AM and the line was already down the hall and back again. I probably waited in line for at least 30 minutes. So I'd recommend either getting there earlier than that or a little bit later.

-I did not realize this before, but you can bring your laptop with you and they have free wifi. Though if you have a laptop like mine that only has a 2 hour battery I'd recommend getting there early to stake a plug against the wall in the jurors lounge.

-I assumed they were strict about food and skipped my morning coffee. But almost everyone waiting in line was sipping coffee and I was oh so jealous. They say food is not allowed in the jurors lounge, but I'd definitely recommend grabbing a coffee on your way as you wait in line. You'll probably finish it while waiting anyway.

-It is freezing in the whole building. So bring layers because I was sitting there in my trench the whole time shivering.

-I had read there was a dress code and not to wear jeans or sweats or anything. But I would say half the people were in jeans. And I was oh so jealous of their comfy attire as I sat there in my work dress and tights. I'm definitely dressing it down from here on out.

-Unfortunately I can't offer any strategies on how to not get chosen for a case. As I am exhibit A.

So needless to say right when I was getting back to blogging, I get pulled away again! Hopefully this whole process will be quick and painless and I'll be back in no time.

Good Morning: Jury Duty

chang'r

I have jury duty starting today. I know I can't seem to catch a break! Someday I'll have a normal week where all I do is go to work. That is the dream. So posting will be light as I'll be twiddling my thumbs with no technology all day/possibly all week. I'll do my best to schedule posts, but I won't have as much time to search the web for inspiration. Hopefully I'll at least get a good case! I've never had jury duty before so this should be interesting.

I've been searching the web for blog posts of tips/advice for DC jurors. Honestly haven't found a ton so if I learn anything helpful/interesting I'll be sure to share. Apparently living in DC you get called to jury duty often (or at least every two years). Something about a small population but high ratio of cases. So this may be the first of many.

I'm Back!/Weekend in Pictures is Back!

I'm back I'm back I'm back! And almost healthy. I know I took an extensive hiatus. Recovering from surgery and working from home proved to be a lot for me. And I just didn't feel like myself. Part of it the medicine and part of it was I just didn't have energy to be myself. But this past week was my first week back in the office. And this weekend was my first weekend to really get out and about with friends. It felt amazing. I've been sick for three months now and its been a really rough road. But I think I'm at the end of it for now. My surgery wasn't a cure, just a quick fix for now. But hopefully I'll be good for a while. Which means....I'm back! And this weekend was the perfect weekend to be back.

Friday night I checked out the new restaurant Liberty Tree on H street, NE. They serve American Fare at pretty reasonable prices. To be honest they really have the tables packed in there. I felt like I was part of about 4 different tables conversations. And their menu seemed to be a little bit all over the place. But the food was delicious and it was a good price. So while it isn't an instant favorite, I'll for sure be back.

Then we headed over to H Street Country Club where I whooped some butt in skeeball with my friends. I'm pretty sure we spent about $20 in quarters playing. I am really digging bars with games like skeeball and shuffleboard these days. And H street has both that and good cocktails. Since it was my first night out drinking in 3 months I stuck to one drink. But I must say their guava lime margaritas are to die for. A little sweet. But still amazing.

Saturday was the most amazingly beautiful day ever. And I think every single person in DC was outside. I headed down to Old Town Alexandria with a friend. We had a picnic by the water and then just relaxed in the sun. Afterwards we got ice cream. First ice cream of the season. Man am I excited for Spring and Summer!

Saturday night I went out with my girlfriends to Bar Pilar close to 14th and U, NW. I think this is my new favorite bar as it felt exactly like the bars I would frequent during my semester in Barcelona. Really intimate and cozy for sure. We also indulged in some white wine sangria which was amazing. I checked out their brunch menu and it looks both delicious and reasonably priced. So its on the list for a future Sunday morning.

A pitcher of white wine sangria = amazing.

Sunday morning I had brunch with several girlfriends at Co Co Sala, the chocolate bar. I ordered some sort of philly flatbread thing which ended up being extremely heavy. And I wished that I had tried the chocolate french toast thing instead. There is always next time though.

Good Morning: A Sea of Umbrellas

// solidether

Amazon Kindle Commercial

Not many commercials make me stop what I'm doing and pay attention. But this one definitely has every time. Very "Her Morning Elegance" like.

Good Morning: Hey DJ

Thomas Hawk