Eastern Market & Botanic Gardens

After a sweet breakfast and a lunch date with Ryan, I was plenty fueled for the afternoon ahead.  I  met my friend Bill downtown to explore Eastern Market.  I had only been once before and have wanted to go back.

“…Washington DC’s oldest continually operated fresh food public market.  Located in the heart of the historic Capitol Hill neighborhood, Eastern Market is DC’s destination for fresh food, community events, and on weekends, local farmfresh produce and handmade arts and crafts.”

More information about Eastern Market can be found its website.

Bill and I started walking around the outdoor market where local merchants were selling handmade artwork, jewelry, and antiques but unfortunately the wind began to pick-up so many of the merchants began to close-up.  We continued to meander through the farmers’ line which featured local farmers with stands full of beautiful flowers, fresh herbs, recently picked produce, and…

PICKLES!  Pickles on a stick, an absolutely awesome idea!  FYI: One stick has four pickles!

After consuming our pickles, we made our way inside into the south hall market.  The market reminded me of Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia [but much smaller]- cases full of sweet treats, hot out of the oven breads, various cuts of meat, fresh fish, a delicatessen, and some specialty food products.  We’re already planning to bring bags with us on our next trip to pick-up dinner fixings!

Meanwhile, Ryan was still skating so we continued to explore and made our way down to the United States Botanic Gardens.

“Steeped in history, rich with tradition, the United States Botanic Garden (USBG) is a living plant museum that informs visitors about the importance, and often irreplaceable value, of plants to the well-being of humans and to earth’s fragile ecosystems.”

More information about the United States Botanic Garden can be found on its website.

Can you imagine working as a botanist at this place?  I have to think that you’d have one of the most peaceful and relaxing jobs.  I doubt any plants would ever give you any trouble, well, maybe a Venus Flytrap!

Everything was s.t.u.n.n.i.n.g.

After a wonderful afternoon with good company and fun adventures, my evening was mellow since I’m still not feeling very well.  I snuck in an easy sweat session, made a simple dinner, and cuddled on the couch with Charlie watching David Tutera’s My Fair Wedding.  My simple dinner makes me laugh…  It consisted of a salad, a chicken sausage omelet, and chocolate peanut butter rice cakes…  A balanced [?] and girly dinner, produce + protein + chocolate.

P.S.  Ryan doesn’t understand why I still watch wedding shows since we’re now married.  My response “Because I do!” [haha, "Because I am woman!"]…  I wonder why he enjoys watching football since he’ll never be a pro football player!  Oh, the mysteries of marriage

~~~

This morning I have plans to meet a girlfriend for a coffee + mani/pedi date and later Ryan and I have to help my momma finish cleaning out her garage.  I’m hoping to also sneak in a sweat session, run to the grocery store, and make these bad boys while Ryan watches football!  Have a relaxing Sunday! 

XOXO,

Allison

Question:  Have you been to Eastern Market or the Botanic Gardens? 

Question:  Pickles, yay or nay?  YAY!

— Life's a Bowl