Announcing!

I'm pleased to announce www.concretejungledc.com!   Although blogger has been a wonderful platform for the last four years, it was time to for a change.  I've officially graduated to the big leagues.  I purchased a domain name.  I'm relaunching my blog with a new look and new features.  It's still a work in progress but I'm thrilled with the results.  You can now search for homes (an important feature in a real estate blog).  You can catch up on my Twitter feed.  You can subscribe.  I hope you like the new look.  Feel free to comment about the new site or anything you think I should add to the design.   See you at the new site!        

*from this point forward you'll be directed from this site to www.concretejungledc.com.

Gemma Redux Sample Sale

Gemma Redux is one of my favorite jewelry designers.  I first glimpsed her pieces on Gossip Girl.  (Don't judge...I love the clothes.)  Then I received a necklace for Christmas from my Mom.  Then I discovered her sample sale.  Yea.  I'm obsessed.

The latest sample sale is happening this week.  Go now because the inventory sells out quickly.  FYI- she also adds new creations throughout the day.  Check out what my hubby (kisses) purchased for my anniversary present below. 

Mixes chains with Kambaba jade

*photo from Gemma Redux website

Riveting Rooms

Sissie Jonassen's office nook via Design Sponge

When I saw this office nook yesterday on Design Sponge, I was instantly jealous.  My home office doesn't remotely resemble the photo above.  It's full of paper, pens, and books.  It isn't polished or well lit.  My husband also shares half the office because he works from home too.  I guess if one room has to look like a disaster, I'd rather it be the office vs. the living room.  Yet I'm envious of this clean space with perfect accessories. 

Moment of Truth

We're in the midst of refi and we just received our appraisal.  Before I opened it, my heart was racing.  I was hoping (with fingers crossed) our lovely abode had appreciated.

You never know in today's market.  The last couple of years in real estate have been crazy.  Half of DC is under water and losing money by the bucketful on their homes.  We bought in 2007.  I was nervous for good reason.

I am thrilled to report it's valued at 116K over our purchase price.  That's right people.  I'm doing a happy dance around the living room.  That doesn't mean jack diddly if we decide to list our place in the near future but damn, it feels good. 

First Friday

2220 Q St, NW

2220 Q St, NW family/game room

2220 Q St, NW living room with view of kitchen and dining area plus loft

2220 Q St, NW roof top poo

2220 Q St., NW is one of the most remarkable houses I've viewed in a long time.  It is unusual, beautiful and really expensive!!  It's a four bedroom plus an office and den, five bath house listed for $4,995,0000.  It's 5,525 square feet and the yearly taxes are $16,020.  It features the standard amenities like hardwood flooring, granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances and beautiful bathrooms.  In addition, it has an elevator, a roof top pool and over 2,000 square feet of finished outdoor area.  In the middle of DC!


Sorry this is such a late post.  My internet has been down most of the last two days.  It's been very frustrating.

*photos via MLS

Hood Happenings

2213-2217 14th St., NW is slated for redevelopment

U St. Girl noted earlier this week that Mercadito Ramos had closed.  Curious, she confirmed that the building had recently purchased.  It's now slated for redevelopment.  Let the speculation begin about what type of new retail will arrive!

Jamica Joe's Jerk Chicken

POP reports that Ketcha Fire has been replaced by Jamica Joe's Jerk chicken at 928 U St, NW.  I can't be more thrilled.  For some reason, my husband took delight in repeating "Ketcha Fire" every time we passed that place.  We pass it often.  It drove me crazy!

Resdesign for corner of 14th and Wallach Pl., NW

The new building proposed for the corner of 14th and Wallach Place has been redesigned according to DC MUD.  A month ago, the initial building plans for the corner were rejected. 

I just noticed there's two new blogs about the 'hood:  U St. Beat and U St. Dirt.   Welcome!

*photos (in order) via U St. Girl, POP, and Urban Turf.

Summer Obsession: Tuna and White Bean Salad

Tuna and White Bean Salad

This is one of my all time favorite summer recipes.  It's light, refreshing and you'll want to eat it again and again.  I made this for lunch when my girls and their new babies came to visit.  You can serve it as a sandwich but I like it on a bed of arugla that's been drizzled with olive oil and red wine vinegar.  Bon apetito!

Tuna and White Bean Salad

2  6 ounce cans of albacore tuna.  One in water, one in olive oil

1  15 ounce can of cannelli beans, drained and rinsed

1  cup grape tomatos, halved

2  lemons

3  tablespoons fresh basil

2  tablespoons red wine vinegar

3  tablespoons olive oil

1  garlic clove, minced

salt and pepper to taste

Drain tuna.  In a large bowl, add tuna, rinsed white beans and grape tomatoes.  Cut lemons in half and squeeze lemon juice over tuna, white beans and tomatoes.  Stir.   Add basil, garlic, red wine vinegar and olive oil.  Stir again.  Salt and pepper to taste.  Chill for at least an hour but preferably over night for the best flavors.  Enjoy on a bed of arugla or in a sandwich. 

*recipe adapted from epicurious.com.