Capitol Hill Doors and Entryways

The row houses and townhouses on Capitol Hill are not exactly the most convenient architectural styles to navigate through. The buildings are more vertical than horizontal and are a risk for anyone with a stair phobia. But they are absolutely gorgeous. And for those owners who want to make a mark, one of the easiest ways to do it is by using a paint color in the entryway that makes it stand apart from the neighbors. Sometimes that can be hard to do when the neighbor's front door is literally right next to yours. Most of these elegant entryways have iron works surrounding them in some way, shape, and form. Some have an added vestibule that serves as cover in foul weather, but also lends more style to the home. As the seasons change, various floral and interesting arrangements are added to the steps and doorways. Just about any color of the rainbow can be seen, and it is almost unusual to find one in a neutral palette. You could say Milwaukee was a lot more conservative in this regard, particularly in the suburbs. But here, just about anything goes, and it is unique to the neighborhood where we live. 

Lance Crackers, An Apple or Peach keeps the Doctor Away?

I get hunger pangs around 10 AM when I am at work. I probably get them every day, but notice them more when I am sitting in front of a computer screen creating and deciphering spreadsheets. As has been the case since I can remember - regardless of where I worked - I keep a supply of cheese and peanut butter crackers in a drawer. Since the supply was running low, I asked my husband to pick some up the next time he was at the grocery store. There was a big sale going on and you could say I hit the jackpot. I carried back to work a very heavy bag filled with four boxes of treats for about the price of one. With 8 cracker packages in each box, that makes 35 packs including the 3 leftover in the drawer. Since I don't eat them every day and I'm now working three days a week, this batch will last well in to December! Aside from the crackers is a daily dose of a cut apple or peach or nectarine. That's one way to maintain a healthy diet when I'm in the mood for a little snack - or is it? What's your favorite break food?

Crate and Barrel Shower Curtain and Towels

It's been eight years since we freshened up the apartment. Next week our favorite handyman will be repainting, regrouting the bathroom, and updating a few things for us. The yellow walls in the bathroom and bedroom need to go! We had a friend of ours help select new paint colors - Benjamin Moore Persimmon as an accent wall in the bedroom and Southern Comfort throughout the rest of the house. I searched the internet for some ideas and came up with a couple bathroom choices. After lunch we took a ride to Crate and Barrel in Tysons and picked up a new shower curtain, matching towels and bath mat. Much to my husband's chagrin I thought we would try something a little bolder rather than the neutral tones we typically prefer. I was going for a warmer feeling and for something that coordinated better with the rest of tiny place we live in. So, rather than the very neutral beiges, we went with the watery fluid looking peachy, cream, white and neutral pallet. Let's hope it works out! I might have to change up the mat of the picture that hangs in that space. It's a green mat - hopefully it won't clash too much. But the peachy color really goes with the guys pants.