Foggy Bottom Farmers Market

What a delightful surprise to come upon this farmers market set up on the grounds of the George Washington University campus one day this week.

Vendors set up here periodically.  I'm never sure of when they will be here.  I have not made any sense of what days of the week or week of the month, etc. that these take place.

So I made my way through, stopping along the courtyard to take in all that was offered.

First stop, Baklava Couture.  I love Baklava.  But with an appointment with the doctor coming up, I decided to keep moving.

However, others did not.  This young lady is ordering something delicious.

Then there was Three Little Pigs offering a selection of salami and pate and other delectables.  I think I will definitely stop here the next time they are set up.

This fellow was selling fresh herbs.

He had trays and trays of fresh basil and dill and thyme, etc.

On another table it looks like he had tomato plants and pepper plants and possibly some sage.

A display of wonderful freshly made artisan breads.  I could have taken one of everything here!

Quaker Valley Jams and Jellies.

And another table full of homemade preserves.

On my way out I took this shot of the banner containing all their social website addresses.  You can check out their schedules and so on.

Elizabeth Arden Spa Collection Room Fragrance

We all enjoy being in a space that smells good.  Fresh.  And clean.  Why do you think spas all over the world incorporate scents as part of their therapies.  Scents can and do have a soothing and calming effect on the mind.  I remember when we stayed at the Mohegan Sun resort just outside of New London, CT the air was scented as you entered the registration lobby.  It was heavenly.

I have always enjoyed bringing scents to the rooms of Crest Avenue through various means.  I have used potpourri, candles, plug-in wall units, disposable gels - you name it, I've tried it.  And all with little success of it lasting for any appreciable amount of time.  But, at long last, I think I have come across a product which will bring a wonderful and fresh scent that will last.  And that product is the Elizabeth Arden Reed Diffuser.

I have used reed diffusers in the past.  But it is my opinion the reed diffuser is only as good as the elixir into which you place the reeds.  The oil must be of high quality and have the appropriate amount of scent. The reeds must be of a suitable material and have good absorption qualities or you will not have success. This has been my experience with most reed diffusers.  They looked pretty.  But everything was not working together as it should to bring lasting scent to the air.

Not so with the Elizabeth Arden diffuser.  I got the Lemongrass.  The reeds are very porous.  I could immediately start to smell the room lightly scented with Lemongrass.

Then it was time to set about positioning the bottle.  I tried a number of ways.  I tried it solo, as above.

With a tissue box.

With the tissue box and askance.  (And yes, that is an old trimline, corded telephone on the silver tray.  Don't make fun!)

With the tissue box on the bias.

And finally, in front of the tissue box.  I liked it solo and with the tissue box on the bias.  But in the end I decided to go with the tissue box on the bias.

So if you enjoy scents in your home, and you are looking for a high quality reed diffuser that actually works, I strongly advise the Elizabeth Arden Spa Collection scented diffuser.  And, to the guys - you can use this in your house or apartment or "pad" without any danger of diminishing your masculinity.  She won't care that it is from the Elizabeth Arden Spa Collection.  She will just like the fact that your place smells wonderful.

Elizabeth Arden Spa Collection Room Fragrance

We all enjoy being in a space that smells good.  Fresh.  And clean.  Why do you think spas all over the world incorporate scents as part of their therapies.  Scents can and do have a soothing and calming effect on the mind.  I remember when we stayed at the Mohegan Sun resort just outside of New London, CT the air was scented as you entered the registration lobby.  It was heavenly.

I have always enjoyed bringing scents to the rooms of Crest Avenue through various means.  I have used potpourri, candles, plug-in wall units, disposable gels - you name it, I've tried it.  And all with little success of it lasting for any appreciable amount of time.  But, at long last, I think I have come across a product which will bring a wonderful and fresh scent that will last.  And that product is the Elizabeth Arden Reed Diffuser.

I have used reed diffusers in the past.  But it is my opinion the reed diffuser is only as good as the elixir into which you place the reeds.  The oil must be of high quality and have the appropriate amount of scent. The reeds must be of a suitable material and have good absorption qualities or you will not have success. This has been my experience with most reed diffusers.  They looked pretty.  But everything was not working together as it should to bring lasting scent to the air.

Not so with the Elizabeth Arden diffuser.  I got the Lemongrass.  The reeds are very porous.  I could immediately start to smell the room lightly scented with Lemongrass.

Then it was time to set about positioning the bottle.  I tried a number of ways.  I tried it solo, as above.

With a tissue box.

With the tissue box and askance.  (And yes, that is an old trimline, corded telephone on the silver tray.  Don't make fun!)

With the tissue box on the bias.

And finally, in front of the tissue box.  I liked it solo and with the tissue box on the bias.  But in the end I decided to go with the tissue box on the bias.

So if you enjoy scents in your home, and you are looking for a high quality reed diffuser that actually works, I strongly advise the Elizabeth Arden Spa Collection scented diffuser.  And, to the guys - you can use this in your house or apartment or "pad" without any danger of diminishing your masculinity.  She won't care that it is from the Elizabeth Arden Spa Collection.  She will just like the fact that your place smells wonderful.

The Daily Spring Photo

Here is today's spring photo taken at Foggy Bottom across from the Watergate.

Just a few days of warmth has brought this beautiful tulip tree to this state.  Really stunning!

The Daily Spring Photo

Here is today's spring photo taken at Foggy Bottom across from the Watergate.

Just a few days of warmth has brought this beautiful tulip tree to this state.  Really stunning!

Another Trip to Salvation Army Donation Center

We made another trip to the local Salvation Army donation center last week.  In our spring cleaning efforts this year, we have decided that it is time to take a good hard look at ALL the many items we currently have and decide which are really being used and which are just taking up space.  It is easy to accumulate items over the years and it seems we have done just that.  So this week we donated the following.

A wonderful SteamPress.  I used this intermittently over the years.  More so on special projects than for pressing everyday wear.  With few exceptions, most of my clothes are sent out to be laundered.

I feel when donating to the Salvation Army or any other organization, it is helpful to be as organized and inclusive with your donated items as is possible.  Case in point, I made sure to include these two pads that came with the steampress for doing shirt cuffs and collars.  I also included the original instruction manual in this Ziploc bag which I affixed to the handle with a Velcro cord organizer.  It worked perfectly to hold the bag on the handle.

A Spin Mop.  I bought this thinking that it would be wonderful to use to clean the floors.  Actually, it did a very good job.  It worked just as advertised.  But I eventually bought the Shark Sonic Duo to clean the floors and there was no longer a need for the Spin Mop.

A router table.  Whoever gets this is getting a brand new, never used router table with a complete set of bits or jigs, all organized in a nice little wooden box.  We had grand ideas of using this router to make any number of fanciful casings.  We found that the big box home improvement stores have in stock an enormous array of casings and finish pieces.  So, this was not used.

And finally, blankets.  There were three blankets altogether, one of which was still in the clear plastic overwrap from the laundry.  Again, some very nice finds for someone in need.  There was a light cotton blanket for spring.  A heavier brushed cotton blanket and the faux fur blanket in the bag on top.  Wonderful and cozy.  We still have plenty of blankets a Crest Avenue.

So, there you have our most recent Salvation Army donations.  A good thing to do if you can.

Another Trip to Salvation Army Donation Center

We made another trip to the local Salvation Army donation center last week.  In our spring cleaning efforts this year, we have decided that it is time to take a good hard look at ALL the many items we currently have and decide which are really being used and which are just taking up space.  It is easy to accumulate items over the years and it seems we have done just that.  So this week we donated the following.

A wonderful SteamPress.  I used this intermittently over the years.  More so on special projects than for pressing everyday wear.  With few exceptions, most of my clothes are sent out to be laundered.

I feel when donating to the Salvation Army or any other organization, it is helpful to be as organized and inclusive with your donated items as is possible.  Case in point, I made sure to include these two pads that came with the steampress for doing shirt cuffs and collars.  I also included the original instruction manual in this Ziploc bag which I affixed to the handle with a Velcro cord organizer.  It worked perfectly to hold the bag on the handle.

A Spin Mop.  I bought this thinking that it would be wonderful to use to clean the floors.  Actually, it did a very good job.  It worked just as advertised.  But I eventually bought the Shark Sonic Duo to clean the floors and there was no longer a need for the Spin Mop.

A router table.  Whoever gets this is getting a brand new, never used router table with a complete set of bits or jigs, all organized in a nice little wooden box.  We had grand ideas of using this router to make any number of fanciful casings.  We found that the big box home improvement stores have in stock an enormous array of casings and finish pieces.  So, this was not used.

And finally, blankets.  There were three blankets altogether, one of which was still in the clear plastic overwrap from the laundry.  Again, some very nice finds for someone in need.  There was a light cotton blanket for spring.  A heavier brushed cotton blanket and the faux fur blanket in the bag on top.  Wonderful and cozy.  We still have plenty of blankets a Crest Avenue.

So, there you have our most recent Salvation Army donations.  A good thing to do if you can.

GLORY!!!

That's the word that came to mind when I saw this spectacular specimen on my walk this morning.

Isn't that stunning.  All of those beautiful pink blossoms.  Such a welcome thing to see after the harsh and long winter we have endured over the past several months.  I will endeavor to post a spring-flowering picture each day for the next couple of weeks since we are all so ready for the spring season.

GLORY!!!

That's the word that came to mind when I saw this spectacular specimen on my walk this morning.

Isn't that stunning.  All of those beautiful pink blossoms.  Such a welcome thing to see after the harsh and long winter we have endured over the past several months.  I will endeavor to post a spring-flowering picture each day for the next couple of weeks since we are all so ready for the spring season.

Eco Nuts Wool Dryer Balls

We have talked about dryer balls here at WTCA in the past.  In our last conversation, we introduced the hedgehog balls.

These were so cute.  I loved the idea that by tumbling in the dryer they helped to separate the clothing therefore reducing drying time.  They also have a fabric softening effect.  I used them in conjunction with scented dryer sheets for a most satisfying clothes drying experience.

But, as time went on, the poor little hedgehogs began to lose their quills.  Slowly, ... cycle after cycle, ... a few more quills; then a few more; then a few more.  Until now, we are left with quill-reduced hedgehogs for the dryer.

But all is not lost.  Because I recently found Eco Nuts Wool Dryer Balls.  I was intrigued when I first saw them.  And, of course, any product called "Eco Nuts" is going to get my attention as it would anyone.

So what we've got here is a box of 4 rather large 100% felted wool balls.

Because they are felted they will not unravel and according to the box are good for 1,000's of drying cycles. They work by distributing the heat more efficiently inside the dryer drum.

So we said goodbye to the little hedgehogs and added these felted wool balls to the dryer.  The directions on the box say that you can add some essential oils to the balls if you would like to incorporate your favorite scent during your clothes drying.  I will not be doing that for fear that the oil will stain whatever I am drying. Will I still through in a Bounce sheet?  Maybe.  I'll have to wait and see how I feel about that after I've used these a few times.  I normally use fabric softener (original Downey) in the dispenser during the wash cycle.  I don't really need to then use a dryer sheet.  The times they are a-changin'.  Thank you Bob Dylan.









  

Eco Nuts Wool Dryer Balls

We have talked about dryer balls here at WTCA in the past.  In our last conversation, we introduced the hedgehog balls.

These were so cute.  I loved the idea that by tumbling in the dryer they helped to separate the clothing therefore reducing drying time.  They also have a fabric softening effect.  I used them in conjunction with scented dryer sheets for a most satisfying clothes drying experience.

But, as time went on, the poor little hedgehogs began to lose their quills.  Slowly, ... cycle after cycle, ... a few more quills; then a few more; then a few more.  Until now, we are left with quill-reduced hedgehogs for the dryer.

But all is not lost.  Because I recently found Eco Nuts Wool Dryer Balls.  I was intrigued when I first saw them.  And, of course, any product called "Eco Nuts" is going to get my attention as it would anyone.

So what we've got here is a box of 4 rather large 100% felted wool balls.

Because they are felted they will not unravel and according to the box are good for 1,000's of drying cycles. They work by distributing the heat more efficiently inside the dryer drum.

So we said goodbye to the little hedgehogs and added these felted wool balls to the dryer.  The directions on the box say that you can add some essential oils to the balls if you would like to incorporate your favorite scent during your clothes drying.  I will not be doing that for fear that the oil will stain whatever I am drying. Will I still through in a Bounce sheet?  Maybe.  I'll have to wait and see how I feel about that after I've used these a few times.  I normally use fabric softener (original Downey) in the dispenser during the wash cycle.  I don't really need to then use a dryer sheet.  The times they are a-changin'.  Thank you Bob Dylan.