Let's Catch Up

I've been meaning to share some new finds and recent discoveries, so let's get right to it!

It wasn't until this summer that I discovered Cava Grill, and I quickly became addicted. We've been to the Cava restaurant in Clarendon a few times and really enjoyed it, but the grill is a quick and yummy option that's ordered Chipotle style, and is really delicious. Don't skip out on their refreshing homemade juices, too!

Continuing with the food theme: I made this dish this week (except I used monterey jack cheese instead of cheddar), and it's deeelicious. Even CP, who doesn't normally like quinoa, asked when I can make it again since it lasted a whole two days in our house. Now that fall seems to have arrived, I'm planning on switching from Elena's paleo banana bread recipe to the pumpkin one. After reading that Le Diplomate's hamburger was voted the best in DC, I was eager to try it. Jess and I revisited her favorite spot this week, and while the burger was great, I wouldn't necessarily give it my top vote. The cranberry nut bread from the bread basket, though? Yes please, more please. Finally, I made howsweeteats hot+cheesy caramelized corn dip last weekend and it's AMAZING.

Last week, Cup of Jo wrote about a new trend in females wearing more masculine scents. I for one looooove the smell of many colognes (especially the John Varvatos ones), so when I found this smokewood scent at Anthropologie the other week, I instantly scooped it up and have worn it every day since. Also new at Anthro is their largely expanded House and Home line, which has me lusting over basically....everything.

The definition of adorable. Seriously. Seth Casteel has done it again- with puppies this time!! I think Ginger is my favorite in the slideshow.


Finally, I debated whether or not to write about this, but frankly it seems a bit hypocritical to not say anything when the issue at hand seems to be that domestic abuse cases and abuse in general continues to be swept under the rug in certain organizations. I got into a bit of a debate with a co-worker over the NFL's role in the crimes that are being committed by football players and I have to agree that the NFL is not the law enforcement. That being said, there's no reason that any person or organization should tolerate and turn a blind eye to such heinous and disgusting behavior. Until the people that support and fund the NFL (fans included) really put their foot down, things will not change. Bryant Gumbel did a piece on Meet the Press about the situation, and while the full-length version was much more informative (for instance, he brought to light the fact that the NFL is a nonprofit group, which I realize isn't directly related to the issue at hand but is still mind boggling), it's still worth watching and discussing. Also, let's recognize the fact that domestic violence is not only a male inflicted issue and that if we're going to stand up for what is right and just, it needs to be across the board - regardless of how many records you're in the process of setting.

To end on a lighter note: this view. It just never gets old! The sunrises have been nothing short of spectacular recently and it's such an invigorating way to start the day. Happy weekend to you!!