Oh Those Brits

Have just discovered this lovely reproduction poster-- created by the British Government's Ministry of Information in 1939. Our neighbors across the pond certainly had a way with words. Maybe Obama could use this now.

So Many Ways to Give

It's holiday time....I'm having a bit of a hard time this year getting in the spirit due to the dust flying around my house, washer and dryer in my living room, growing tummy and overwhelming list at work. But I am trying to be more conscientious about giving this year when there is so much need at home and around the world. So, here are just a few ideas:

1. Give to World Vision through a catalogue that features goats, chickens and cows for families in the developing world. Might seem funny to purchase a goat but you only have to read one story like the one Nicholas Kristoff wrote in the New York Times a few months ago about the impact one such animal can make to an entire family's livelihood to know it is the right thing to do. You can also donate food aid, for children's education and clothing. I did this for my sisters and in-laws and each donation will be made in their name.

2. Pangea is Greek for "all lands". Pangeamarket.com, supported by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), brings together traditional high quality handicrafts made by artisans in developing countries. This is the first time that most of these products have been available for purchase online and in our Washington, DC store. Come in and purchase these beautiful, fair trade crafts, jewelry, home décor, accessories and more, learn about the products’ origins and know that your purchase helps create sustainable livelihoods for artisans in Asia, Africa and Latin America.

3. Give to a local food bank, like the Capital Are Food Bank.

4. UNICEF Gifts: From holiday cards to kids toys to gifts that help children around the world, this site is worth checking out.

Lovin' This Blog

Everyone now and then I post something that has absolutely nothing to do with travel. This is one such post....I just came across Nonchalant Mom, a wonderful blog about kids, the challenges we face in raising them and natural products. For my fellow mother friends out there, you have to check it out. And yes, there is even a shopping site, with the most adorable kids lines and organic products.

Vive Viva Terra

I have a new ritual. It involves flipping through numerous mail order catalogues each night before bed, sometimes instead of reading. I know it's a silly habit but I think it originates from "mail deprivation" after five years of living in the Balkans. So, last night it was perusing Viva Terra and Uncommon Goods and Free People. I'm still thinking about this Buddha.

Looks Like We Made It....Capitol Hill

Well, Capitol Hill has made it. I know because yesterday, to my utter delight, I opened my New York Times and discovered that my neighborhood -- my dear Capitol Hill -- was listed as a fashionable place to shop. Goodbye to Georgetown snobbery. Hello Eastern Market and funky shopping, To be fair, they did mention Sassanova, one of my favorite places to shop for shoes in that part of town....and I did buy my Indonesia-imported bed at Muleh. But here's what they had to say about shopping in the nation's capital.

Shops
The city's best shopping is clustered around Eastern Market in Capitol Hill, the U Street corridor, and the streets around M Street and Wisconsin Avenue in Georgetown. Betsy Fisher. Mary Elizabeth Albaugh (a k a Betsy) offers everything from four-inch Italian heels to wrap dresses. 1224 Connecticut Avenue NW; (202) 785-1975. Forecast. Shoes, bags and everything in between. 218 Seventh Street SE; (202) 547-7337. Hu's Shoes. High-fashion heels. 3005 M Street NW; (202) 342-0202. Muléh. A mix of European fashion and Japanese home furnishings. 1831 14th Street NW; (202) 667-3440. The Remix. Vintage fashion and accessories. 645 Pennsylvania Avenue SE; (202) 547-0211. Sassanova. Sporty American designers as well as European labels. 1641 Wisconsin Avenue NW; (202) 471-4400. Urban Chic. Girly fashions and designer denim. 1626 Wisconsin Avenue NW; (202) 338-5398.

Weekend Market -- Bangkok

Yesterday, I got to reminiscing about the Four Seasons Hotel in Bangkok. But I can’t help but think about this great city without thinking about the weekend market. It’s one of the most intense shopping experiences I’ve had in my life – stalls packed with literally everything under the sun. You can purchase live animals here. You can purchase flip flops for about $1. I’ve also salivated over glazed dishes, purchased an entire set of silverware and bought a great pair of Puma knock off running shoes for $3. My saving grace has been a map prepared a few years back by Nancy Chandler (http://www.nancychandler.net/) which breaks down the market by sections. It’s a must if you plan to go! Take the subway there early and then take a cab back after you’ve exhausted yourself…preferably to a cool drink waiting at the Four Seasons.