Obama's Backyard

Washington, DC is an awesome place to live. It has so much to offer on so many different levels. Their are various micro-cities within the district, all with their own distinct flavor and style. Take the new NOMA neighborhood, for instance, with its cool shops, cafes and markets springing up just north of Massachusetts Avenue and slowly but surely building a unique vibe for the up and coming area. You can't beat Union Market on 5th St. NE for its culinary offerings, community focus and full event schedule. A wonderful venue to catch outdoor movies, take cooking classes, enjoy a Sunday brunch or grab a few last minute ingredients for a home-cooked meal. If you're not close enough to walk or bike, there's even a free shuttle that runs to and fro the market and nearby stops.

Still, if you want to stay fit and really see the city proper, the best way to get around town is by bike. Luckily, owning your own sweet blue bicycle is not a necessity.

 
Capitol Bikeshare is at your service with inexpensive bike rentals stationed all around town. Just hop on one, at say, Union Station and head down to the Smithsonian within 30 minutes and your ride is free! This is such a cool system and the deal gets even better if you become a member.

While at Union Station, if you're feeling peckish, grab a tasty bite at Le Pain Quotidien. There's a location here and one at Eastern Market where you can munch al fresco. Either way the organic bread is phenomenal and you won't be disappointed.

And you'll have more than enough energy to get back to cycling. One of the most incredible things about DC is the National Mall, of course. And the fact that the museums are free is not even the half of it. Food trucks abound, the green spaces welcome almost daily events and the monuments are spectacular and should be enjoyed from every angle, both night and day and on many occasions.

The Lincoln Memorial with all its historical significance and value is heart-stirring in the evening with a majestic view of the Washington Monument to the North.

As is the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, a stunning testament to the strength and resilience of MLK and the Civil Rights Movement.

I am astounded every time I visit, by the magnificence and grandeur of the National Gallery of Art.

 
This museum is a feast for the eyes, the soul, even.

Please, please, please go here, walk slowly, study the works of art, soak up the architecture, then come again and again. Then after, head right over to the African Art Museum.

Oh, the wonders inside this treasure trove. El Anatsui, Ben Enwonwu and the list of great artists goes on...

Do take your time, because everything in here is not to be missed. And it's constantly changing so don't just come once, come twice, become a member!

A great dining and cultural event spot to check out after enjoying the Mall, is Busboys and Poets.

There are several locations, but the one at 14th and V Street is the best, I think. A great bookstore is on site to peruse while your delicious meal is being prepared.

By the way, order the blackened salmon, it's A1.

The DC farmer's markets are second to only the stellar markets in the Bay Area, CA. But if they were all like the one Dupont Circle hosts on Sundays, then DC would be #1 in my book. This market is incredible. So fresh and organic and fresh and yes, organic!

 
While there, you must get the juicy crab cakes from the empanada stand and the tart sorrel from the Endless Summer hydroponic stall, the chocolate gelato from the Dolcezza trolley and oh, the scrumptious hummous from the Soupergirls and the pesto pizza from the Wood-Fired Pizzeria.

If by chance, you've worked up a great appetite biking around and you're still hungry after your sampling at the market, don't fret, a fine meal can be had at Sette Osteria, a moments walk away. By the way, all their pastas are made fresh in-house.

Wait...we're not done yet. A kayak along the Potomac is the best way to cap a splendid day in the city.

Take a boat out at the Belle Haven Marina and savor the view, the peace.

The experience will leave you completely fulfilled, as if living in DC was the best decision you've ever made and on the way home as you pass by Obama's place, you feel content sharing space with BO in his exquisite backyard.

Bogobiri House

Looking for a spectacular place to hang out in Lagos, Nigeria? Check out Bogobiri House. At this welcoming community spot you can enjoy native cuisine by moonlight.

Peruse awesome African art

Sign your children up for innovative creativity workshops

Or make some art yourself using the house art supplies

You can also listen to an eclectic array of live music.

Or make your own in the state of the art recording studio.

You can even watch a Nollywood film being shot live on the premises.

 
Yes, Bogobiri House has a myriad collection of offerings on its grounds.

 There's the BRT or Bogobiri Rooftop

The Nimbus Art Gallery

And unique shopping spaces on both floors

When you are next on the continent, come to Lagos, stop in at Bogobiri House and have a taste of modern day Africa. If you love it and don't want to leave, you can even stay a while in one of its vibrant hotel rooms.

The Birdsnest

If you are looking for a nice little escape from NYC, somewhere you can just hop in the car and drive to, completely decompress from city living and get a feel for small town life, all while still making it back to the City in a couple hours, Hancock, NY is your place. A teeny, tiny town along the Delaware River, this hamlet boasts only one of everything you need. A bank, a video store, a library, a church and a bakery. The Bakery, as it is so aptly named, bakes the best bagels outside of Brooklyn.

You'll want to stay the night in this little village and you're in luck, because the perfect little place to rest is perched right on top of the bakery. It's called The Birdhouse and is as delightfully cozy and quirky as it sounds.

You enter and head up to the lofty space by way of these steps.

At the top you will be greeted by this welcoming hand, with a blessing for all who grace the entrance.

And then you will be come upon a light-filled hallway with doors to each suite.

My favorite is the Birdsnest. 

I love the compact cook's kitchen. 

The pristine bathroom, especially the tub.

And the sunny master bedroom.

The living room is such a bright, cozy place to sit and relax. 

And all the furnishings are salvaged antiques, a space decorated with an eye for sustainable, eco-friendly design.

When you are finally forced to leave in order to return to the hustle and bustle of the city, you will nevertheless, walk out refreshed and revitalized by your tranquil stay in these cozy quarters. Until, next time...

Organic Bath

There is nothing like taking a hot steamy bath, filled with herbs and floral oils, when it's a snowy 22 degrees outside. Bath time is so luxurious and a daily must for a life well-lived. Get in there, you must, and linger in a spacious tub, soaking up all the delicious bath treats added to the water. Lay back as the divine elixir envelopes you in its warmth and sensual aroma. Steep like a tea bag in all the herbs, dried flowers and salts dissolving about you.

Light a fire, too.

A very special bath treat is, EO Bath Salts, made with tangerine, coconut and vanilla essential oils and Himalayan sea salt to help alkalize the water.

Pour in some organic milk or add Storybook Farm's Soothing Soak potion with oatmeal, powdered milk, hops and lavender. The hops will make you feel so relaxed, as if you, too, are dissolving into the warm soapy water. Look for it at the lovely Stockton Market in NJ.

For lots of bubbles, use a delicious bubble bath like deep steep Tangerine Melon Honey Bubble Bath. The scent is so delightful and the creamy texture, so wonderful!

And last, but not least, pour in some Dr. Bronner's Peppermint Castile Soap for the most amazingly refreshing fragrance of minty goodness.