Summer’s here! No, for real this time. After last week’s regression to early spring with temperatures in the 50′s, last weekend and the coming week promise sunny, 80-degree weather. Perfect for summer camp.

To celebrate, on Saturday I headed to a…well, a celebration in Over-the-Rhine’s Gateway Quarter. There were crafts and clothing and jewelry (oh, my):

The combination of the cross-and-black lace earrings and wooden rings  with biblical figures (from St. Theresa’s– they’re back in Pendleton!) totally put me in a Madonna-circa-Like A Prayer mood.

This shirt made me snicker.

There was art for sale:

As well as art on the street:

How sweet is that?

Anyone who knows me, knows that 90% of the reason I leave the house revolves around the possibility of eating good food. I pretty much devoured the tacos from Senor Roy’s Taco Truck in 30 seconds, and indulged in a cool lemon-y/pomegranate-y treat from Dojo Gelato in the name of supporting local businesses. ‘Cause I’m thoughtful like that.

It only took about 12 seconds before this was nothing but a plastic cup with a little gelato juice in the corners.

Good times.

How was your weekend?

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Even though I spent most of last weekend huddled over my computer working on the next issue of Style Sample and lamenting the neverending rain (it made me sleeeepyyy), I did manage to get out a bit on Friday evening.

My new Nikkor 55-200 lens was waiting for me when I got home on Friday (woohoo!), so I hit Final Friday with Friendboy and tested it out a bit.

Of course, my first subject was Beau the cat, who cooperated for approximately 12 seconds before going back to sleep. I also took a shot of the fragrant (lavender?) bush that makes the entire block smell lovely.

Beau-bear/Beau-bunny/Buns/etc., the bush that brightens my day

We were walking past the Over the Rhine Chamber of Commerce when chamber president Brian Tiffany invited us in for drinks and a tour. Who could say no to that?

Nice digs and good food at the new OTR Chamber

Colorful abstract art (my favorite kind) on display at the OTR Chamber

We continued on to Main Street to see what was happening there:

There was a neat art demo at Venue 222, where this gentleman showed how he acts as a sort of “medium” for artists with disabilities.

There was an exhibit featuring illustrations by DAAP students at Atomic Number 10.

I really wanted to buy something, but I was, um…strongly discouraged.

I could spend hours searching through the records and movies at the new spot that just opened up next to “my office” aka Iris Bookcafe.

Amazing glass work by artist Jamie Payne at one of the galleries. I have absolutely no use for a glass grenade, but I WANT ONE.

On Sunday, I managed to drag myself away from my computer to make a yummy barbecue chicken “pizza” (no pizza crust on hand, so I used flour tortillas) with fresh mozzarella, smoked gouda, and fresh basil.

It looked a little weird, but it was goooood.

How was your weekend?

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The weekend before last, I was lucky enough to celebrate my birthday two days in a row! I spent time with people I love, ate wonderful food, and dressed up for absolutely no reason. Oh, and I got to say I lived another year. I guess that’s pretty special.

Honestly, I spent most of the weekend working on the new issue of Style Sample magazine. Putting this one together was a doozy–missing photos, extra layouts, unanswered requests for information, a procastinating editor-in-chief (ahem)–but I was dedicated to meeting the deadline. Gotta git ‘r done!

The hours when I wasn’t chained to my laptop, I was treated to two lovely dinners. Saturday evening, FriendBoy took me to Honey, a well-reviewed little spot in Northside.

The food was excellent, but the ambiance could use some work. It was packed (see: excellent food), a bit noisy, and the decor was utterly nondescript. I wonder if they’d let me come in and decorate…

Sunday evening, my two favorite crazy people, also known as Mom ad Dad (hi mom!) took me to  Mt. Adams Fish House. They proceeded to act like children (I’ve always been the mature one) and showered me with gifts and love and unsolicited advice. Awww…

Perhaps due to my rapidly advancing age, I was really in chill mode for this birthday. No need for over-the-top celebrations or big parties, just…chill.

Am I the only one who’s not extra excited about this stuff any more? How did you celebrate your last birthday?

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This past weekend, The Boy and I braved the heat and humidity and hung out at the Over-the-Rhine/Gateway Celebration.

We checked out some of the local vendors and marveled at the creative talent. You know I was all about the clothes and accessories!

I bought a pair of earrings from Amy at Ovenfried Beads. Can’t you see recreating a funkier version of the star necklace from the YSL Spring 2008 show with these star-shaped pendants? I smell a DIY project…

We talked about the tees from Wire&Twine–the Cincinnati Subway Map (for optimists) was my favorite. I really wish we had better public transportation…y’all know I hate driving.

We stopped by Lavomatic for some wine and a bite to eat. We both wound up ordering the mushroom lasagna, which was amazing!  Because I couldn’t resist dessert (I can never resist, really), I had the delicious white chocolate raspberry tarte. Mmmhmm. I’m really going to have to hit the gym this week!

How was your weekend? Did you do anything exciting?

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