Won't You Be My Neighbor: 512 Hollen Rd., Baltimore, MD 21212

A newly renovated bungalow is now on the market in Lake Walker for $379,900. The 4 bedroom 3.5 bathroom house has been fully gutted, and reconfigured to maximize living space. It has a two car garage, large deck, family room, and finished basement. Sounds nice, right? So without further ado, here's a sneak peek at the home.

 The family is open concept and leads to a very spacious deck and nice yard.

The kitchen is the true highlight of the home. It has a good amount of counter space, beautiful light fixtures, and ample space for counter seating.

There are two nice full baths on the upper level, and one full bath in the basement.

The master bedroom is well appointed with its own bathroom, a decent sized closet, and easy access to an adjoining bedroom that would make a nice nursery.

And here's that kitchen again. I just had to include a second picture, because it's so beautiful. You can see more pictures and learn more about the listing HERE.

Around Town: Pure Chocolate by Jinji

Hello everyone, long time no post. I am making my absence up to you by telling you about the greatest chocolate on Earth. Yes, seriously, pictured above is the GREATEST chocolate on Earth! It can be purchased at BELVEDERE SQUARE at PURE CHOCOLATE BY JINJI. The small store offers an array of healthy chocolate treats made from nutrient dense raw ingredients. The flavors of the items are bold, intricate, and very distinctive. I've tried many of their offerings and liked them all, but I'm particularly fond of the pots de creme. You must try it! For those of you in the DMV, visit Jinji's website to see where you can purchase her products in your area.

Won't You Be My Neighbor?: 6109 Ready Ave., Baltimore, MD 21212

A lovely new victorian home just hit the market in Lake Walker. Nestled on one of my favorite blocks in the neighborhood, it gives you small town charm mixed with urban amenities. With four bedrooms and two full baths it provides plenty of room for growing families. Come take a look around.

I adore the dining room's chandelier. Believe it or not it's even more appealing in-person.

The bench in front of the bay window provides a nice place to curl up and read a book. 

 The kitchen is newly renovated with high-end appliances and an open view.

One of two full baths is on the first level. 

 The home features gorgeous original hardwood floors, including in the bedrooms.

The bay window in the master bedroom provides a quaint green view.

 The property has been wonderfully landscaped, and offers beautiful pops of color that vary by season.

 Can't you see yourself relaxing sipping tea on the wrap around porch?

The owner's are asking $349,000. You can learn more about the listing HERE.

One Baltimore

Thank you to the members of my community, from all walks of life, who came together to peacefully assemble yesterday. Your presence helped to protect our neighborhood from harm, and to demand an equitable and reasoned resolution to Freddie Gray's death. A special thanks to Councilman Bill Henry for his impeccable leadership during this time. I am proud to call myself a Baltimorean!

"We are already one. But we imagine that we are not. And what we have to recover is our original unity. What we have to be is what we are."

- Thomas Merton

Around Town: Clark Burger

One of the things I like most about Baltimore is it's amazing food scene. Some of the chefs in this city are ridiculously talented, and in order to partake in their wonderful fare, often times you don't have to spend much money. Case in point, the newly opened CLARK BURGER. For those of you familiar with northern Baltimore, Clark Burger is located right next door to Senator Theatre.

The hubs and I stopped by the other day for a bite to eat, and we both were incredibly impressed. The hubs called it one of the best burgers he's ever eaten....and don't worry vegetarians they offer veggie burgers too! Another serious plus is that in addition to awesome burgers, they also have wonderful fries. I find many good burger places lack tasty fries. However at Clark Burger the fries are clearly not an after thought, they even come with a large variety of creative dipping sauces.

Be sure to check them out if you can!

Around Town: 6 Orkney Ct, Baltimore, MD 21212

One activity I really enjoy doing when I get some free time is visiting open houses. There's just something about viewing how others live, and witnessing  Baltimore's fantastic architecture that I find very fascinating. Recently, I stumbled upon a gem of a home not too far from where I live. It's currently inhabited by an elderly woman who's lived there for 40 years, and has maintained the property meticulously. 

There are beautiful distinctive light fixtures throughout the home, including this gorgeous chandelier. The picture honestly does it no justice.

Look at the fabulous vintage stove! It's in perfect working condition. The homeowner uses it every day.

You can snuggle up and read a book in front of the original working fireplace.

The bathroom is covered in wallpaper that might not suite everyone, but has tons of character none the less.  

I was a big fan of the bathroom's light fixtures.

To learn more about the property click HERE. It has 3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths and listed for a complete steal at $210, 000. I have a feeling it will go for above asking, given it's great condition and wonderful location near BELVEDERE SQUARE. 

Around Town: The Book Thing (FREE!)

One of my favorite Baltimore institutions hands down is THE BOOK THING. It's a wonderful concept that grew out of the hearts and minds of residents seeking to encourage more reading. The Book Thing is a non-profit that offers free books to all. You read that right, free books to all! It's sort of like a library with no due date. The store runs on the kindness of volunteers and donations made by the public.

Over the past year I've been a frequent patron and donator. I've used it to build an awesome free home library for the baby. Every time I visit I find at least one book or magazine that peeks my interest.

It would be an absolute shame to not check this place out. Be sure to bring your kiddos, they'll love it.

“Books are what you step on to take you to a higher shelf. The higher your stack of books, the higher the shelf you can reach. Want to reach higher? Stack some more books under your feet! Reading is what brings us to new knowledge. It opens new doors. It helps us understand mysteries. It lets us hear from successful people. Reading is what takes us down the road in our journey. Everything you need for a better future and success has already been written.”  ― Jim Rohn

Around Town: Tooloulou

Locals I've got some good news. There's a new scrumptious eatery in town, called TOOLOULOU. They've only been open a few weeks. I happened upon it on my latest visit to BELVEDERE SQUARE. The quality of the food is seriously out of this world. I had the oyster po'boy, and it was amazing. They have a creative menu specializing in artisan pizzas and southern style subs. You can get your food to-go, though I suggest eating there for the best experience. They offer brunch, lunch, and dinner. Portion sizes are a little large so come with an empty stomach. It's a nice place to take the kids.

Around Town: Atwater's Bakery

Every now and then I like to treat myself to an indulgence. It doesn't have to be anything super expensive, just a little somethin' somethin' to add some pizzaz to my daily routine. The other day I walked to ATWATER'S a local bakery down the street. As an added bonus my workaholic work-from-home husband decided to stop working and join me on my stroll. I love it when he does that, it makes feel on top of the world :-)

After looking at the bakery's many dessert options I decided to get the chocolate cupcake pictured above. It was scrumptious!

"She did not need much, wanted very little. A kind word, sincerity, fresh air, clean water, a garden, kisses, books to read, sheltering arms, a cosy bed, and to love and be loved in return.”  ~Starra Neely Blade

Lake Walker Cape Cod Homes

Cape cod style homes are adorable in my opinion. Originating in New England in the 17th century the design eventually migrated down to Baltimore. Simple homes, cape cods are characterized by a modest size, two and half stories, and little embellishment. The cape cods in Lake Walker are quite charming, and convey that good ole American cottage feel. These are a few of my favorites.

Aren't they darling? I love the way these smaller homes tend to feel so homey. They possess personality, yet require little upkeep. There's something about their simplicity that's truly delightful.

Do you live in a smaller home? How do you like it?

“I believe that smaller houses – where comfort, practicality and beauty co-exist in harmony – represent an idea whose time has truly come....they enhance the quality of life – both in our communities and for those who live in them.” – John Gower