new beginnings . . .

nickodemus @ 18th st lounge

sammi — Sun, 12 Sep 2010 17:25:14 +0000

Nickodemus is an artist I often play in my yoga classes. I don’t know how to describe the music except that it’s “loungey” and not distracting. It’s upbeat but not obnoxious so it can be played int he background without being too overwhelming, which is why it works for my yoga classes. When I found out Nickodemus was going to be at 18th Street Lounge, I wanted to check him out PLUS I’ve heard so much about this place I wanted to check it out as well. We stopped here after dinner at Birch & Barley, and upon walking in, I felt like I just entered someone’s home. The place was sectioned off into different rooms with charming, Victorian-style furniture lining the walls. The vibe was so chill and relaxed with the music not to blaringly loud to the point where a conversation couldn’t be carried. The volume was just perfect! I really liked this place and hope to visit again soon.

BTW, Theivery Corporation is another group you’ll often hear in my yoga classes, and one of the guys from that group is the founder/owner of 18th street lounge. Loved it!

shawn’s bday dinner @ birch & barley

sammi — Sun, 12 Sep 2010 17:15:14 +0000

This place has to be the most beautiful restaurant I have ever been to. The interior design incorporated elements of wood, stone, glass, and steel. One side of the wall is lined with washed out bricks, while the other is of organically-designed wooden shelves displaying glass vases and calla lillies. This place is actually known for its beers and above the restaurant is a beer bar with 500 beers from around the world. They do tasting menus where they suggest a beer for each course. I LOVE beer so was thrilled to go here for dinner for Shawn’s birthday. I was impressed with the decor and service. The menu items seemed interesting with some common basics that always work and some new, creative items. We started with a figs & proscuitto flatbread and a shrimp, tarragon risotto. Both were great, but have to say the flatbread stood out. For the main course, I had duck breast, and I was so excited to see this on the menu because I love duck, but was pretty disappointed when it arrived. It was too gamey and didn’t have enough flavor, like it was missing an accompanying sauce. Oh well… We finished our meal with a cheese plate and mousse cake. Cheese was phenomenal while the dessert was okay. Next time, I’ll be ordering only appetizers and cheese… and of course, beer!

the yards park opening

sammi — Sun, 12 Sep 2010 16:53:49 +0000

ArtWhino showcased some of their artists’ works along the new waterfront opening. In addition to ArtWhino, there were vendors selling drinks, beer, and dangerously delicious pies! The artwork by ArtWhino artists were very urban, young, fresh, and grungy from paintings to sculptures to photographs. What a great event to view some of the city’s talent. Shawn actually purchased a piece of artwork and we got to meet the artist herself. She was a little strange and we thought she was probably “on something”. LOL

Here are more photos from the event:

solo mission friday

sammi — Sat, 11 Sep 2010 01:48:34 +0000

Today went by wayyyy too fast! I went to work this afternoon for to finish up some paperwork, admin stuff, trained a client, then worked out, and finished off with a 2-hour orientation. Time flew by at work, which is a really good sign. I can’t seem to say it enough, but i love MINT so far. People are so cool and laid-back, yet are so helpful and willing to share their knowledge. Finally, finished up at MINT around 6:30PM and drove home to take Oli out. I took a stroll through my neighborhood with Oli and decided tonight was a good night to cheat on food. I’ve been eating clean all week and wanted to indulge, and what better than carbs and cheese – PIZZA!

I stopped by 7th Hill Pizza to pick up something to bring home. I’ve been here twice before and always seemed to please. The pizza is simple, their sandwiches are great, and they bake their own thin crust bread. I really could just eat their bread all day long. I was craving for something simple and pizza was it. 7th Hill is about 7 minute walk from home, so perfect stop during Oli’s walk. I got the Eastern Market pizza and walked back home to enjoy with a cold beer. Never thought I’d be home and happy about it on a Friday night.

Just when I thought the night was over after finishing the pizza all alone. I decided I was ready for dessert! So decided to make another walk (this time alone) to Good Stuff Eatery for their Nutella dessert. It’s a vanilla gelato with melted nutella, sliced bananas, and homemade whipped cream. As I walk in and order, they ran out of gelato!!! I walked home empty-handed and disappointed… but picked up more pizza, this time from We, the Pizza (Good Stuff’s sister restaurant) – 2 slices for later. LOL It’s the weekend – I can indulge! Don’t judge me!!!

I’ll leave you now with a picture of Oli waiting for me patiently in front of 7th Hill Pizza while I order for take-out. What a looker!!!

I am now MINT conditioned

sammi — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 23:11:08 +0000

I am now officially a MINT private trainer! I started this Tuesday and trained my very first client this morning! I’ve worked out there a few times and took a spinning class, and really love the vibe of this gym. It’s definitely a place I can see myself at for a while. Two classes were offered to me on Monday and Thursday mornings at 6:30AM, and they wanted me to teach something related to a “bootcamp” style. I hope to pick up some spinning and yoga classes soon and hopefully, these classes will give me some exposure as a trainer there though new.

Tomorrow, MINT will be taking a photo of me and putting me up on their website under the “Trainers” page, so make sure you look for me! I’ll be famous!!!

The only downside of MINT is its location in relation to where I live. It’s about 4.5 miles away, and not easily accessible via Metro, so I drive. There is no easy, straight-forward way to get there but straight through the middle of the city. It has taken me about 15-20 minutes each way, and when I finally get there, I still have to find street parking. So far, I have been lucky, but I’m sure there will be days where I’ll have a hard time. Hopefully that won’t put a cloud over my party.

Check it out www.mintdc.com!

eastern market – my new home!

sammi — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 18:51:09 +0000

Next stop, Eastern Market/Capitol Hill!

My new home is now in DC, and to be more specific, in the Eastern Market/Capitol Hill area. Why I love this neighborhood and decided on it as my new home:

- close to Metro so I can get around easily without the need of a car

- outdoor farmer’s market and local artist market on weekends

- walking distance to some great restaurants and shops

- safe! i live right across a police station

- dog park for Oli – it’s right across the street!

Here’s what Eastern Market looks like on the weekend. 7th street is blocked off for stands of different farmers’ produce and local artists. Line all along the street are tables full of interesting artwork and fresh food. And I live a 5 minute walk from here!!! I knew after my first stroll through Eastern Market on a Sunday afternoon that this would be where I wanted to live. I’m afraid I’ll keep myself isolated in this neighborhood and never explore elsewhere. Thank god I work in a different neighborhood; otherwise, I’d probably never leave.