Tuesday, October 26, 2010

A National Cathedral Must-Own For Me


The next time I visit The National Cathedral I will have enough money to splurge on something that caught my eye. First of all, I've visited this beautiful place more than three times already. I've been through the main worship area, spent some quiet times in the Bishop's Garden, took the elevator up to the top floor and enjoyed a festival or two during the summer months. But never did I realize that they had quite the gift shop downstairs had I taken a complete tour. What a goober!

Here are some trinkets and whatsits you can find in their gift shop the next time you visit:

Pretty ornate decorations, perfect for the upcoming holiday season. And the Child Angel is an adorable great gift for any angel collectors.


There is something to love about the simplicity of wooden figurines and especially if they are of revered saints. Left to Right: St. Jude, St. Julian of Norwich, St. John of the Cross.


You can't visit the National Cathedral without seeing her minion of gargoyles. Aren't they just the cutest things? And believe it or go see for yourself, there IS a Darth Vader head mounted there. My husband was determined to look for it one Sunday and sure enough there he was...Lord Vader.


Here are some more things I found serene and beautiful...


I'm not sure what they call this but I like to call it the Rosary Cross. I'm sure someone can give me the actual name. But this would be a great gift to give a friend of the faith. 


Finally, the thing I want most above all things from this gift shop would have to be this book, Cooking with the Saints (heavenly ahhs). C'mon, how neat is this book? I love cookbooks that are specific and have their own flare to it. Just like the postcards I bought from Graceland that had all of Elvis Presley's favorite foods. Now I can cook and eat what the saints ate. Awesome. If you have this book please do share with me your favorite recipe.


Well, my friends this has been the National Cathedral Gift Shop tour courtesy of The Full Time Wife. Until next time, Faith, Hope and Love...above all Love!

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Red Velvet Cupcakery


I am back now after a long period of time and I don't really like to be away from my blogging if I don't have to be. But I had to due to huge life changes for my husband and I. We've moved from one coast to the other and it's been quite the adventure. Ask us and we'll tell you.

The week before we left the East Coast my husband's wonderful sister and her friend came to visit us and of course we gave them our Family Food Tour. Visiting the hotspots like Ben's Chili Bowl (of course!), 2 Amys & never missing a beat...Red Velvet Cupcakery.

I remember when I heard of their store opening at DC's Penn Quarter right next to their sister company TangySweet. In fact I think I signed up for some kind of daily deal online and that's how I found out about their premier. My first taste of Red Velvet's cupcakes was last spring and there has not been another cupcake store around DC to beat them since, at least that's what I firmly believe.

We entered the quaint storefront and were greeted with one of my favorite aromas in the world, chilled dairy mixed with spices of fall and chocolate. Oh it's such a wonderful experience every time. I'm telling you, it's so good you have to share this place with everyone you know.

My husband and I went all out and ordered 4 cupcakes: Southern Belle (a signature recipe of theirs and I promise you, you will not regret it), Devil's Food, Cookies N' Cream and their featured Poached Pear. My sister-in-law and her friend both ordered the Peanut Butter Cup. A delicious time was had by all.


So the next time you decide to visit DC definitely make it a must to visit Red Velvet Cupcakery. There are some other well-known cupcake stores in DC but not all stores live up to their hype. I know by personal experience and talking with locals about their favorite cupcake stores. Red Velvet is a gem you shouldn't pass up.

Current Locations found on their home page:

Washington, DC: Penn Quarter
501 7th St. NW
tel: 202-347-7895

Washington, DC: Dupont Circle
2029 P Street, NW
tel: 202-822-2066

Tucson, Arizona: Downtown
943 E University, Suite 165
tel: 520-829-7780

Tucson, Arizona: La Encantada
2905 E Skyline Drive, Suite 287
tel: 520-829-7780

Reston, VA Town Center
11939 Democracy Drive

They've announced on their website that plans are being made for two store openings in Northern Virginia. Lucky them, now can they please open one on the West Coast? We need lovin' too.