Other Musings

Picasso’s Got Nothin’ on You!

I’m always on the lookout for new, unorthodox things to do in DC. New York may be the city that doesn’t sleep, but DC is the city that will never bore. From street performances, to art installations, to jazz in the sculpture garden to Screen at the Green – there is always something unique happening in our nation’s capital.

The newest kid on the block? ArtJamz Paint in the Park! Every Thursday in June, ArtJamz invites anyone and everyone with a creative inkling to pick up a paintbrush and be inspired by the city’s great outdoors that is Farragut Square Park. For $30, future picasso’s receive a 16×20 stretch canvas on which to paint your creation, an easel and of course, all of the materials you’ll need to assuage your creative juices, acrylic paints, brushes, etc. Top it off with live music from the Golden Triangle Summer Concert Series and your inner artist will practically jump onto the canvas!

Purchase your tickets in advance online to snag your spot. Blankets and chairs are recommended!

If Thursday’s don’t work for you, check out some of ArtJamz studios sessions!

Don’t worry if you have no natural artistic ability – just get out there and have some fun with friends! Live music, sunshine and good people are all you really need to have a great time!

 

Mother’s Day Gifts

Mother’s Day is fast approaching! For those of you living under a hole, it is THIS Sunday, May 13th. Before your freak out, run to the nearest CVS to buy a cheesy Hallmark card to throw in the mail before the mailman comes, take a deep breath and look no further.

This is the first year that I have to buy for TWO moms and now two grandmothers. My mom is always easy. We have similar taste in clothing and anything from Ann Taylor Loft is an excellent bet. Luckily, they are running a 30% off promotion for all dresses, jewelry and cardigans. I picked up a very nice summery dress that I know she will be able to wear immediately in the hot Florida spring and summer sun. It can be dressed up for a date night with dad or even worn casual as a super cute beach cover up. Unfortunately, Ann Taylor Loft doesn’t have the dress on their website, but here are some other great options for your persual:

The S-M-L sizing makes this dress an easy purchase for even the most clueless of buyers!
Give mom the gift of style! These bright colors are totally in for summer!

Does the though of buying clothes for your mom make you want to run screaming in the other direction? Size, shape, cut, fit, style can all be too much to handle. However, the traditional candle set or Bath and Body Works gift basket also look a bit thoughtless. After all, it is the thought that counts! So put some thought into it, people!

There are two very important things in common with my mother in law. A love of wine and enjoying said wine outdoors. I wanted to get her something really special since it is our first Mother’s Day. After a lot of poking around, I came across the most ingenious invention since wine and dine plates – Steady Stick wine glass holders! That’s right, this lovely contraption holds on to your wine for you while you enjoy the great outdoors. I paired a few sets of these with some fancy citronella candles and bam, we’re in business! The most exciting part is that I get to test them out for myself when we head down there for Memorial Day!

Wine outdoors made easy!

I’m still making my way through several Mother’s Day Gift Guides to see what else is out there, but Crate and Barrel and Pottery Barn are some nice places to start for creative homegoods!