"When the boxes are gone and you've cleaned up the mess you'll make a home of the house that was just an address". -John Bratton.

It's-a-movin'-time! You may think it's sick...but I love moving. I typically don't stay in one place for more than a year, and I've been at the Fargo house for almost 2, which is bizarre...but that just means I'm a year overdue for "the purging".

I love the process of going through drawers and closets, sorting, throwing things away, absolving the nooks and crannies of things I've held onto for absolutely no apparent reason. Carrying bag after bag to the trash can feels like dropping pounds. One trash bag = 5 lbs and y'all I'm gettin' skinny! (not literally...I'm throwing back boxes of nerds candy down my gullet as I type..) It just feels so good, in the immortal words of Outkast, I feel so fresh and so clean, clean...

After spending countless hours on the HAR site (Houston area real estate), and touring 7 units on Saturday, we applied for an apartment in this bad boy on Kipling near Dunlavy in Montrose. The house is broken up into 4 individual units, we're looking at the one on the bottom left. The neighborhood is fantastic, in super-short walking distance to Brasil, Poison Girl, Anvil, Boondocks and so many other coffee shops, bars and awesome vintage/ retail shops on the Westheimer curve....aaannddd they're building a big HEB at the corner of West Alabama and Dunlavy so that would be ridiculously convenient.



The unit comes with stacked washer and dryer, we get our own private garage with storage space... It's almost perfect... almost.



[ we've agreed that the bathroom is a little snug with no counter space and the bedroom may be about 3 feet too small ]

 So here it is:

View of front




View of living room from front door

 

View with back to living room windows looking at front door, tiny view of hallway.

 

Dining room painted a dark red color with original vintage hutch (hello, bar area!) Would probably use this as office/craft space.

 

View of bedroom, looking at closet doors.

View of bathroom with accent tile.

...........................................................................................................

All of the above are realtor shots, except for this one....

 I took as Ryan and I were leaving... after our apartment locator guy drove us around for about 2 hours, Ryan was patient enough with me to go back, hours later, to the two properties we liked the most and walk around for a while. Thinking. Talking. Comparing. Contrasting.

Saturday was a stressful day. It's so hard to decide because there are so many good things we loved, and a few things we didn't and it's just... hard, you know?

This will be our first home together so maybe I'm letting that weigh on it more than it should...a home is.... it's where the heart is, it's where you hang your hat, be it ever so humble, there's no place like it... in the words of Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes, it's where ever I'm with you.

So with that attitude, I'm awaiting (not so patiently) a call from the realtor to see if we got it (we were competing with one, possible more people for it..).

I'm promising myself that if he calls to tell us we got it or if we didn't that it's meant to be and that if it means we keep looking, that's A-Ok.

Oh just cuttin' up gourds... like ya do....

Growing up, Dad carved a pumpkin for us every year. He'd draw a face on a pumpkin freehand, ask us if we liked it (if not, he'd erase and begin again), and if it passed, he'd start carving. I always liked the scary ones, mean eyes and sharp teeth. The photo above is of me in 1984, with our cat C.J. Dad's pumpkin was a little lopsided that year and had to be propped up with a rock.

We didn't love it any less.

The other day there was a Halloween special on the history channel. I always geek out over these specials..they're sooo interesting. I love learning about where our current traditions originated, like why we carve pumpkins! Here's what they said:

"The carved pumpkin with a light inside was supposed to ward off evil spirits. The practice originated from an Irish myth about a man nicknamed "Stingy Jack." According to the story, Stingy Jack invited the Devil to have a drink with him. True to his name, Stingy Jack didn't want to pay for his drink, so he convinced the Devil to turn himself into a coin that Jack could use to buy their drinks. Once the Devil did so, Jack decided to keep the money and put it into his pocket next to a silver cross, which prevented the Devil from changing back into his original form.

Jack eventually freed the Devil, under the condition that he would not bother Jack for one year and that, should Jack die, he would not claim his soul...

Soon after, Jack died. As the legend goes, God would not allow such an unsavory figure into heaven. The Devil, upset by the trick Jack had played on him and keeping his word not to claim his soul, would not allow Jack into hell. He sent Jack off into the dark night with only a burning coal to light his way. Jack put the coal into a carved-out turnip and has been roaming the Earth with ever since.

The Irish began to refer to this ghostly figure as "Jack of the Lantern," and then, simply "Jack O'Lantern."

Knowing it's history makes you so eager to participate. We were so excited to carve our jack-o-lanterns last night. We chose our patterns, transferred them to the pumpkins and got to work.

Cleaning out the guts

Dixie helpin'.

Ryan at work

I did 3 candles. Mom says it looks like some optical illusion because your eyes go directly to the solid pieces and not the negative space. It doesn't translate very well in photos, but I'm happy with how it turned out!

Nora's owl turned out great!

I love Ryan's lurker, peeking out of the blinds.

Trio of pumpkins:

We spent about 2 hours on them...but of course took a break for some pizza, wine, and Charlie Brown's Great Pumpkin on TV.

I'm so antsy for Halloween! We're doing to Montrose pub crawl on Saturday. I still have work to do on my costume... gotta hit the costume shop for some fake blood... CAN'T WAIT!

make-it-happen

This past weekend was a make-it-happen weekend. I resolved to make some new things and I did!

After work on Friday, I went over to the massive Spec's downtown. This is not just a liquor store...they have an amazing and exotic assortment of foods from all over the world! Cheese, jams, fruits and veggies, crackers/cookies, spices and sauces...you could really hurt yourself there..and sometimes I do.

It's been ridiculously hot here...Typically after work I enjoy a glass of red wine while watching the news, but lately it's just been too hot for room temperature red wine. Remedy? Sangria! I don't know why it took me this late in the summer to whip up a pitcher, but I think it will be a weekend staple from here on out in the house. Everyone loved it! I emptied a bottle of Tempranillo Rioja into a pitcher with 2 large handfuls of pineapple chunks, strawberries and grapes. I added 3 tablespoons of sugar, a little pineapple juice and stuck it in the fridge for about an hour. After a good stir, pour over a wine glass with ice, throw some fruit in there and shazzam! It's cool, sweet and refreshing. The perfect summertime substitution for a Cabernet.

While I was browsing cocktail recipe books at Spec's I came across this amazing appetizer. I'm not a huge fan of blue cheese and I had goat cheese at home so I made a little substitution and whipped up a batch of these guys:

You need- 2/3 cups walnuts, chopped (you could substitute pecans or any chopped nut, really) 4 oz cream cheese, softened, 6 oz crumbled blue cheese, 20 loose seedless red grapes

Toast walnuts under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes or until lightly toasted, transfer to a small bowl. In another small bowl blend and mix together the cheese, cover and place in refrigerator to firm up slightly for approximately 15 minutes. Put one heaping teaspoon of the mixture in the palm of your hand with a grape in the center and roll between both palms until the grape is completely coated, then roll in the toasted walnuts. Place on a plate single layer without touching each other and chill for 30 minutes or until coating is firm, and serve.

Friday was full of kitchen fun!

Saturday was a busy one, too. Ryan and I got up semi-early (read: 9am) and hit the Farmer's Market! We stocked up on mangoes, nectarines, lemons, limes, cucumbers, tomatoes and lots of other colorful fruits and veggies. We had a great lunch at Onion Creek before heading over to Central Market...and regretting that we paid for lunch. You really can just fill up on all the wonderful tasters there. We sampled coffee, wine, bread, salsa, cheese, juice...you name it. We left feeling like we were going to pop. We were supposed to hit the junk shop, but succumbed to a nap instead. That evening, I made my first ever batch of chocolate mousse with homemade whip. oh.. my...want it every day. Recipe over here!

Sunday was nice and lazy...the temp on my car read 104...I'm not doing anything outside when it's 104.

This weekend I took out some bright, colorful skeins of yarn and got to work on an urban guerrilla crochet project I had been wanting to start. I finished and "installed" it on Saturday night and snapped a quick photo Sunday morning. Don't you think it brightens up the corner of Hopkins and Fargo a bit? Gotta love the Montrose.

I'm pretty sure it's illegal...and it would honestly make me sad-face if someone tore it down...but I'm gonna enjoy it as long as it's there.

For more on urban/guerrilla knit, click here!

Summa Summa Summatimeeeee - Will Smith

Weekend, thank you. Thank you for being there for me when I want to pig out, lay in the sun, get a little culture, and sleep in. Friday Ryan and I went on a movie date! We saw Splice, which was creepy, gross, funny and weird. You could probably wait for it on DVD/On Demand. I was entertained... I'm just sayin'. After the movie, we met up with some pals for a few cocktails at Boheme and since we missed dinner that night, wailed on some late night Vietnamese cuisine: pot stickers, crab rangoon and spring rolls. Thank you Hollywood for being open until 4am on weekends.

Saturday, we were supposed to go to Galveston for the sand castle competition, but opted to sleep in and read in the sun. The ol' allergies were acting up later on so under the influence of benadryl, Saturday ended pretty early.

Sunday was great! We went to 11am mass at St. Ann's, had a fantastic brunch at Mia Bella, one of our faves! I always get the eggs and crab meat, 2 poached eggs topped with lump crap meat and jalapeno hollandaise over a grilled polenta cake (kinda like a cheesy grits biscuit thing...). You also get homefries and fresh fruit with your dish all for under 10$. It's a steal, ladies and gentlemen. Have I mentioned the 10$ bottomless mimosas, champagne, bellini's and bloody marys? Yeah, there's that too. (Excuse me, sir? Can you just leave the champagne bottle on our table? You'll really just be saving yourself the hassle...)

After brunch we went down to the museum district for free 1st Sunday! Thanks to Target, all of the museums are free the 1st Sunday of each month. I had never been to the Contemporary Arts Museum- it was great! I'm such a sucker for museum gift shops... maybe it's the kitchy things you come across, maybe I just love paying 200% over what products are worth, but I picked up a few little things.
[below, gift shop]

We moseyed on over to the Fine arts Museum to catch the Alice Neel exhibit.

She's famous for her oil on canvas portrait work, but Ryan and I loved her city-scapes the best.

Nothing like a visit to a museum to inspire you to break out the art supplies.

I'm excited about a new embroidery project I started this weekend! More to come!

Happy Monday everyone! I hope you're not as stuffed up as I am. (damn tree pollen.)

Memorial weekending!

With this new assignment/new schedule I'm doing a 9/80, which means that I have every other Friday off. This past Friday was my first so I had an EXTRA long memorial weekend.. 4 whole days! Friday morning started early ( a little too early after an evening of trivia and a few beers...) with breakfast at Baby Barnaby's! For someone who's been living behind it for over a year, and for how good it really is, it's a little weird that this was my second time to have breakfast here. Absolutely fantastic. I had the classic with apple wood chicken bacon, biscuits, buttery grits and scrambled jalapeno eggs (ugh, it's 8:30 am and I'm starving...) and Ryan had the green eggs with spinach, hash browns, toast and turkey sausage. YES. PLEASE. ALL THE TIME.

Then off to the Houston Zoo we went! We attempted once before, but were committed this day. It's very well organized and such a nice zoo. We had so much fun talking to all the animals (I can't talk to an animal without using this really high pitched, squeaky little voice...) and playing, petting the goats, enjoying the trees and shade...We happened upon the elephant area when the zookeepers we're answering questions, talking to the guests... I was so jealous that they got to play with Elephants when they went to work... that baby (400 lb baby) elephant Baylor is the cutest thing on this earth.

Playing with the P-dogs.

Oh hai. Dis my nest.

Sifaka Monkey- Their arms are too short for them to walk on all fours so they hop around on their legs... they were so funny!

Funny little owl, lookin' like a pirate with one eye open.

You know.. just brushin' goatz.

Baby Baylor!

After the Zoo, as if that weren't enough for the day, we walked around the Hermann Park Garden Center for a while. The flowers were in bloom and so colorful.

So that was Friday! Saturday we packed up the grill and headed to West Beach, Galveston for some sun and relaxing. Like a nerd, I forgot my camera... NEXT TIME!

Sunday we went to Mom and Dad's, Peter came into town, and enjoyed a sack of crawfish.

Monday we took it very easy, after a very busy few days. Hung out by the pool, made mojitos, had some friends over and topped off the holiday weekend with a little trivia. I think I've just now recovered from those 4 days.

Hope your memorial weekend was wonderful!

I'd like to introduce you to...

Mandell Park!

From the site "Mandell Park is 1.22 acres surrounded by Bonnie Brae, Mandell and Richmond Streets in Houston’s Museum District. In the 1980s, the City of Houston purchased and cleared the site to build a public library...but the site became a huge vacant lot after the City chose another location. During the next 15 years, the neighborhood maintained the southern portion of the property and created an organic community garden, later named Meredith Gardens."

What an awesome little hidden gem in the museum district.

After work, Ryan and I decided to have an al fresco dinner since it was so nice outside, so breezy and warm. We packed up a little lunch kit filled with waters, a bottle of Cabernet, pasta, shrimp and dill salad, marinated artichokes, stuffed grape leaves, Havarti and spinach and watercress dip with crackers.

After passing by Menil park and Mandell park, we chose Mandell- its hard not to instantly fall in love with this little garden hidden right off Richmond sandwiched between El Pueblito and Lucky Burger.

We chose a good spot, spread our little blanket out, had our snacks and just relaxed. We even had a visit from a black and white puppy! Al fresco picnic dinner? Gorgeous weather? Beautiful flowers? A PUPPY? Oh come on.. it's almost too much.

After thoroughly enjoying our afternoon and just before El Pueblito's soundtrack of Gaga, Britney, Beyonce, et. al. was turned up to 11, ( no offence, El Pueb, you're delicious..) we packed up and headed out. We will definitely be back to enjoy the garden park again.

I was able to snap only one photo (below) before my camera died:
All other shots below found on google images!

The Friends of Mandell Park have BIG plans for this fantastic urban green space and you can help be a part of it! If it's something you can get behind and to ensure that the park will be here for you to enjoy in the future, you can donate a few bucks so easily online, I just did through paypal. Below is an outline of the master plan, slated to be completed in 2013. Exciting!

Nothing like a little good-doing to kick off your humpday, right? Hurray for making Houston pretty!