Live Laugh Snap

Blind Dog Cafe

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 17:36:00 +0000

I stopped into the Blind Dog Cafe yesterday for a quick bite. I first learned of the new pop-up cafe taking up residence at Darnell's through the U Street Listserv. It's located just a few blocks from our house so we decided to check it out.

This cozy corner spot is perfect for catching up with friends, answering e-mails (free wifi), or taking a mid-day coffee and croissant break. There is a nice size patio too which will come in handy as spring gets closer. We ordered two sandwiches - the roast beef with pesto and turkey with spicy mayo. Both were pretty good, just a little pricey ($11 each) and next time we need to tell them to go easy on the sauce. The atmosphere inside is very comfortable and relaxed. There's ten or so tables and a couple plush antique couches and chairs. Below are a few photos and for more on how Blind Dog Cafe got its start, check out this Huffington Post article.

I heart DC...

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 01:57:00 +0000

And here are just a few reasons why.

Darn good restaurants in gas stations. Order the rotisserie chicken and yuca fries at Fast Gourmet.

Colorful sunsets in the U Street neighborhood.

Low-key bars that serve warm apple cider in the winter like The Pug on H Street.

The storied streets of historic Georgetown.

Weekend Wanderers

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda) — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 04:46:00 +0000

I'm still amazed at all the beauty fall in Washington, DC has to offer. The yellow, red and orange leaves covering the city is beyond gorgeous. This particular street photographed below is Swann Street - one of my favorites and it's not hard to see why.

A new mural went up on the side of Ben's Next Door on U Street, "The Alchemy of Ben Ali" by artist Eric B. Ricks. I actually walked by a few weeks ago and snapped this photo when it was about 75 percent complete. Check out a few photos of the finished mural on Prince of Petworth and be sure to watch this behind-the-scenes video on the project.

I hardly ever make it to Georgetown, especially because the buses run less frequently on the weekends and there is no metro. However, on Sunday I decided to keep my boyfriend company on the Georgetown campus. Along our trek, we admired all the adorable row houses and estimated how many millions each one costs. Before heading back, we stopped at the Marvelous Market where we picked up a bottle of Chesapeake Bay Crab Salsa. Incredible! As you can see, we're already half-way through the bottle.

Colors of Fall

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda) — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 23:33:00 +0000

Um, is it really mid-November already? I can't believe how fast the last few months have flown by. The holidays are just around the corner.

This DC fall weather has been funky. It was 70 degrees just a few days ago. Now it's in the 30's. The colorful leaves are all starting to fall off which makes me think winter isn't that far off. I've already started shopping for a big puffy coat. I've been told it's a necessity for a girl from Miami...and it will feel like a giant warm sleeping bag. I'm ok with that!

Hello Fall

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda) — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 21:37:00 +0000

I'm happy to report that after three days of straight rain, the sun is finally out and the air has turned cool and crisp. The leaves are also starting to change! Can't wait to get out and take more photos this weekend. Here's a little sneak peak.

Lunchtime Stroll: Current Boutique

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda) — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 19:34:00 +0000

One of my favorite things about working from home is using my lunch hour to explore the neighborhood. When deciding where to live in D.C., we asked a ton of friends for suggestions. Most people said Dupont area, others said Arlington, VA and a couple recommended U Street.

After scouring Craigslist for weeks, we found a great one bedroom/one bath on 12th and U and we couldn't be happier with the place. While our rent is a bit pricey (and drastically higher than Miami), location was the most important factor for us when moving. Oh, and finding an apartment building that allows dogs. That was kinda important too...wouldn't want Rusty out on the streets!

The U Street Corridor has so much to offer. Great restaurants and bars. Adorable boutiques and one-of-a-kind vintage shops. Weekend Farmer's Market. Sweet jazz bars and music venues. Lots of people. Cool vibe. And so much more!

During lunch today, I was strolling 14th Street and stopped into Current Boutique. The shop is half consignment/half new. The ladies behind the register were really sweet when I asked if I could take pictures for my blog. Too bad I didn't have my DSLR because there were some awesome finds. Like designer dresses for under $50 bones, funky shoes and purses, and a good selection of coats. I left empty-handed, but know I'll be back the next time I get an urge to do some shopping around my 'hood.

Georgetown Cupcake

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda) — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 15:26:00 +0000

I've been meaning to try Georgetown Cupcake since I moved to DC almost two months ago; however, the line is usually wrapped around the block and I never have the patience to wait.

It's hard not to admire the founders of the store - sisters Katherine Kallinis and Sophie LaMontagne. They have built a cupcake empire after leaving their corporate jobs (at the peak of the recession) to follow their passion for baking. In addition to their insanely popular store on M Street, they have a hit TV show on TLC and a book due out next month.

Now I can say that I am no longer a Georgetown Cupcake virgin. On Friday, my girlfriend Eleni came into town to celebrate her birthday. We forwent traditional birthday cake for two gourmet cupcakes both with cream cheese frosting (a must) - red velvet and coconut. I must admit, they were pretty perfect and well worth the wait. And in my personal opinion, better than their neighbors Sprinkles. There, I said it!

Oh, and one more thing. These photos were taken by Eleni with her new Panasonic Lumix advanced point and shoot camera. She is starting her own blog on fashion, food and fun. Photog pro in the making!

One Month as Washingtonians

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda) — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 13:32:00 +0000

An earthquake, hurricane, 10th Anniversary of 9/11...what a month living in our Nation's Capitol! The other day I saw a father and son riding to school and work on a tandem bike..backpacks and all. Last weekend, my sister and her boyfriend came into town and we walked for miles around the National Mall. This weekend I woke up and wanted to make us omelets. So I walked two blocks to get fresh veggies from the Farmer's Market and picked up my very first purple pepper. And yesterday I spent the whole day remembering 9/11 at the Newseum. I will NEVER forget. It's been a great month and I'm happy to be here.

Soul Fest at The Stage

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda) — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 21:32:00 +0000

Last Saturday night we got a group of friends together to check out the 1st Annual Soul Fest Weekend at The Stage. LEBO was there doing live painting, Michael's Genuine was set-up serving grub (heard the fried chicken was incredible but I refrained from indulging) and Stokeswood went on around 12 and had us dancing till about 2.

It was such a fun night and a great way to spend my second to last weekend living in Miami. Yes, you heard that right. I'll be leaving the city that I grew up in a for a crazy, wonderful, exciting new adventure in Washington, DC. My roots are in South Florida and of course I'll be back often. But I've never lived outside of Florida and I'm really looking forward to a new city with all new people, places and things. Don't worry, Live Laugh Snap will continue; however, there will be a change of scenery.

So without further adieu, here are some funky pics I snapped of Stokeswood's Megg Serrano jamin' on the tamborine. Hope The Stage does this again next year. Just the type of thing Miami needs more of.

Summer in Spain

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda) — Sun, 24 Jul 2011 21:04:00 +0000

I've been meaning to get these photos up from my Spain trip for the past two weeks. To be honest, I took so many and it was hard deciding which to choose. So here's a little random collection for your viewing pleasure. The first few are from Seville, then on to Madrid and last but not least Barcelona. I promise to get more photos up soon from the trip but here's a few to hold you over for now.

Chocolate Covered Pretzels

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda) — Tue, 31 May 2011 02:10:00 +0000

I've been meaning to make these delicious dark chocolate covered pretzels ever since one of my favorite bloggers Cupcakes and Cashmere posted ones similar on her site. These are the perfect treat to make when time is of the essence. Not to mention, only three ingredients are required - pretzels, chocolate and sprinkles. It was a friend's birthday and I wanted to bring a little something over to surprise him. I already had two of the ingredients in my pantry so after a quick run to Publix for pretzels, I went to work. I think this took me a total of 20 minutes, plus drying time. I recommend using chocolate candy coating instead of the chocolate morsels you find at the grocery story because candy coating melts and dries much faster. I used white sprinkles because I already had them but next time I am going to have to try different colors. How perfect would these be in pink or blue for a baby shower? Or, make them in team colors for a game viewing party. So many tasty options!

Just Gone Thrifting

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda) — Wed, 18 May 2011 22:41:00 +0000

All these fashion blogs I read (guilty pleasure) are constantly posting photos of cool things they find "thirifting." Granted, there is nothing in South Florida like the Brooklyn Flea but I decided there must be one or two places around town with hidden gems. So last weekend when I was in Boca I recruited my mom to help scour a few second hand shops. Knew she would be down to put her bargain shopping skills to work. It was a Sunday so not a whole lot was open but we were able to find this one shopping center with four different stores. At the JCC Thrift Shop, I discovered this for $5! Wasn't really sure what to do with it at first but after a few coats of gold spray paint (it was an ugly green) and a couple bamboo sticks from the dollar store - voilà! Good luck all year round.

Beachy Keen

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda) — Sun, 15 May 2011 01:39:00 +0000

We'll show you severe thunderstorm warning and 40 percent chance of rain. It was a beautiful day today on South Beach. A couple hours to soak up the rays is just what every weekend should consist of. Brought my camera along with my telephoto lens just to goof around. The beach was packed with locals and tourists despite that "the season" is coming to an end. Just a few weeks left till summer arrives - can't wait!

Happy Thoughts

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda) — Wed, 04 May 2011 23:26:00 +0000

It's been one of those weeks when you look around and feel very thankful for what you have - family, friends and good health. We often take these things for granted, but I've been reminded the past few days just how important and precious they are. Here are just a few things that have been making me happy.

Downtown and actually all over Miami we have beautiful bougainvillea trees. Inspired my mom, I snatched up a few fallen branches and put together this little bouquet.

Here's a view from the top of the Mercedes-Benz Corporate Run last week in Miami taken with my iPhone. Truly could not believe how many people come out to this event - like 30,000! Despite the sweaty pushing to get to the start line, I had a great time bonding with my colleagues.

I made Michelle Bernstein's chimichurri recipe earlier this week and here's a shot before I doused the ingredients in olive oil. Drizzled over skirt steak with sweet potatoes and veggie rice on the side - Bone Appetit!

Sights & Sounds of Sunfest

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda) — Tue, 03 May 2011 00:42:00 +0000

We made our way to Sunfest on Saturday afternoon and it was a pretty fun day. We got there too early though and after several hours in the steaming hot sun, we were ready to head home and sadly missed MGMT. Oh well, better planning next year. The art was pretty decent though and we saw Ziggy Marley play which was cool. The highlight of the day was by far the pineapple chicken concoction, actually served in a pineapple. We were pretty impressed. Here are just a few shots I captured walking around.

MIA's Mercedes-Benz Corporate Run

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda) — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 15:08:00 +0000

Last night was the Mercedes-Benz Corporate Run and what a crazy time! It was my first time participating in the run and I really could not believe how many people and companies come out. More pictures to come but wanted to post this quick video I took pre-race of all the tents and teams at Bayfront Park.The music in the background is courtesy of a nice group of men playing the bagpipes. Such a spectacle!

Earth Day Yoga

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda) — Sun, 24 Apr 2011 23:25:00 +0000

Since the Wanderlust Festival, I've been dedicating more time to my yoga practice. There were a ton of events taking place in Miami to celebrate Earth Day but I decided to check out YogaBliss at the Miami Beach Botanical Garden.

The free class was taught by Keith Fox and held outside on the lawn with live music. It was my first time visiting the Botanical Gardens - I had no idea such a peaceful green space existed in the heart of South Beach. Keith led about 200 or so fellow yogis through an hour and a half of vinyasa flow. It was a hot day (I left with an intense sports bra sunburn) but thankfully there was a little breeze and the sponsors (Zico and Mix1) were nice enough to walk around and leave ice cold beverages on our mats. After the class, a free yoga retreat in Costa Rica was raffled off, which I sadly did not win, but all the money from the raffle went to benefit the MahaShakti Foundation - an organization that spreads yoga throughout South Florida especially to those in need. Here are some shots from the day.

Morning Sunrise

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda) — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 21:17:00 +0000

Woke up this morning, looked out the window, and Monday didn't feel so bad. Maybe it was all the rain yesterday, not exactly sure, but the sun looked brighter and bigger than most mornings. Grabbed my iPhone and managed to get this shot. Try waking up a little earlier tomorrow, like around 6:45am and see it for yourself. Will probably make your day a tidbit happier.

Pie Perfection

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda) — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 23:30:00 +0000

It's nice to have girlfriends who will share their Sex & the City DVD box set and their key lime pie recipe - all in one night. I'm so proud of our masterpiece, which is even prettier (and tastier in person). We followed this recipe from The Capitol Baker. The hardest part was juicing all the limes because my thumb started going numb from all the pressing and grinding. Everything else was pretty easy, including the homemade whipped cream.

Happy Thoughts

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda) — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 02:45:00 +0000

Thought I'd share a few things that are currently making me happy, starting off with this beautiful black semi lace dress which I have been eyeing at The Dressing Room - a cute locally-owned boutique in South Miami. Knew this beauty had to be mine after spotting it in the window when the shop was closed.

Sadly, one of my orchids that I've had for six months took a turn for the worst this weekend. In just two days all the blooms wilted and fell off. So here is its replacement which I got from a vendor today at the Mary Brickell Village Farmer's Market.

My girlfriend Eleni is going to teach me how to make her famous Key Lime Pie! I bought the ingredients over the weekend, including a whole bag of key limes. My mouth is salivating already.

Ta da! Here is my first attempt at making Red Velvet Cake Balls, inspired by Bakerella. While simple, this was a whole day process, but in the end totally worth it. Now I just have to get these cake balls out of my house, quickly, before I eat them all and gain 10 lbs.

Out & About

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda) — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 02:25:00 +0000

Feel like a slacker for neglecting my blog but the truth is that I have been out and about, just keep forgetting to bring my camera along. Still, I've been able to snap some decent pics with my iPhone, especially with the Pano app (my favorite photography app of them all). Here's a collection of my whereabouts.

View from my balcony during a Brickell sunset. Really can't beat this. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else in Miami.

Paid my first visit to The Filling Station, a local joint downtown that just started to stay open on the weekends. Guess they realized people actually live, not just work, in this part of town. Well, I'm glad they did because their spicy jerk chicken wings set my mouth on fire and the ice cold Milk Stout was just what I needed to keep my lips from not burning off. I'll definitely be back to this place, and perhaps on karaoke night.

Miami Circle Park (behind the Icon) is now finally open after 12 years in the making. Taxpayers bought this ancient site for $27 million to save it from becoming a plot for another high-rise condo. This Miami Herald article does a great job detailing the park's history, dating back 2,000 years ago when Miami’s first settlers, the Tequesta tribe, were believed to have engaged in reverential ceremony. It's so nice to have this little slice of green to enjoy. Situated in the heart of the city, and just a few steps from my front door, I like to come here after work with Rusty.

Now this is pretty. I took this picture right before we sailed off on our cruise to Cozumel, Mexico. Now, I'm not much of a cruise person (overwhelming buffets, cheesy entertainment, touristy destinations) but truly enjoyed getting away for a few days to celebrate my birthday. When we docked back at the Port of Miami, we looked at each other and decided we have to do this more often. Good book + sunny lounge chair + fruity drink + ocean view = happy place.

yoga. music. sunshine.

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda) — Sun, 20 Mar 2011 20:30:00 +0000

Yogis from across the country gathered at The Standard Miami Beach this weekend as part of the Wanderlust Festival. My mom and I took part in some of the activities on Saturday and I made sure to bring my camera along. We started the day with Kula Flow yoga overlooking Miami's gorgeous bay. While on the wooden deck, you could feel the waves crashing while breathing in the ocean's scent. In between classes we indulged in a few healthy options on the menu including the egg white omelet and mediterranean platter and laid out by the heavenly infinity pool. Our last class of the day was taught by Keith Fox, a yoga instructor with two studios in Delray Beach. It was challenging, yet easy to follow and a fantastic workout. Here are some of the photos from the day; they were all edited with Picnik.

St. Patty's Brickell Takeover

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda) — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 23:29:00 +0000

St. Patrick's Day completely took over Brickell last night. Waking up for working this morning was not in the least enjoyable...guess that's part of the holiday. We started at Tobacco Road which lucky for me is just steps away from my apartment. There was no way I was missing 20 food trucks in one place. The crowd slowly trickled in and by 10pm the place was slammed. We went from truck to truck ordering odds and ends from Dim Saam a Go Go's mouthwatering brussel sprouts to Jefe's flavorful fish tacos. One of my girlfriend's tried the Grilled Harvest from Ms Cheezious. When I asked her what she thought her response was "Is it an apple pie, is it a grilled cheese or is it both?" Translation: incredible.

Must say though, the truck that got the most rave reviews was CheeseMe. You'll see some pics below of my friends chowing down...that was in front of CheeseMe. I did not try them but I heard the short rib sliders were out of this world.

After a good three hours of gorging on greasy food and filling up on green beer (which by the way Tobacco Road, $5 a pop is a little hefty, don't ya think) we rallied by Mary Brickell Village where the crowd was jamming to a fun U2 cover band.

All in all, great time! Good job Brickell. You definitely gave the Gables a run for its money.

"I Do" at Jungle Island

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda) — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 03:00:00 +0000

Our friends Alyssa & Stephen tied the knot this weekend at Jungle Island and the wedding was dazzling. The bride was stunning and the groom dashing. No detail was overlooked; from the pink and white rose and hydrangea center pieces to the 12-piece band. There were fireworks, ice sculptures, a baby kangaroo, caviar and fried mini doughnuts...this was just the start. Here are some of my favorite photos of the night.

Coconut Grove Art Festival 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda) — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 14:23:00 +0000

Paid my yearly visit to the Coconut Grove Art Festival over the weekend. This event is a staple in Miami and definitely one of my favs. Partly because the weather is usually so beautiful; the kind of weather where you just want to be outside all day. And partly because the entire community comes out to eat, drink, dance and be merry. It's also an opportunity to gorge on an enormous gyro and slurp a frozen lemonade. Guilty!

This year we switched it up a bit - we took the metro from Brickell instead of dealing with traffic and parking. The way there was awesome but on the way back our train was having technical difficulties and we were waiting at the station for a good 30 minutes. No worries though, everything worked out. Here are a few shots from the day.