Kuwait National Day

Kuwait National Day and Liberation Day (the two most important holidays here besides the religious ones) were in February. I had the intention of watching the festivities all day and writing about it as I saw it but instead we decided to have a party and watch as a group. It was very fun to take turns with the binoculars! We were expecting complete chaos and 1,000s of revelers. I heard stories about how in years past one couldn't even walk through the main road along the water (Arab Gulf Road) because the traffic was so thick with cars and people. People suggested we go to the grocery store and stock up for several days because we wouldn't be able to get in and out of our apartment (since we live on that street). As we prepared to hunker down, a local non-Kuwaiti made a comment to us, "Oh, don't worry there won't be any traffic this weekend because all the Kuwaitis will be in Dubai drinking."

Maybe that was true because what really happened was pretty tame. Though not lacking in entertainment. There were two main ways of celebrating. One was decorating one's car with Kuwaiti flags. The one above won our prize for most festive. The thing on the top spun when he drove. It was quite fabulous as you can see. The other thing to do was sit in completely optional traffic and let children spray you and your car with super soaker water guns. The children were SUPER into it (no pun intended) and it was actually sweet to watch people purposefully slow down to let the kids get them. There was one kid who was sort of the ring leader (there's always one). Not only was he wearing a track suit but his father stood on the sidewalk behind him always ready with a back up water gun. Whenever he ran out of water he would go back to his dad for the other. It was completely indulgent and Kuwaiti and we loved it.

Digital Paintings

Last year I went to the Gasparilla Festival of the Arts in Tampa, Florida and purchased several new art pieces. One of them was a 12 x 12 inch painting of a blue boat floating lazily on greenish water. It made me think of the water of Florida, which is home to me, and I had to have it. The painting is called Blue Floating Dinghy #2 and is part of a Dinghy Studies series by artist John Leben. My mom bought Deserted Dinghy #13 and it is just stunning in person.  

Leben is known for his whimsical imaginative paintings of houses and towns in unexpected places - like a whole treehouse town. He paints in Photoshop with a Wacom tablet. What I like about the painting I bought (and his other work) is that he actually has a nice brushstroke even though he isn't using a paintbrush to create the marks. The paintings are detailed and there are even smudges or searching lines. I like how fully he has developed the medium.

I use a Wacom tablet to edit and draw in Photoshop but I hadn't considered creating paintings with it before. So a year later, I started tinkering and it's really fun! I have no idea what I'm doing! The paintings I've been playing with, so amateur compared to Leben's, seem to develop like watercolors with the brushstrokes layering on top of each other. Above is a painting of a pomegranate; I'm having fun playing with the different shades of red. It has been fun to make little drawings and paintings that I have no intention of showing anyone. If I like something I can save it, if not I can delete it. There isn't any guilt for throwing away large pads of paper. Making digital paintings has also been an easy way to be creative while Noah is taking a nap. There is no set up or breakdown so I can use the whole hour I have to myself to paint. There isn't tempting toxic paint sitting out for tiny hands to get into either.

What do you think? Would you consider new mediums like digital painting and drawing as "real" art?

Happy Independence Day!

Happy Independence Day fellow Americans! I hope you are able to get outdoors and celebrate our nations greatness with some friends and family... and grilled/fried meats and your favorite beers. :) I'll be laid up in a pool side lounge chair for most of the day.

Check back this afternoon for a second post! My first Art to Inspiration.

Weekend Recap

Vietnam Memorial

 

Friday night we decided to BBQ some burgers in honor of arguably the most popular barbequing weekend of the year. We took our deliciously seasoned patties, creamy avacado, juicy tomatoes, and sweet onions to the grilling area of our apartment complex. There are about 10 grills there and all were going full blast. Families, friends, and strangers were gathered around to cook their wide selection of meats. No two people were cooking the same thing! There were hot dogs, ribs, marinated chicken breasts, chicken wings, smoked pork (which I almost stole, almost), hamburgers, and veggies. The smells coming off the grills were intoxicating.

Here's one of my favorite burger recipies:

You'll need:

Hamburger meat (beef, turkey or black bean)

avacado slices

tomatoe slices

grilled sweet vidalia onions

mayo

english muffin

olive oil

salt and pepper

First season the meat with the olive oil, salt, and pepper. Let it rest while you cut up the avacado, onions, and tomatoes. Grill the hamburgers and onions. When they are halfway done throw the english muffins on to toast. Once cooked to your preferred doneness assemble the sandwich, adding more salt and pepper and a bit of mayo. Enjoy!

World War II Memorial

 

Saturday we went memorial hopping to honor those who faught for us. We were not the only ones, the crouds of tourists were thick. Rolling Thunder was also in full swing. Veterans and active duty soliders have such a special place in my heart so it was touching to see so many paying their respects.

Sunday we had my favorite meal of the week: brunch. Monday we also had brunch, why not?

How was your weekend? Any stories to tell?

Lincoln Memorial



Can you see the swarms of people?

Perfect Margaritas

In honor of Cinco de Mayo, today I'll be sharing with you my favorite margarita recipes. As this is my mixed drink go-to, especially on a hot day or festive occasion, I have had many different types. I generally believe using the best high quality ingredients and simple recipes usually yield the best results. So at home I've developed this recipe (and bonus they are less than 150 calories per serving!):

You will need:
Tequila (Silver or Reposado will do, whatever your palate prefers!)
Fresh limes
Agave
Ice
Shot glass
Shaker
Serving glass(es)

Because these are so tasty and strong, I make them one at a time. You could easily drink these like water, so be careful! Start by putting ice in the shaker. Then add two shots of tequila, one shot of lime juice, and agave to taste. I usually squeeze it in for about 3 - 5 seconds. Shake for 20 - 30 seconds to get it nice and cold. Pour into your favorite glass and garnish with a lime wedge. Take it outside and enjoy!

 

 

I use the agave nectar here as it is made from the same plant, Agave, as the tequila. They compliment each other nicely and the agave takes the edge off the tequila without over powering it or hiding it's fruity, earthy goodness. The lime is all you need to add the tart, fresh, flavor which we all love about this drink. No triple sec or margarita mix needed. They only add calories and sugar and muddle up the simple freshness of the tequila.

As you work with each of the ingredients, taste them. Taste the tequila. How smooth it is? How tart is it? This will not only help you adjust the amount of the other ingredients accordingly but also help you to discern which tequilas you prefer. For example, I found this Cabo Wabo Reposado to be quite fruity and sweet. So I added less than 1oz of lime juice and barely any agave as a result. Truly this tequila could be had on its own but we are mixing drinks here today people.




I used two lime slices to garnish, why not?

*Side note: We are basically staying in a long term hotel at the moment so all of our lovely barware is in storage. Sadface! Point being, only having a glass, plastic cutting board, and dull knife shall not stand in one's way of making a festive beverage!

Crepes, Handbags, Heels, Antiques: The Georgetown French Market

This weekend we went to the Georgetown French Market. Our expectations were quite high as the street festivals in NYC usually require streets to be closed. It took us a few blocks to realize we had stumbled onto the festival as the vendors were the shop owners who set up stands in front of their shops. The streets were not closed to car traffic and we were disappointed. But then, after a slice of pizza, we decided to see what this had to offer.



Makin' Crepes!

It was a gorgeous day and we ended up investigating most of the shops. I came home with a new handbag and shoes from Tari. Perfect for that job interview I am ever hopeful for! There were many great antique and home decor shops too. And with our new apartment on our minds we searched for goodies to decorate with.

At Gallerie L'Enfant, we found these amazing 18th century American pair of dining chairs! Unfortunately 18th century American dining chairs, with the original fabric, are out of our price range. So we will have to dream about them. Perhaps we will go with turquoise throw pillows in their honor.



Beautiful day!

We ended the day with a wine tasting at Baccus Wine Cellar. They have a nice selection of wine from everyday table wine to holiday splurges. The staff was knowledgable and enthusiastic. While I was not impressed with the wines we sampled (a pino grigio, chardonnay, and cabernet franc), the shop was full of people all chatting with each other, enjoying the afternoon. We are not used to people being so friendly! To top off the day, an accordian play strolled into the shop and played while we drank. The day turned out to be romantic and relaxed. Just what we needed!

What did you do this weekend?

Cherry Blossom Festival: Washington DC

One of the best times to visit Washington DC is during the National Cherry Blossom Festival. The weather is mild and the Cherry Blossoms (a gift from Japan) are breathtaking as they surround the Tidal Basin overlooking the Jefferson Memorial.

Start your day with an early brunch at Kafe Leopold in Georgetown. This little European style gem is tucked away behind M Street and offers a myriad of freshly made pastries as well as their specialty brunch items. If the weather is nice sit outside on the cobblestone street. M Street also has great shopping.

Once at the Tidal Basin, take your time to stroll through the Cherry Blossoms and reveal in their pink, pillow-y, flowers and strong, structured branches. I am not much interested in the festival itself, but if you are looking for tasty street meat and good people watching, take a stroll through that as well.

Have you been to see the Cherry Blossom Festival? Is there one in your town?