Fillmore Martin Photography

Wall Canvases

2011-03-26T15:43:00.000-05:00

Here's a great example of what you can do with your images after our photo session. A collection of canvases is a great way to showcase your photos in your home.

Book your spring photo sessions now

2011-03-23T18:07:00.000-05:00

Don't forget to call or e-mail me to book your spring photo sessions now. The flowers will be blooming before you know it.

(703) 655-2817

amanda@fillmoremartinphoto.com

www.fillmoremartinphoto.com

New Marketing Postcards

2011-03-18T12:16:00.000-05:00

I'm so excited to get my new marketing postcards in the mail. I just ordered them today from Moo.com

Winter Tea Party

2011-03-16T09:40:00.000-05:00

Molly, my sister and I fell out,
And what do you think it was all about?
She loved coffee and I loved tea,
And that was the reason we couldn't agree.

- Mother Goose Nursery Rhyme

Emma and Charlie - February 2, 2010 - Van Dyck Park, Fairfax, Virginia

DC Walk to Empower

2009-03-24T14:21:00.003-05:00

Hi everyone..! I'm doing the Walk to Empower again this year with my friend Maria. This year is on the national mall on Mothers day.

Please visit my web site and make a donation if you can.

Or if you're in the area.. join our team.. and come out and walk with us.!

Maria and I have created a team called the Pink Flamingos... seeing as we are both Florida girls...

Here's our photo montage of our 2007 walk!

Visit my page here to make a donation or join our team!

http://walk.networkofstrength.org/amandamartin

DC Environmental Film Festival...

2009-03-12T12:19:00.002-05:00

March 11 - 22nd .. check it out..

http://www.dcenvironmentalfilmfest.org/films.php

New Book

2008-12-31T17:00:00.000-05:00

My father in law has a new book coming out by the end of the year. Losing Everything is his memoir.

It's available on Amazon for pre-order. Keep your eyes out for it. I've read it already and it's really a captivating story.

Here's the title of the new book:

Losing Everything (Hardcover)by David Lozell Martin (Author)

______________________________________________________________________

The New York Times reveiwed the book today.. here's a link to that..

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/31/books/31garn.html?_r=2&scp=2&sq=%22losing%20everything%22&st=cse

Books of The Times

How Low Can You Go?

Lesson From the Dark Side

By DWIGHT GARNER

Published: December 30, 2008

Cute Card from my Mom

2008-12-22T14:07:00.002-05:00

My crafty mom made me the cutest card... that's a picture of my grandmother on the front with my mom in her arms [ aunt on the bike] and me with a wig on in the walker when I was a baby..... too funny !

Barack the Vote !

2008-11-03T22:00:00.000-05:00

Sen. Barack Obama saved his biggest Virginia rally for last -- bringing out more than 85,000 people to the Prince William County Fairgrounds on the eve of Election Day.

Woo hoo..and I was there.. man was it crazy packed with people.!!!

It was very exciting to be there on the last night before voting..

A Wicked Good Cake

2008-09-15T12:44:00.005-05:00

I made my first fondant covered cake over the weekend.

My friends little girl was having a Broadway themed b-day party .. and they asked me to make the cake...

Not bad for a first attempt...

Good Reads?

2008-08-09T23:11:00.002-05:00

Eureka Street: A Novel of Ireland Like No Other by Robert McLiam-Wilson

For the longest time.. this was my favorite book... it's a quirky story.. but there are so many lines in there that I could just read over and over...

Food Network !

2008-07-30T09:45:00.004-05:00

I had a little adventure yesterday.....

I went to NYC to the Food Network studios in Chelsea to be in the studio audience for the taping of a pilot show.

You know Guy Fieri from his shows on the Food Network ...

http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/show_dv

They are taping pilots of a new show of his called Off The Hook ... it was really a fun day.

Stay tuned.. if they pick up the show.. I'll let you know when it airs.. and you may be able to see me in the audience ?!

Mason Community Members Show Their Stuff at Artomatic

2008-06-04T15:10:00.001-05:00

Check out this nice article by the Mason Gazette

http://gazette.gmu.edu/articles/12069/

June 4, 2008

A number of Mason faculty, staff and students are participating in this year's Artomatic, "a month-long multimedia arts event that draws together visual artists, musicians and performers and brings their work to the community without charge," according to its web site.

This year's program, which opened May 9 and runs until June 15, comprises 1,000 artists occupying 10 floors of the Capital Plaza I building, 1200 First Street, NE, in Washington, D.C. According to the Artomatic web site, the event began in 1999 with about 350 artists.

Physics professors Ernest Barreto and Paul So are back at Artomatic after participating for the first time last year. Barreto is showing four photographs of buildings on the 12th floor, while So is displaying a series of acrylic paintings on the sixth floor.

Karl Zhang, assistant professor of Chinese in the department of Modern and Classical Languages, read aloud a selection of Chinese poems in his native language and English translations at Artomatic on May 29.

The poems were part of a translation project called Time Shadows cosponsored by the Goethe Institute and the Chinatown Chinese Culture Center in Washington, D.C. Time Shadows celebrates German, Chinese and American cultures, each of which has contributed to the rich cultural history in Chinatown. The poems, which were written over a period of 1,200 years, reflect the experiences of Chinese and German immigrants downtown during the 19th and 20th centuries. Since February, sets of poems from these three cultures have appeared in storefront windows and on Chinatown buses.

Amanda Martin's photographs are displayed on the left side of a space she shares at Artomatic with her friend, Tina Duryea.
Photo courtesy of Amanda Martin

Amanda Martin, assistant to Sara Cobb, director of the Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution (ICAR), is a nature and landscape photographer whose photos were used in a brochure about Point of View, the ICAR research and conference center under development.

Martin says, "I have always enjoyed taking pictures. My boss' encouragement and that of my friends and family motivated me to display my work at Artomatic this year." Martin's photographs are displayed on the 11th floor at Artomatic near the West Elm lounge.

Creative Services photographer Evan Cantwell is exhibiting his photographs for the first time at Artomatic. His display is on the fourth floor. Cantwell said he joined this year to "show some work and be part of the experience."

As part of their participation, artists are required to donate some time to helping run the program. Cantwell was assigned to help artists set up their spaces and was impressed to "see it come alive" as the empty floors were partitioned and filled with art.

Jim Greif, a public relations manager in University Relations by day, plays drums with several bands in his free time. He played with a rock group, My Friend Autumn, and an Irish band, O'Tasty, during Artomatic's opening weekend.

Greif has participated in Artomatic several times before with different bands. For his volunteer duty, Greif was assigned to the bar area, and said the experience "was great for networking. It's neat that that many local artists of all kinds get together."

Amanda Novcic, who graduated in May with a BA in Art History and a minor in arts administration, has been working with Artomatic on the programming side, booking the musical acts and organizing a fashion show.

Novcic was familiar with Artomatic from being a volunteer in previous years, but she joined the nonprofit group in February as part of an internship for her arts administration program. She was able to co-manage a smaller event sponsored by Artomatic, a glass exhibit, earlier this year.

Like Greif, she found the networking aspect of Artomatic valuable.

"I expect to use my contacts after the event closes," she says. "I'd like to be an artist representative, and lots of contacts [from Artomatic] are interested in my services."

Artomatic is open Wednesdays and Thursdays from 5 to 10 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays from noon to 2 a.m.; and Sundays from noon to 10 p.m.

We made the DCist !

2008-05-12T19:54:00.003-05:00

Check it out! Tina and I made the "Photo of the Day" in the DCist...OK well WE didn't.. but our spaces and art at Artomatic did.....

http://dcist.com/2008/05/12/photo_of_the_da_245.php

Photo of the Day: May 12, 2008

If you sat at home all weekend, you're likely the only one in the Metro region who did. Between Artomatic's opening weekend, National Cathedral's Lighting to Unite event, or six hour roundtrip drives to Nissan Pavilion, you got our Flickr pool jampacked with the weekend's goings-on. We decided not to torture some of you with this great shot of Johnny Greenwood, especially after we saw this lovely photo by Aardvark_For_Freedom of a lady taking her time to check out a couple Artomatic booths. We've been hearing good things about this year's show so far, so be sure to set some time aside for a couple trips to cover the entire exhibition.

Our site on the 11th floor at Artomatic ! we are ready......

2008-05-08T08:06:00.003-05:00

monkey, monkey, monkey, monkey, you!

2008-05-02T12:08:00.000-05:00

We saw my favorite comedian last night! woo hoo! Eddie is brilliant as ever...

Artomatic

2008-04-13T23:12:00.009-05:00

Tina and I went to the Artomatic building Saturday to get our sites picked out. Here's the
building where Artomatic will be held.

Here is Tina and her spot...

and me and my spot.. right next to hers.....
It's pretty cool.. it's going to be a fun time.

Artomatic 2008

2008-03-27T11:44:00.004-05:00

I'm going to have a space to display and sell photos this year at Artomatic 2008.

Artomatic runs from May 9 - June 15. Check it out !

http://www.artomatic.org/

hOppy Easter

2008-03-23T12:43:00.004-05:00

I made a few easter bunnie cupcakes for a party today.. I think they turned out pretty cute.

yum.. bunnies

Happy 1st Birthday

2008-03-14T12:49:00.000-05:00

Ah first birthdays.... I made cakes and pies for Pearls 1st birthday... I think she liked it.!

White cake with blueberry filling for the birthday girl and chocolate peanut butter pie for the 'grown ups'.

Gallery Girls Premier

2008-03-10T08:56:00.004-05:00

Saturday was the inaugural outing of the "Gallery Girls", the hottest new club in the DC Metro area. OK, so there were only three of us going to a gallery and lunch.... but we hope that it grows into something more.
Saturday we went to the Smithsonian American Art Museum to see the "Color as Field:American Painting, 1950-1975" exhibit. The idea is to see a different exhibit once a month or so.

We saw works by Helen Frankenthaller, Morris Lewis, Rothko, and others. It was a really good show.

I'm looking forward to our adventures next month.

Virginia February

2008-02-05T13:28:00.000-05:00

Florida in January

2008-01-20T13:23:00.000-05:00

Arizona in December

2007-12-22T13:16:00.002-05:00

First Snow

2007-12-05T15:43:00.006-05:00

I was lucky enough to be outside today to catch the first snowfall of the season. The snow fell in those amazing cotton balls from the sky.. it was really something.

Here are a few pictures from today.

Ox's trip to Pennyfield Locke

2007-11-27T10:02:00.000-05:00

20th Annual Fannie Mae Walk for the Homeless

2007-11-17T18:55:00.001-05:00

Today I ventured out with the rest of the Martin clan for the Fannie Mae Walk for the Homeless. It was chilly out there... but not as cold as last year. We had a special new walker with us.... baby Pearl. OK.. she wasn't really 'walking' .. mostly strolling along.. it was great to have her with us.

http://www.helpthehomelessdc.org/site/c.plI4IcNWJyE/b.2699643/k.D6AC/Welcome_to_the_National_Help_the_Homeless_Web_Site.htm

Dane Cook

2007-11-16T18:50:00.000-05:00

Saw Dane Cook at the Verizon Center tonight .... too fun.

http://www.danecook.com/

Fall

2007-11-15T18:25:00.001-05:00

Wedding Bells

2007-10-22T17:00:00.000-05:00

Hansel and Gretel

2007-10-14T14:00:00.000-05:00

Sunday we went out to see our friends daughter in her Opera debut of Hansel and Gretel.

Hansel and Gretel

Sunday, October 14, 2007 at 2:00pm

Saturday, October 20, 2007 at 4:00pm and 7:00pm

Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre

125 S. Old Glebe Road, Arlington

OTNV is proud to bring to the stage Engelbert Humperdinck's Hansel and Gretel as the 2007 family opera, featuring glorious music in a new adaptation of the classic tale in which everyone lives happily ever after--even the witch! The production will be directed by Joe Banno and features Elaine Dalbo (Hansel), Katherine Osborne (Gretel), Sarah Philippa (Mother/Witch), Wade Thomas (Father), and Kathy Hankins (Sandman/Fairy). Sung in English.

Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, $6 for children 14 and under, and $5 per child for groups of 10 or more children.

Marathon Training

2007-09-27T20:00:00.000-05:00

The official start of my 'marathon training' was Monday September 24. When I'm running I like to catalogue the things I've seen. I guess it's something to keep my mind off what my body is trying to do.

So far this week I've seen.

2 chipmunks, a few cardinals, some really pretty wild flowers.. that's about it for 'nature'.

I do see some of the same people on my stretch of the trail all the time.. like..

-super fast speed walking, headphones wearing guy
-the lady in lavender
-dread lock dude on his bike
-creepy stalker bike riding dude with his hat on
-the jogging couple
-the rollerblading couple.. look out.. one of them is unsteady
-the speed walking group of ladies
-and the dog walkers....

I'll see you all on Saturday out there on the trail!

James River State Park

2007-09-15T12:33:00.006-05:00

Matt and I went camping this weekend at James River State park in Virginia. OK, it wasn't REAL camping.. we stayed in this awesome cabin!

It's a pretty cool park.

We did some kayaking (really sinking and floating) down the river and had a great time playing Taboo.. with our friends.

http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/jam.shtml

Our American King

2007-09-01T11:52:00.000-05:00

My father-in-law (well, soon to be) has a new book, Our American King will be released on September 11, 2007.

Check out a book signing event;

September 13, 7 P.M. David Lozell Martin reads from and signs his new post-apocalyptic novel, Our American King, at Olsson's Books-Dupont, 202-785-1133.

September 22, 4 P.M. David Lozell Martin reads from and signs his new novel, Our American King, at Busboys & Poets, 14th Street NW, 202-387-7638.

Follow this link to the Washington Post Review: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/09/02/AR2007090201329.html

Arlington County Fair

2007-08-18T11:46:00.000-05:00

This year I entered some cookies in the Arlington County Fair. I'm proud to say that my Chocolate Chip cookies received an honorable mention and my Sugar Cookies won second place in the 'fair theme' category.

The Arlington County Fair theme this year was, "Arlington, A Community of Neighbors", my sugar cookies were named 'A borrowed cup of sugar' cookies. I'm sure they won for the name.. not the taste.

The fair was a lot of fun. It's always great to get out see your friends and eat some fair food!

http://www.arlingtoncountyfair.org/

Don't call me... I'm reading.

2007-07-21T10:32:00.000-05:00

Fun Friday

2007-07-20T10:29:00.000-05:00

Baking AND Renewable Energy?

2007-06-18T12:39:00.000-05:00

It's true.. my favorite local bakery has gone green.. yea for Cake Love.

DC Mayor Adrian Fenty recently joined with Clean Currents to announce a new alliance of locally-owned DC businesses switching to 100% green power to fight global warming.

A group of popular locally-owned DC businesses, including CakeLove, have switched over to 100 percent wind power in an effort to reduce dangerous greenhouse gas emissions and to encourage greater energy independence.

Working through the DC Area Local Business Alliance, which is a project of the Latino Economic Development Corporation, Clean Currents brought together numerous businesses near the U Street corridor to form a green energy buying group to reduce carbon emissions into the DC region's air.

As a result, CakeLove is now 100 percent wind powered!

http://cakelove.com/u_green.php

I know it's wrong.....

2007-06-14T09:22:00.000-05:00

to brag.. but this is my first award for baking.. and I'm just soooo excited and giggly over it. They brought my certificate over today with a nice bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon... and I just had to post my certificate on my blog...

I apologize to everyone who is tired of hearing about it... but it had to be done.. ;-)

My cookies are winners!

2007-06-06T07:47:00.000-05:00

2007 TASTE OFF WINNERS!!!

I am pleased to announce the winners of the 2007 Cooking for Kids Taste Off.
Participating law firms were:

Arent Fox
Bracewell & Giuiliani
Mayer, Brown, Rowe & Maw
Reed Smith
Spriggs & Hollingsworth
Steptoe & Johnson
Washington Lawyer's Committee
Weil, Gotshal & Manges

Thanks to all of the law firms and bakers for participating in this event. Our judges were:

David Dorsen, Esq., noted former Wine & Food Editor, Washingtonian Magazine;

Thomas Head, former Executive Wine &Food Editor, Washingtonian Magazine;

Melanie Parker, Pastry Chef at the award-winning Equinox Restaurant; and

Nancy Brier, Assistant to the Owner, Equinox Restaurant.

The judges picked one winning dessert from each category. From those three desserts a grand prize winner was selected. The winners are:

Pie – Elizabeth Carder, Reed Smith – Triple Berry Pie
Cake – Tonie Davis, Mayer Brown Rowe & Maw – Lemon Pound Cake
Cookie – Amanda Fillmore, Bracewell & Giuiliani – Chocolate Chip Cookie

Tonie Davis, Mayer Brown Rowe & Maw was awarded the Grand Prize, dinner for two (2) at a D.C. restaurant courtesy of our judge, David Dorsen, Esq. The remaining winners will each receive a bottle of fine wine recommended by our wine critic.

Congratulations to the winners and to all of the baking participants. The desserts were fabulous!! Thanks also to the bake sale coordinators and to the firms for your enthusiastic support of this activity.

Thank you to everyone for participating in today's Cooking for Kids bake sale and contest. The big winners are the students at Brightwood Elementary School since we raised $245!

2007 Cooking for Kids Taste Off!

2007-06-06T07:44:00.000-05:00

The Washington Lawyer's Committee
announces
Cooking for Kids 2007
Law Firm Bake Sale and Taste Off
Monday, June 4, 2007

On Monday June 4 the Washington Lawyers Committee invites your firm to participate in the 7th Cooking for Kids Bake Sale and Taste Off. Participating firms invite their employees to contribute home-baked goods for an old fashioned bake sale held on site at your firm. All proceeds go directly to your public school partner to support enrichment programs and/or activities for students. Each firm assembles a panel of judges to determine the firm’s best pie, cake and cookie to represent the firm in the afternoon competition.

In the afternoon participating firms offer up their best pie, cake and cookie to be judged by our panel of culinary
Experts: former Food and Wine Editors for Washingtonian Magazine, Messrs. Davis Dorsen and Tom Head. The competition will commence at the offices of the Washington Lawyers Committee at 4:00pm. Please RSVP if you have not done so.

The 10th Annual CSC Invitational

2007-06-03T17:13:00.000-05:00

Saturday we went out with some friends to check out the bike race... here are a few pics... oh ya.. and that's totally what I look like on my bike too..... :)

It was a pretty fun event.. we had great seats at Whitlow's outside on the patio to see the action.

If anyone out there has pictures of female rider #255... Elizabeth Hatch (http://bp2.blogger.com/_OSh_FEqfQ_g/Rl-bF9kiCZI/AAAAAAAAAHE/ka4AWAC5yUk/s1600-h/Liz) my boyfriend would really appreciate copies ;-)

The crowd didn't seem that into it, which was kind of disappointing.... I think they needed more cow bell.

http://www.cscinvitational.com/

Dupont Circle Art Galleries

2007-06-01T09:52:00.000-05:00

FIRST FRIDAY OPEN HOUSE

The Dupont Circle Art Galleries hold opening receptions (which are free and open to the public, no invitation needed) on the first Friday of each month from 5 to 8 pm.There are over 25 galleries located in the Dupont Circle neighborhood, many on Connecticut Avenue and R Street. All the galleries carry Galleries Magazine which gives directions and provides maps. On First Fridays the galleries serve food and wine; there are often musicians playing; and lanterns lit -- all very festive. There are many restaurants and open air cafes -- more incentive for a lovely evening!

I'll be heading there tonight with my friend and painter Tina from http://www.tinaduryea.blogspot.com/

It'll be a lot of fun... hey anything with free food and wine is a lot of fun !

Woo-Hoo

2007-05-29T11:54:00.000-05:00

I'm very excited to be a new member of the Daring Bakers !

Finally..... to belong to a group of people who understand the quirks of someone who spends too much time in the kitchen trying to figure out if this cocoa powder is Dutch-Process, Black Cocoa, Double Dutch or Bensdorp Dutch... and if it really matters??!!? ;-)

Name that Bakery !

2007-05-25T12:58:00.001-05:00

In the future I dream of opening a bakery.... I'm trying to think of a good name for it...... so I'm calling out to my friends to send me their suggestions...

So far I have:

Sweet Cakes
Amy's Cakes
Take the Cake
Sweet Dreams
Piece of Cake
ButterCream

Pies & Pastries

Cake Runner

Fill More Cakes

Pie In The Sky

New Country Bakery
Sweets 'n Treats by Amy

Sweets 'n Treats Bakery
Sweet Delights
Goodies by Amy
Lil' Taste of Heaven Bakery
Amy's Cookies & More
Present & Pasts Bakery

Shake and Bake

Buns of Fun
Oven Fresh
Rollin' in the Dough

Rise Above The Rest

Let Them Eat Cake

Amy's Biscuits

Nice Biscuits

Lovely Buns

Luscious Buttercups

Yeast World

Sugar Buzz Bakery

What are your ideas for a bakery name that people would remember?? Let me know!

Cupcake Porn

2007-05-22T13:55:00.001-05:00

Cupcakes from the Magnolia Bakery, 401 Bleeker St at 11th St. New York

If there is a heaven I hope it smells like butter cream.

M-I-C-K-E-Y

2007-05-22T08:26:00.000-05:00

In order to motivate my self to get out and enjoy this great spring weather.. I did the unthinkable....I signed up for the Dinsey Marathon 2008! After the Marine Corps... I swore off Marathons... but 2008 will be the 15th anniversary of the Disney race.. and they will be giving out a "top secret" medal.

If you know me.. you know I only race for the free stuff.. and the lure of a top secret medal that will be a one of a kind.. is too much for me to resist. !!! Oh Mickey!

EXCLUSIVE 15th ANNIVERSARY FINISHER MEDAL
The 15th Anniversary Marathon Finisher's Medal is so special that it will remain TOP SECRET until the end of the race. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to earn an exclusive medal that will never be produced again. All race finishers will receive a specially designed 15th Anniversary Medal at the Finish Line.

Pics from the Walk to Empower

2007-05-22T08:02:00.000-05:00

Thank you to everyone that supported me in the Walk to Empower. I raised over $300.00! You all are amazing!

I walked with my friend Maria who fought breast cancer last year. We were joined by friends from her support group who also kicked cancer in the butt.

Pink Power!

Walk to Empower

2007-05-10T09:07:00.000-05:00

This mothers day I'll be walking with some of my friends to raise money for the Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization. For more information about this event and the services provided by Y-Me to support people diagnosed with breast cancer, please check out my web site below.

http://main.y-me.org/goto/amanda.fillmore

Slowly I turned...

2007-05-05T09:18:00.000-05:00

Ahhh.. Niagara Falls ...

Today I was able to take Matt to the exciting 'lumber capital of the world'. Well at least North Tonawanda, New York (city of my birth) ... WAS the lumber capital of the world rival to Chicago (city of Matt's birth).. for a short time in.. 1825.

Good stuff.

It was really nice to show Matt where my parents grew up.... and where I lived for a while.

We were also able to sample some Buffalo area culinary delights... fried bologna and Beef on Weck.

Made only in the Buffalo-Rochester area, the kummelweck—often alternatively spelled kimmelweck—is basically a Kaiser roll topped with lots of pretzel salt and caraway seeds. Kummelweck is simply shortened to “weck.” The sandwich is usually served with sinus-clearing horseradish (you can tell a native Buffalonian by the amount of horseradish he or she used), a couple of huge kosher dill pickle slices on the side, and extra beef juice served straight from the roast. Wash it all down with a cold, locally brewed ale.

Although the exact history of the sandwich can’t be documented, it is believed that William Wahr, a German baker, brought the kummelweck to Buffalo from the Black Forest. German immigrants had already made the city a center of brewing. [http://whatscookingamerica.net/History/Sandwiches/BeefOnWeck.htm]

Our fried bologna....

Our beef on weck...

You can see.. we didn't like them at all....

Peep !

2007-04-21T22:00:00.000-05:00

Saturday night.. went to Artomatic in Crystal City... saw some art.. saw some bands... saw some ants.. saw some PEEPS !!! Check it out.... at http://www.artomatic.org/

Peeps are cool !

Some of the peeps were peepin' ...

Some of the peeps were commutin'....

For the full peep story see the Washington Post Article about the peep dioramas

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/04/05/AR2007040501976.html

Butter

2007-04-19T08:12:00.000-05:00

Last night I went to see the Queen of Southern cooking, Paula Deen. She is on tour promoting her new book... "It ain't all about the Cookin'".

Things I learned:

1. Her son Bobby is single.

2. You want a perfect pound cake - add butter.

3. Paula is your cook ... not your doctor.

4. The dog Gertie, on the show the first season... not hers... belonged to Gordon Elliot.

5. If you come to see Paula talk... and decide to stand up and protest about the poor working conditions at the Smithfield plant.. you will be tossed out.. [http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/04/17/AR2007041701877.html]

Come support polar bears on March 5 at a public hearing in DC!

2007-03-01T09:56:00.000-05:00

The Fish and Wildlife Service is planning three public hearings on the proposal to list the polar bear under the Endangered Species Act, but only one hearing is scheduled outside of Alaska. Attending is a great way to show your support, and gives you the opportunity to make your voice heard publicly. Plus, you may spot a polar bear or two . . .

The hearing is from 6:00-9:00 PM (but please come early!), at:

Department of the Interior

Sidney Yates Auditorium

1849 C St. NW.Washington, DC

20240

We need a big crowd in support of protecting polar bears at risk from melting sea ice. Please bring photo ID and any prepared remarks if you would like to speak. Hope to see you there!

http://action.earthjustice.org/campaign/polar_bears_listing/explanation

Cake Love!

2007-02-13T11:50:00.000-05:00

Last night was part two of a three part baking class I'm taking at the super cool Cake Love bakery. [http://www.cakelove.com/]

Last nights class was on Decorating; "This class will cover how to put a cake together, terminology, basic tools, and put your skills to the test." I was able to construct a chocolate cake with Italian Meringue Buttercream frosting and filled with raspberries. It was very tasty... my co-workers would attest to that.

We had a special surprise last night. Our class was taught by Cake Love's owner Warren Brown. You may have seen him hosting his show on the Food Network Sugar Rush. It was very nice to meet him and learn some of his tricks of the trade. Cake Love is opening a new store in Shirlington. I'm very excited about that. Its close enough to our house to walk there. I guess I should run there... to burn off those extra calories.!

Thanks Warren for a fun class!

Marine Corps Marathon 2006

2006-11-20T10:36:00.000-05:00

I completed my third Marathon. (That's a sentence I never thought I'd be able to say!)

In honor of my Florida home.. I wore my Minnie Mouse ears for the race. Here I am smiling...(that's because the race hadn't started yet!)

The Marine Corps Marathon turned out to be a tough race. Because of that, it was a great feeling of accomplishment that went with me across the finish line.

My good friend and running partner was there for the second half of the race to keep me going all the way to the finish line! Thank you so much for being there.

Fannie Mae Walk For The Homeless

2006-11-18T08:00:00.000-05:00

This year I was chosen to be part of the Martin family annual Fannie Mae Walk for the Homeless team. It was a chilly morning, but it felt good to be out showing our support for a great program.

The 19th Annual Fannie Mae Walk for the Homeless is Saturday, November 18. This is a great opportunity for exercise and to raise funds and awareness for homelessness. It will take place on the National Mall, Washington, D.C., between 4th and 7th Streets, N.W.

Singer and songwriter Jewel will serve as the honorary chair of the 2006 Fannie Mae Foundation Help the Homeless Program and Walkathon. Jewel will bring a powerful and personal perspective when she speaks at the 2006 Help the Homeless Walkathon.

The Fannie Mae Foundation Help the Homeless Program raises awareness and funds for Washington metropolitan area organizations that are working to prevent and end homelessness, with an emphasis on programs that help homeless people return to independent living. The Help the Homeless Program also fosters volunteerism in service to the homeless and those at risk of becoming homeless.

http://www.helpthehomelessdc.org/

How I Learned to Cook

2006-11-16T18:30:00.000-05:00

Three Chefs: Anthony Bourdain, Jose Andres and Michel Richard

Thanks to a tornado watch and heavy rain all day, I was able to go tonight to this lecture given by the Smithsonian Resident Associate Program. It was a sold out show but some people stayed inside because of the rain and I was able to get a ticket on stand by. I'm so glad I went.

All three chefs were very entertaining to listen to
Every chef has to learn how to cook, whether in grandma’s kitchen or at a professional culinary institute, or perhaps both. Three superstar chefs return to the Smithsonian to recount true tales of the early days in their culinary educations.

Sometimes hilarious, sometimes touching, but always entertaining, chefs Anthony Bourdain, Jose Andres, and Michel Richard recount their first experiences in the kitchen, the miraculous moments that made them want to cook forever, and the unexpected epiphanies that occured just when they thought they knew it all. If you love food and cooking, their stories are an irresistible treat.

Bourdain is executive chef at Brasserie Les Halles in New York, and the star of Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations on the Travel Channel.

Richard is owner and executive chef of Citronelle and author of Happy in the Kitchen.

Andres is executive chef at Jaleo, Cafe Atlantico, and Oyamel, and host of Vamos a cocinar on Television Espanola.

The book How I Learned to Cook: Culinary Educations from the World’s Greatest Chefs (Bloomsbury)—which features essays by more than 25 professional chefs, including this evening’s three guest chefs—is available for signing after the program.

Like OMG Becki !?!?

2006-10-11T14:59:00.000-05:00

OK so we may have been older than most of the people in the room. So what.?!? We had a great time.

I went last night to DAR Constitution Hall in DC to see the top 10 competitors from the FOX show "So You Think You Can Dance."

It was a great time. The dancers were amazing. They performed some of the favorite dances from the show and a few new ones.

"Oh and and like OMG I like totally heart Travis."

We don't need no stinking badges!

2006-09-17T15:02:00.000-05:00

All you need to keep people from stealing your tomatoes is a few no trespass signs and a lock on the gate.

Matt and I put up these extra security measures a few weeks ago. Since then we have had a lot of red tomatoes. YEA!

So never fear community gardener.. There's hope out there for all of us.

Thief in the Garden

2006-08-25T09:32:00.000-05:00

Last night Matt and I went to the garden to water the plants and to check on the progress of the tomato plants. We had a bet going. Matt thought the fruit would be ripe, I thought no way. Well, we will never know who was right. Someone went in and stole my tomatoes right off the plants.

It makes me very sad. It's bad enough to have someone steal a material possession of yours. However, these things are often replaceable. My tomatoes were a product of my hard work.

I'm feeling in the dumps and not motivated to keep gardening in a community garden where your plants are unprotected from intruders.

I so envy people who have yards at their houses where they can spend time planting things.

Knowing occasionally that things will be eaten by critters is an expected event when you are a Gardner. While it's upsetting to have your fruits, veggies, and plants eaten by animals. You can almost feel OK about it, knowing that animals are part of nature. Gardner's always plant extra for the bugs and animals. But when a person goes into your garden and takes what isn't theirs. It's just shameful.

Next time you have to bring dessert...

2006-08-14T10:37:00.000-05:00

I suggest you bring this.

Black-Bottom Peanut Butter Mousse Pie

Sunday evening we went to our friends house for a cook out and I brought this pie.

It was gone before I had time to make sure everyone had a piece.

Yum.

For a pretty presentation, drizzle with melted chocolate and sprinkle with chopped peanuts.

Nonstick vegetable oil spray
7 whole graham crackers, coarsely broken
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted
4 tablespoons sugar, divided
1 1/3 cups bittersweet or semisweet chocolate chips (about 8 ounces)
2/3 cup plus 1 3/4 cups chilled whipping cream, divided
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
2 teaspoons vanilla extract, divided
6 ounces (1 cup) peanut butter chips
2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter (do not use old-fashioned style or freshly ground)

Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray 9-inch-diameter glass pie dish with nonstick spray. Blend graham crackers, melted butter, and 2 tablespoons sugar in processor until moist clumps form. Press crumb mixture over bottom and up sides of prepared pie dish. Bake crust until lightly browned, about 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, combine chocolate chips, 2/3 cup cream, corn syrup, and 1 teaspoon vanilla in microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on medium heat until chocolate softens, about 3 minutes. Whisk until melted and smooth. Spread chocolate mixture over bottom of crust. Freeze 10 minutes.

Microwave peanut butter chips and 3/4 cup cream in large microwave-safe bowl on medium heat at 15-second intervals just until chips soften, stirring often. Whisk in peanut butter and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Cool to barely lukewarm. Beat remaining 1 cup cream and 2 tablespoons sugar in medium bowl until very thick but not yet holding peaks; fold into peanut butter mixture in 3 additions. Spoon mousse over chocolate layer. Chill at least 1 hour and up to 1 day.

Makes 8 to 10 servings.
Bon Appétit August 2006
Epicurious.com

Meet the new member of our family

2006-08-14T08:42:00.000-05:00

This is Allie.

We brought Allie home from the Animal Welfare League of Arlington on Sunday August 13, 2006. They had so many cute cats that are waiting for homes. They also have dogs, rabbits, hamsters, birds and few Guinea pigs too. If your looking for a new friend, they are a good place to start.
http://www.awla.org/index.shtml

So far she seems to be a pretty cool cat. She really likes her new pink mouse and sleeping in the dresser drawer with Matts basketball shorts. (there's really no accounting for taste)

She likes to attack her new toy.. Here's a picture
of her in full mouser mode.. Go Allie ! Go!

Tomato Watch

2006-08-01T16:50:00.000-05:00

I'm having a little friendly competition with my dad. While I was in Florida for Memorial Day weekend I gave him some tomato seeds for his birthday. He thought it would be fun to see who had better 'luck' with the plants this year.

My babies were planted June 4. I went out to the garden two weeks ago to water and took a few pictures. They are looking great.

Now remember, these pictures are from July 22nd. This past Saturday July 29th I was out there again (without my camera) and a lot of the plants had tomatoes on them ! Pretty cool.

We planted Brandywine, they are heirloom seeds dating back to 1885. They are known for their great flavor and the fruits get up to 1 pound.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that we get to eat some before the birds do.

I also planted a lot of basil.. so I'm looking forward to tomato, basil and mozzarella! Yum!!

More Advil.. For the love of Monkeys..More Advil !!!

2006-07-15T10:32:00.000-05:00

Saturday morning my marathon training group decided to get an early start to avoid running in the hotter part of the day. So we met at 5 am ! Sounds like a good idea... until the alarm clock goes off at 4:15.

We started our run at Dangerfield Island. We went south towards Mt. Vernon to the 4 mile marker. Then we turn around and go back.

We ran a total of 16 miles.

Ouch... my legs still hurt.

Good news.. next Saturday .. we are only running 8 miles. ! woo hoo!

Keep the rain out of the beer !

2006-07-13T08:35:00.000-05:00

It was a great game last night, even if it was raining when we got there. Eventually the rain let up, but D.C. United didn't scoring 4 goals against Celtic FC. Here is how the game was described on the D.C. United web page. "D.C. United welcomed another high-profile European club to the nation's capital on a wet, sultry night at RFK Stadium on Wednesday, but the Black-and-Red were hardly generous hosts as they dismantled a Celtic FC 4-0 in a comprehensive performance from start to finish. "

(I'll be selling my garbage bag inspired designs on line in the months to come. They are easy to wear and washable ! )

Can't get enough international soccer?

2006-07-12T13:57:00.000-05:00

I'm really looking forward to the game tonight. It would be brilliant if DC could continue it's amazing streak of wins against a giant like Celtic !

Killer Rabbits in DC??? It's True!!

2006-06-30T09:12:00.000-05:00

Matt and I went to see SPAMalot tonight. It was so great. Almost the same as the movie but with some new funny scenes... I recommend it to everyone .. if you have a chance to see it.. get tickets!

Panda-monium

2006-04-23T15:38:00.000-05:00

I got to go to the zoo finally and see Tai Shan for myself... after watching him on the 'panda-cam' for months..

Here is Tian Tian the papa panda

And Mei Xiang and Tai Shan DC's favorite panda!

For more information about the pandas at the National Zoo visit :http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/GiantPandas/

Disney Marathon 2006

2006-01-08T14:30:00.000-05:00

I trained and ran Disney this year with a great friend. We had a blast.! I wish I had pictures of our fabulous garbage bag suits we had on pre-race to keep warm.

Looking forward to Disney '07 !

Cruisin the Carribbean

2005-12-17T14:47:00.000-05:00

Yes, Dinner was lovely....

Umm.. wait.. something's going on....

Hey!! How'd the waiter get under there??!?!?

Aaahhh.. Where I'd like to be now... toes in the sand .. looking out at the ocean..

Holiday Season Kick-Off

2005-12-03T14:07:00.000-05:00

Oh.. the fun tourist pictures that everyone takes when the go to places like Colonial Williamsburg..

Here Matt and I are stuck in the stockade before watching the Grand Illumination.

[Experience a memorable holiday event at Colonial Williamsburgs Grand Illumination. A magnificent fireworks display will take place simultaneously at three locations in the Historic Area, concluding a weekend of old-fashioned merriment and cheer, and heralding the start of the holiday season.]

Sunday we went to the Williamsburg Winery for their December Open House and wine tasting.

Who Says First Dates Can't Be Great ?

2005-10-30T22:00:00.000-05:00

The Event:
THE BLACKOUT
Sunday, October 30, 2005
DC United - Chicago Fire
Kickoff 4:30 pm
RFK Stadium

The invitees:
Me, Matt, a group of people he plays soccer with, and his two good friends from high school (who happen to be women)

The challenge:
Meet new guy, be cute, funny, interesting, AND try to make sure that his female friends like you too!

The plan:
Have friend/co-worker/soccer fan(Thanks T!) fill you in on local soccer hangouts like Summers in Arlington, teach you cool DC United soccer lingo like La Barra Brava, the Screaming Eagles, La Norte, review the FIFA rules of soccer, (find out what a FIFA is?!), go shopping and purchase red and black face paint. (OK maybe not)

The result:
[D.C. United saw their bid to repeat as MLS Cup champion ended at the conference semifinal stage, suffering a heavy 4-0 defeat by the Chicago Fire in the second leg on Sunday afternoon at RFK Stadium.]

OK so it wasn't a good day for DC United.. but it was a great date for us. We had a fun time at the game, went to dinner after had great conversation and a lot in common.

Game Day Photos From: Yellow Card Journalism Photo Service http://www.ibiblio.org/footy/

The next day made plans for Date 2: Fall Foliage Frolicking on Skyline Drive and a pick-your-own apple orchard.. I was told they would have apple trees, homemade pies, and cute farm animals... doesn't get any better than that.!

Hey.. It's supposed to be the Army 10 Miler !

2005-10-02T13:35:00.000-05:00

This years Army 10 miler.. turned out to be the Army 11 something miler.. Thanks to everyone I trained with in the DC Road Runers.. to our coaches and the great people in my group.! Here is a photo of the 'official' finish line.. that we never got to cross.... and a picture of my group coach, my friend and myself crossing the 'unofficial' finish line... :)

How Men Should Be...

2005-08-30T12:04:00.000-05:00

At my feet..... :)

Running Last Night

2005-08-19T11:58:00.000-05:00

Lions and Tigers.. but no Bears

While running last night I saw some pretty neat things.. besides the usual hills in Rock Creek Park .... I saw.. a baby elephant, a giraffe or two, some monkeys, really cute prairie dogs, a crazy squirrel, and a cheetah.. all in DC.. pretty cool..... I love living here

Mud it's not just for facials

2005-07-14T12:00:00.000-05:00

mud .. it's not just for facials..

Last night after work .. I went with R* out to Rock Creek Park.. and we did some trail running..on part of the Western Ridge trail.. It was a blast. It's so much fun to be outside running around in the park.. sooo much better than running on treadmills, concrete, tracks, umm airports, pretty much more fun than running anywhere.

We saw lots of deer, lightning bugs, ate some wild raspberries (not WHILE we were running).. we had to cut past this one part of the golf course…. Which was pretty funny.. when a few golf balls went popping off trees near us.. FORE!!! .. And I thought we just had to keep our eye out for murderers in the woods.. who knew we had to look out for stray golf balls too!

Before we left R* watered the plants in the community garden near the park.. I got to take home a bunch of tomatoes and green beans.. yum.. I can't wait to have them with dinner tomorrow night.. Thanks R*!

My legs were DONE .. by the time I took the metro home. climbed the escalator stairs.. I get home and just want to go to bed.. but.. there was a Dominion power truck in the driveway.. and the elevators in the building were out!! More stairs!! Luckily I only live on the 4th floor .. (stalkers take note) .. [ahhh.. but I've moved since then....]

What I learned last night :

Wild Raspberries are a million times better than the ones in the stores.

There are deer in DC! Who knew?!

Lightning bugs are awesome.. they make everything twinkle like Disney World.

I'll never take elevators for granted again.

Running on trails outside on the dirt, up the hills, over the rocks and streams is fantastic fun.. and the people you get to share that with … well they know you like no one else does.

Showers

2005-05-23T13:25:00.000-05:00

We are having a bridal shower at work today for a co-worker.. Why is it that we celebrate and buy presents for a girl who 'finds a guy.. and gets married..' .. Why don't we throw parties for single girls.. as a kind of congratulations.. you got away from that guy! Or way to avoid trouble with that one.. Congratulations! Here are some dishes... It's just not fair.. :( Single girls need dishes too..)

Cherry Blossoms in DC

2005-04-08T14:06:00.000-05:00

When I took this picture it reminded me of a poem....

In a Station of the Metro
by: Ezra Pound

The apparition of these faces in the crowd;
Petals on a wet, black bough.

Disney Marathon 2005

2005-01-07T14:22:00.000-05:00

Disney 2005... My first marathon experience..

Playing Tourist

2004-08-06T14:31:00.000-05:00

My cousin and one of his daughters came to DC to visit me .. we hit some of the sights around town...

Arlington Cemetary

Mt. Vernon

Arlingtonians for a Clean Environment

2004-03-04T10:26:00.000-05:00

Invasive Plant Removal.
Sunday, March 4, 2007, 1:00 to 3:00 pm in Barcroft Park,
4200 S. Four Mile Run Drive.
Meet in front of the parking garage.
Help protect Arlington's only bog!

http://www.arlingtonenvironment.org/index.htm