Happy Valentine's Day!

Hello everyone! I just wanted to wish you all a very very happy Valentine's Day. I'll be spending the day with family, and hugging and kissing the two loves of my life. In the spirit of heart day, I'll leave you with a few very wise words about love.

 "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."

~ Corinthians 13:4-7

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. 

What I learned In January

Hi folks. I know it's been forever and a day since I last posted, but I haven't forgotten about you.... I promise. Today I wanted to share with you what I learned in January (or thereabouts).

1) How to get out baby poop stains. It's inevitable every new parent has been there....the moment you meet your match...the stinky icky green baby poop stain. Word on the street is big ones can't be gotten rid of, but I have found the secret. A soak overnight in the sink with a scoop of Oxiclean does the job. Before soaking rub some of the oxi and water over the stain. This also works on that gross breast milk smell that gets into baby stuff.

2) How to keep linens fresh. After washing my linens I keep them in a clean laundry bag and throw in a few bars of  smell good soap. I like to use lavender scented soap by Yardley, because it smells great and is super cheap.

3) My husband is romantic in his own special way. If I had to grade the hubs in the traditional romance department, I'd have to give him at best a D. I mean, he even forgot to get down on one knee when he proposed to me (or more accurately when he stated with ring in hand, "we should get married"). His lack of movie worthy romance doesn't mean he doesn't love me though, and he always finds a way to show it in the most unsuspecting ways. Like at Christmas, when instead of giving me a gift...because he knows I already have too much stuff and don't want anymore... he gave me a good deed. He did something really nice for a stranger in my honor. I teared up a little when he told me about it.

4) Someone actually reads this little blog. Recently, I became aware someone nominated this blog for the Baltimore Sun's annual best new blog award. I am honestly very flattered. I'm glad someone finds this thing useful. Thanks, to whoever you are!

What did you learn this month? To learn from others visit CHATTING AT THE SKY.

(PHOTO: home in Baltimore's Lake Walker neighborhood)

Daily Wisdom #1

“Gratefulness is the key to a happy life that we hold in our hands, because if we are not grateful, then no matter how much we have we will not be happy -- because we will always want to have something else or something more.” 

~ David Steindl-Rast

Around Town: Charlotte Elliot

In the market for a striking antique African mask or some vintage Asian artwork? If so, you should go treasure hunting at Hampden's CHARLOTTE ELLIOT. They have tons of global antiques, out of print books, and vintage clothing & jewelry. If you want to add an extra layer of sophistication to your decor they'll definitely have a piece for you. I feel like a real grown-up whenever I shop there :-) Here are some of their current offerings.

In the Kitchen: Peruvian Chicken Recipe

I first started eating Peruvian chicken a few years ago when the hubs would bring home tasty takeout from a restaurant near his old job. Unfortunately, we now live an hour from the restaurant, so we don't get to eat it much. I decided to stop being lazy and finally try to make my own version. According to the hubs it's better than our Peruvian spot's, and on par with chicken he's had while actually visiting Peru........jackpot! Below is how you make it:

Chicken

• Clean, then season whole chicken (also works well with wings) with equal parts oregano, salt, pepper, paprika, and cumin. Make sure chicken is fully covered in spices.

• Cover chicken with fresh squeezed lime juice from two lines. Stuff one half of lime inside chicken cavity.

• Bake on 350 degrees until done (approximately 1:15 mins)

Dipping Sauce

• In a small bowl mix 1 part mayo to 1 part mustard. Use the sauce for dipping the chicken when done.

Sidenote: I'm currently cutting chicken out of my diet, so I use the spice mixture when pan frying salmon in olive oil on medium-low heat, which is also quite tasty.....and anti-inflammatory. If you'd like to try using salmon instead of chicken swap the lime juice for lemon juice in the recipe.

Enjoy!

Merry Christmas!

This year all I want for Christmas is nothing. With this little bundle of joy around, it feels wrong to even ask for more. I'm going to relish in being content, not lusting after a thing but quality time with loved ones.

May your Christmas be filled with joy, beautiful memories, and giving.

"Christmas is a tonic for our souls. It moves us to think of others rather than of ourselves. It directs our thoughts to giving."

B. C. Forbes

In the Kitchen: Fish Taco Recipe

Today I'm posting a wonderful fish taco recipe. The mixture of sweet and spicy in this dish will leave your taste buds thanking you. Here's how you make it:

• Thinly coat pan with olive oil on medium heat
• Begin cooking fish (I use mahi mahi, tilapia works as well) over medium heat and add fresh lemon juice
• Season fish heavily with pre-made blackening season, or make your own using paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, black pepper, and chili powder
• heat tortilla in separate skillet over thin layer of olive oil on medium
• when fish and tortilla are done add shredded cabbage, pineapple chunks, raw spinach,  mexican crema, and sriracha sauce

Enjoy! This pairs well with mango juice and black beans and rice. To make this dish vegan, swap fish for black beans.

Eating to Live

For the past few weeks I've been feeling a bit under the weather. I'll spare you the gory details, but it turns out a part of my problem is that I'm suffering from chronic inflammation. This condition is a risk factor for several serious illnesses like rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, and heart disease, among others.

I've been doing a ton of research on the topic, and can't believe what a serious and widespread condition it is, and how much of the epidemic appears to be attributed to diet. I'll openly admit I haven't been the most healthy eater. Fast food, processed food, sugary drinks, fried dishes, and more have happily made their way into my tummy. However, as I come face to face with the consequences of my poor eating habits, I'm realizing these temporary highs are just not worth it.

So I'm embarking on a lifestyle change. I'm giving up the bad foods (for the most part), and learning how to eat to live. It's important to me to set a good example for my daughter, and hopefully kick this inflammation's ass. So wish me luck, and if you have any awesome healthy recipes please share. I'll be posting new tasty anti-inflammatory recipes in the weeks to come.

"People kill themselves with their knives and their forks." ~Jack LaLane

“A wise man should consider that health is the greatest 
of human blessings, and learn how by his own 
thought to derive benefit from his illnesses.” 

~ Hippocrates

Hosting Overnight Guests in a Small Space

This time of year many people find themselves entertaining overnight guests. With a new baby in tow, we have even more visitors this year. Because we live in a small(er) sized home we have to get creative when family and friends come to visit. Though tempting, we've firmly agreed not to upsize to gain more guest space, that we'd rarely use. We just can't seem to justify the increase in housing expense. So to get around our size restrictions we've devised a few strategies, which you can try too:

1) GIVE UP YOUR BEDROOM. When a dedicated guest bedroom isn't an option, it's always nice to give up your bedroom to guests. This ensures they will feel welcomed, cozy, and have a little privacy. You can sleep on a sofa or pull out bed tucked away in another part of the house.

2) HAVE FRESH GREENERY. A few flowers on hand for guests to enjoy during their visit are always appreciated.

3) PROVIDE NICE TOWELS. Nice guest towels give guests a hotel experience for free. You don't have to spend an arm and a leg for high-quality towels. You can pick up nice ones at discount stores like TUESDAY MORNING.

4) HAVE SOME OF THEIR FAVORITE THINGS AVAILABLE. Presumably if someone is coming from out of town to stay at your home you know them pretty well. Use some of your knowledge about them to ensure they have a few of the favorite things hanging around, i.e. magazines, books, tea, snacks, adult beverages, etc.

5) OFFER ENTERTAINMENT.  This could be a television, movies, or access to your iTunes or Amazon account.

6) MAKE SURE SLEEPING QUARTERS SMELL WELCOMING. Fresh linens of course are a must, but you can also have a few scented candles on hand.

7) OFFER MINI TOILETRIES. You know all those bottles of lotion, shampoo, and conditioner you've been collecting from your travels? Well now's the time to offer them up to your house guests.

What do you do to make your guests feel welcome?

“That boy is your company. And if he wants to eat up that tablecloth, you let him, you hear?” ~Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird