Washington DC, Union Station: ShoeWoo

ShoeWoo in Union Station, DC

Shoes are frequently the topic of casual office conversations.  Shoes are addictive.  You can't just have just one pair! I thought I would share the 411 on a fabulous shoe store located in Union Station, DC called ShoeWoo. 

ShoeWoo Store at Union Station, picture taken on Memorial Day

This store managed by The Jones Group offers amazing shoes from Nine West, Enzo Angliolini, Circa Joan & David, AK Anne Klein, Boutique 9, Rachel Rachel Roy, and Bandolino.

Elsy, Rachel Roy at ShoeWoo, Washington, DC

Kimi, Rachel Roy at ShoeWoo, Washington, DC

ShoeWoo, Washington, DC

ShoeWoo can be found at Union Station Mall, 50 Massachusetts Ave. NE, Washington, DC, tel #202-216-9490.

The other ShoeWoo shops can be found at the following locations:

Picture hanging in ShoeWoo, Washington, DC

Shops at LIberty Place
Philadelphia, PA

Easton Town Center
Columbus, OH

Menlo Park Mall
Edison, NJ

Copley Place
Boston, MA

Park Plaza Mall
Little Rock, AR


750 Lexington Ave at 59th 
New York, NY

Peninsula Town Center
Hampton, VA


Now ShoeWoo website is closing down but the retail stores listed above will remain open.  For more information, go to the following link:
Shoe Woo 

Maryland, Timonium: Alexander Blank Fabrics and Design

My friend Lisa mentioned she is looking to create some new looks for her home.   I thought where do you go to get inspired for new decorating ideas north of Baltimore?  Lisa mentioned that Alexander Blank Fabrics and Design in Timonium (across from the Maryland State Fair grounds) has an amazing collection of fabric sample choices.  She also mentioned that the Alexander Blank designers have experienced backgrounds that come from prestigious institutions like Maryland Institute College of Art.

Greeted by Jessica, Alexander Blank's Manager, Lisa and I were directed to an area of the store that showed off the latest fabric sample designs.   I have looked to the runway to see the latest trends and patterns which are also found in upholstered furniture.  The geometric Ikat pattern has been very popular these days.

Ikat patterned chair at Alexander Blank Fabrics and Design, Timonium, Maryland

The showrooms are changed from time to time.  I particularly liked the yellow accent pieces in this display.

Showroom at Alexander Blank Fabrics and Design

Besides fabric swatches, Alexander Blank has many samples of trimmings, decorative hardware, window treatments, showroom furniture and accessories on display for purchase.  Alexander Blank even has an onsite custom workroom.

Upholstered Furniture at Alexander Blank Fabrics and Design

Looking at the fabric swatches I came across a neat fabric pattern that could be used to create a pillow.

Osborne and Little, Karavansara - Black/Taupe Kolam

I also thought this was a neat print that was found in a Romo Collection of Contemporary Prints called Simonii, Saraya- Fuchsia.  The flamboyant flower heads could introduce glamour to a simple interior.

Flower head on Leoni linen weave

I plan to schedule a return visit to see the upcoming changes to Alexander Blank Fabric and Design showrooms.

Want more information?

Alexander Blank Fabrics and Design

2151 A. York Road

Timonium, MD 21093

410-561-2331

Delaware, Rehoboth: Bed of Roses, Furnishings and Event Planning

During my last visit to Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, I visited  
Bed of Roses in Penny Lane on 42 Rehoboth Avenue.  

Bed of Roses, Penny Lane Mall, Rehoboth Beach, DE

Upon speaking with Bed of Roses Creative Director, Vito Biasi, I quickly discovered Vito's artistic talents were acquired in the United Kingdom and in the U.S.  In addition to sharing with me his expertise in silk floristry and background information on the shop's unique accessories for the home, Vito mentioned that he actually made some of the accessories.

Vito's Handmade Napkin Holders, Bed of Roses

 Handcrafted Butterfly Napkin Holders, Bed of Roses

Known for being Theme Party Specialists, Bed of Roses also creates balloon and floral creations. They serve all of Delaware for Weddings and Commitment Ceremonies.  There are so many beautiful silk flower arrangements at Bed of Roses.  I am partial to hydrangeas, check out the picture below.

Silk Flower Arrangement, Bed of Roses

I enjoy viewing Bed of Roses furnishings cleverly organized within distinctive pieces of furniture.

Bed of Roses, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

Trays at Bed of Roses, Rehoboth Beach Delaware

Vito also shared with me a basket of Lilly of the Valley.  Apparently Princess Catherine Middleton had a similar type of Lilly of the Valley in her wedding bouquet.

Lilly of the Valley, Bed of Roses

Lastly, Bed of Roses also offers home/condo staging and floral design classes too.  The link featured below will provide further details on Vito Biasi and Bed of Roses.  When in Rehoboth Beach, take a stroll down Penny Lane and visit Bed of Roses.

Bed of Roses, Penny Lane, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

Want more information: 

Vito Biasi

Creative Director

Bed of Roses

"when the ordinary...just simply is not enough" 

Bed of Roses

42 Rehoboth Avenue

Penny Lane Mall

Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971

302-227-3800

Washington D.C: The National Museum of the American Indian (A Smithsonian Museum)

I am pleased to see a museum developed and dedicated to honor the native inhabitants of the United States, the American Indian.  Upon further research, I discovered how inexcusable it was for earlier explorers and leaders to have mistreated these indigenous people.  This Smithsonian  Museum is located on the Mall in Washington, D.C.  and was created in the Fall of 2004.  I believe it's creation is a deliberate effort to pay homage to the life of the U.S. American Indian.

Waterfall at the National Museum of the American Indian

The National Museum of the American Indian's outer building design is unique and also incorporates elements of nature.

The National Museum of the American Indian Washington D.C.

This National Museum has exhibits that include art, handicrafts, clothing and furnishings.

Mukluks at the National Museum of the American Indian

The Mukluks featured above were created in 1983 by Ester Oberuk of Shishmaref, Alaska.  These boots are made of seal skin, caribou hide, cotton cloth, wool felt, and glass beads. Move over Uggs, these Mukluks are marvelous!

Clever Forks made out of Walnut Wood and Ivory
National Museum of the American Indian

Boy's Coat probably from Montana, 1896
Buffalo Hide and Glass Beads 

I also found a collection of purses and pouches that could even be considered fashionable today.

Purse at The National Museum of the American Indian

Pouch at The National Museum of the American Indian

Bag at The National Museum of the American Indian

There are several areas of the museum dedicated to paintings that are both traditional and contemporary in style.  This painting below was created with acrylic on canvas.  The style is very similar to what I have seen painted by the Aborigines in Alice Springs, Australia.

Creation Story, 2001 by Harry Fonseca 

I have shared only a fraction of what is displayed at The National Museum of the American Indian.  Exhibits highlight the culture of Indians from the United States including Alaska and Hawaii.  If in the Washington, D.C. area, I encourage blog readers to learn more about the culture and customs of the American Indian! Find time to visit The National Museum of the American Indian.

For More Information go to:
The National Museum of the American Indian
 Fourth Street and Independence Ave, SW
Washington, DC 20560
202-633-1000

Joan's Salmon Cheese Ball

My friend Joan's appetizer is a real show stopper! It's her infamous Salmon Cheese Ball.  This recipe is really simple and when served, your guests will be asking you for years to come, if it will be making a repeat appearance at your next party!

Salmon Cheese Ball Ingredients:
1 16 oz can salmon
8 oz cream cheese
2-3 scallions, chopped
1/4 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon horseradish
1/8 teaspoon liquid smoke

Salmon Cheese Ball Coating Ingredients:
1/2 cup of crushed walnuts
3 teaspoons parsley flakes


Mix the Salmon Cheese Ball ingredients.  Refrigerate for 4 hours.  Shape into a ball and set aside. Roll Salmon Cheese Ball in coating ingredients mixture - 1/2 cup crushed walnuts and 3 teaspoons parsley flakes.

Place Salmon Cheese Ball on a plate and encircle with wheat thin crackers.

Voila'!   Your guests will enjoy coming to your parties after sampling this delectable appetizer!  For Julie's Journeys blog readers, if you try this recipe, let us know how your guests liked it!

France, Paris: Montmartre Paintings

I call the city of Paris, the city of Love.  French architecture, food, fashion, and artwork is timeless in nature. Past and current day societies have been influenced by the French.  The area of Montmartre, which is located high above Paris, hosts the famous La Basilique du Sacre' Coeur (Basilica of the Sacred Heart).

Montmartre is also the home of current and past French artists including Picasso, Renoir, Lautrec, Van Gogh. In this 18th arrondissement, located north of Paris, you will also find street artists, quaint bistros, and many shops that sell paintings, posters, and books.

During my first trip to Montmartre, I selected these two small paintings.  

Can you identify the landmarks associated with Paris in the paintings 

featured above?

Visiting Paris? Looking for artwork?  Take time to explore Montmartre!

Benjamin Moore's Historic Color: Castleton Mist HC-1

This is a fun color that I covered all over my office walls, Ben Moore's  Castleton Mist Historic Color HC-1.  According to Benjamin Moore's website, colors that work well with Castleton Mist are Mountain Retreat  #1176, and Van Buren Brown HC-70.
 

Benjamin Moore's Castleton Mist - HC 1

This color goes great with traditional and contemporary spaces.  To compliment my Castleton Mist painted office walls,  I also used black and white accents. See picture below.

Benjamin Moore's Castleton Mist - HC 1

For more information on Benjamin Moore paint, go to:

Benjamin Moore Paint

Benjamin Moore Van Buren Brown HC-70
Benjamin Moore Mountain Retreat #1176
Benjamin Moore Castleton Mist HC-1

Spain, Toledo: Colorful Pottery

Taking a family trip throughout Spain, we stopped by the city of Toledo. Toledo, which dates back to Roman times, is known for pottery, swords, and embroidery work.

I picked up these two pieces of yellow, blue and white glazed pottery.  The small pitcher could be used for cream.  In the picture below I used both pieces to hold pens and pencils.  If you look closely you will read  the word "lapices" on the container on the left which means "pencils" in Spanish.

Spanish Pottery

These small pieces of hand painted pottery were really easy to transport in my suitcase. I took a picture of the handcrafted pottery with some sunflowers.  For Julie's Journeys blog readers, sunflowers and olive trees can be found all over Spain's landscape.

Spanish Pottery with Sunflowers

Consider handmade pottery to add some color to your home.

Ulta: 3-in-1 Butter Cream Cupcake Shower Smoothie

I remember when the bath product everyone owned was "Mr. Bubble". It is amazing to see how many other body care products that are available to us now!

Shopping at my local Ulta cosmetics store in White Marsh, Maryland, I was introduced to a product recommended by both Ulta Store Manager Michelle and Store Assistant Amanda. They both suggested the Shower Smoothie!

Ulta 3-in-1 Shower Smoothie, Butter Cream Cupcake

The 24 fluid ounces of Ulta Shower Smoothie is a shampoo, shower gel and bubble bath all in one!  The neat thing about this product line is it's variety of fragrances. The 3-in-1 shower smoothie also comes in:  Appletini, Banana Bliss, Berrylicious, Blackberry Blast, Creamy Cocolada, Key Lime Kooler, Tangerine Dreams, Chocolada Milkshake, and Pink Champagne.

I chose Butter Cream Cupcake because I love the smell of freshly baked cupcakes.  I also plan to check out the other Shower Smoothie scents.  Maybe you will too!

Want more information go to: 
http://www.ulta.com/ 

Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian National Postal Museum

I have been visiting the Smithsonian Museums for years.  I am quite familiar with the Air and Space, Natural History, American History, and Hirshhorn Museums. Although, over Memorial weekend, I visited the Smithsonian National Postal Museum for the very first time.

The Postal Museum is located on the corner of First Street and Massachusetts Avenue, NE on the lower level of the former Washington City Post Office Building, next to Union Station.  After going through the security check point, Khan, Security Officer mentioned that Department of Labor, Capital Police and Senate Offices were also located in the same building.

On the street level you can take an escalator down to the Postal Museum exhibits.  I believe the most impressive area to consider visiting was "Moving the Mail" Hall. This where mail was moved with planes, trains, automobiles....and of course horses too.

Fred Wiseman's plane that flew mail in 1911.  Smithsonian National Postal Museum

Our current year of 2011 is the 100th anniversary of airmail.  In 1911, Fred Wiseman flew between two California towns, carrying letters and newspapers.

Another plane at the Smithsonian National Postal Museum

This picture below was taken inside the Train car that moved mail in the turn of the century.

Inside the Mail Train Car, National Postal Museum

Picture of men inside Mail Car taken at the National Postal Museum

Automobile used to move mail.  Smithsonian National Postal Museum

Stagecoaches and horses were also used at one point to move mail too.  This is a life size example below.

Stagecoach and Horses at the Smithsonian National Postal Museum

The original Pony Express was actual company named the Central Overland California and Pikes Peak Express Company (COCPP).  At that time of the Pony Express, employees referred to a company that ran into economic trouble "Clean Out of Cash and Poor Pay". 

This museum has a great poster collection that highlights the 150th Anniversary of the Pony Express.

Besides the museum shop, Amelia's Earhart's collection of stamps and photographs, the museum has a great collection of mailboxes from all over the world.

Collection of Mailboxes.  Smithsonian National Postal Museum

Lastly, I would like to let Julie's Journeys blog readers know about "Owney".  He was a real dog who rode mail trains in the 1890s. 

Owney at the Smithsonian National Postal Museum

In July there will be a celebration sprucing up Owney's exhibit.  Look for the US Postal Office to be issuing a Forever stamp celebrating this dog!

Want to follow Owney's adventures, or ask a question or say hi go to:

Facebook.com/Owney

The Smithsonian National Postal Museum is a great place to go before or after having a meal at Union Station's formal restaurants or at the food court on the lower level.

Want to know more about the Smithsonian National Postal Museum and other Smithsonian Museums: 

www.postalmuseum.si.edu/connect

www. goSmithsonian.com

Turkey, Istanbul: Turkish Tiles from the Spice Bazaar

A couple of years ago, my dear friend Sheila, invited me to go a buying trip to Greece, Cyprus, Turkey, and India.  

What I discovered on that trip is the Turkey has some of the most amazing tiles in addition to spices, rugs, and coffee.

Turkish Tile from Spice Bazaar

I found these colorful tiles at the Spice Bazaar.  They were easy to pack in my suitcase and then I had them professionally matted and framed when I came back to the states.

Turkish Tile from Spice Bazaar

Finding unique items while you travel, then using them to furnish your home creates great conversational pieces.  Next time while you are on vacation, consider picking up a souvenir that can add another dimension to your home.

New York, NY: Cafe D'Alsace

Cafe D'Alsace, New York City

Before viewing the Alexander McQueen design exhibit, my friend Joan suggests we have lunch at Cafe D'Alsace  This neat little cafe located 1695 88th Street at 2nd Avenue offers both indoor and outdoor seating.

Outdoor seating at Cafe D'Alsace, New York City

We decided to eat indoors and Emma are server was helpful in answering my questions about the restaurant.  I asked Emma, "How many people do you usually seat at Cafe D'Alsace?"  She told me that during their Sunday brunch the Cafe serves up usually up to 500 people.  I thought, people in New York City sure love their Sunday brunch.  We placed our drink and food order and I began to take pictures of the interior.

Sign inside Cafe D'Alsace

Our drinks arrive, two glasses of Pinot Grigio Danzante, delle Venezia, Italy, 2009.  Upon reviewing the menu, I selected the Lamb Burger with roasted tomatoes, herbed goat cheese and aioli served on a rosemary roll.  Joan selects the free range chicken sandwich.  My burger tasted super juicy and I loved the idea of using goat cheese. I asked Emma, "Who made my lamb burger?"  She informs me Chef Philippe Roussel.  The flavors of the toppings paired really well with the lamb. 

Upon further review of the Cafe D'Alsace's website I discovered that Chef Philippe Roussel is a third generation Chef that comes from Brittany.  Roussel also attended Ecole Hoteliere in Rennes before becoming a chef at many well known kitchens in France.

Lamb Burger with goat cheese at Cafe D'Alsace

Fun Flower Arrangement at Cafe D'Alsace 

Completely satisfied with our lunch, Emma handed me a post card that outlined other French restaurants associated with Cafe D'Alsace. Here is what was written on the back side of the post card.  

List of other Tour de France NYC restaurants located in Manhattan:

Seating area outside of Cafe D'Alsace

French Roast - Downtown (Parisian Cuisine)   

78 West 11st at 6th Ave., NYC

French Roast- Uptown (Parisian Cuisine)

2340 Broadway at 85th St., NYC

Le Monde (Cuisine of the Loire Valley)

2885 Broadway at 112th/113th St., NYC

L'Express (Lyonnaise Cuisine)

249 Park Ave. South at 20th St., NYC

Maison (Cuisine of Brittany)

1700 Broadway at 53rd St., NYC

Marseille (Marseille Cuisine)

630 9th Avenue at 44th St., NYC

Nice Matin (Nicoise Cuisine)

201 West 79th St. at Amsterdam, NYC

Pigalie (Cuisine of the Southwest)

790 8th Avenue at 48th St., NYC

And of course,
Cafe D'Alsace - Uptown (Cuisine D'Alsacaise)

1965 88th Street at 2nd Avenue, NYC
http://www.cafedalsace.com/

If you have visited Cafe D'Alsace or any of the other Tour De France NYC restaurants, post a comment and let us know about your experience.

Culinary Tour De France Post Card