Today, I’m home in Baltimore, homeschooling my 3 younger kids (in theory). My husband is at work with our 14 year old who is off of high school this week.  My oldest son, Drama Boy (17) is in Minnesota with Chris Ann and her family.

My thoughts have drifted to 15 years ago, when our two oldest sons were toddlers sharing a plastic table with a plate of cut up chicken nuggets and apples. Their vocabulary was limited, but somehow, even then, Chris Ann and I saw how easy they were with each other. They accepted each other.

Today, Chris Ann is being “stand in mama” and she is taking my oldest to his first college audition.  He has spent the past 3 1/2 years at a well known arts high school, learning the craft of acting.  It has not been easy. The school’s program prides itself on conservatory training, not making exceptions because the kids learning are just teenagers. They take a journey of discovering and owning who they are as people.  It has been a challenge.  Who knows who they are at 15?! There were challenges that arose along the way that made my husband and I wonder if Drama Boy would be able to survive. But, as I waved goodbye to him last week, when he was boarding the plane, on his own…I knew in my heart, he’d done it.

And, can I just tell you?! I am one blessed girl, that my bff is able to be by my kid’s side at his first audition!  She has spent the week, spoiling him.  They have shopped for a new audition outfit, shared sushi, played like they were suburban Brits while shopping in the posh grocery store…and shared meals with the whole family.  Drama Boy and Chris Ann’s oldest, have done homework together, toured the college with Todd, went snowboarding, dancing…and spent moments catching up.  Drama boy called me last night and said, “I have more friends here in Minnesota than in Baltimore.” That statement speaks of just how treasured their friendship is…how easy it is.

I’m so grateful today.  I’m also, patiently waiting by the phone for the update that he nailed it!

We are grateful for so many things this year, but today we’d like to say a special thank you to all of those volunteers who took time yesterday from their own food prep, to prepare, serve and share a meal with the women at Safe House of Hope.  Their generosity and their caring hearts made the afternoon a special one.

It was a LoveBomb in every sense of the word.  Volunteers and staff mingled and ate with the clients at Safe House of Hope.  Each person listening and sharing his/her story and what they were grateful for.  Even the children spent time serving the adults.  We are so thankful to have spent the afternoon with so many kind people.

One woman shared that she hadn’t had a Thanksgiving meal in 17 years.  Stories like hers, are such a gift to us, for it helps to put in perspective the blessings all around us.  These women are true survivors and their stories and tenacity are in inspiration.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

From our table to yours!

~Chris Ann & Kristin

My husband made it back the day after my birthday, a day before the next storm hit! You know that saying, “Love makes the heart grow fonder”?  I missed him and was so happy to see him!  He arrived and a wrapped package appeared on the table.  The kids gathered around and Little Man proceeded to help me tear off the paper.  I was shocked!!  Absolutely stunned!  Behind the wrapping paper was a much longed for upgrade to my camera…a new Nikon!  I really was surprised.  I thought a new camera was a bit further in the future, but evidently my family pooled their resources and made it happen! (Thank you family!)

Then, it snowed again the next day…and the next.  Overall we received like 50+ inches.  This week of snow set records in Baltimore!  Because of the snow and lack of parking spaces, we had to cancel the shin dig we had planned that weekend for my birthday.  But, my mom still wanted the kids overnight and I was dieing to escape my house.  So, we made a few calls and a bunch of us braved the mounds of snow and chilling cold to venture to Joe2 (Joe Squared).  I just wanted a beer and live music!

This was our first time to Joe Squared.  I had driven by Joe Squared many times and had just assumed it was a college pizza joint.  Then a few months ago, we began to hear the buzz that it was a music venue as well.  After a little inquiry with some friends, we discovered it was quite a foodie/artist joint!  My interest was peaked! After being stuck in the house for so long, I really needed a pizza/beer/artist-y/foodie/music-y type place to be re-inspired!

Devon and I got to the restaurant before our friends, we pulled up a chair at the bar and ordered a much needed beer, Devon a Chimay (on tap) and me, Stella Artois.  (It was on my birthday wish list!)  Tom Reyes, a jazz band was playing.  I sunk into my chair, swigged on my Stella and took it all in.  The bar, dining area and stage are in one open room.  The lights were dim, but not too.  There was art on the wall…some fun piece about Sheila Dixon being “framed”.  But, the best part, I was out of my house, next to my husband.

Our friends arrived and after waiting a bit for a table we were finally seated.  (The place was a bit busy with lots of people braving the elements!)  We were greeted by our waitress and she took our drink order…beer, by the pitcher.  Devon and Derek started with wings.   Devon had the 9 Spice Wings and Derek the Ginger Pine Nut wings.  Both of which were the bomb!  They really were delicious!  Melissa ordered the Broccoli Cheddar Potato Skins.  They were good.

Then, I decided to order their specialty, pizza!  Their pizzas are all square and the crust is made from a 200 year old starter.  I ordered the Mushroom Lovers Pizza.  It arrived and can I just say, it was love at first sight!  It was a beautiful pizza!  One bite in and I knew we would be lovers forever!  It really was good.  The flavors were simple, the toppings perfectly placed and every bite was as good as the first!

Devon and Derek split the lamb cheese steak, as did Diana and Cliff.  Devon said, “The sub didn’t leave me craving more.  There were no distinct flavors other than mint. It was tasteless.”  Devon is the kind of guy that loves that lamb flavor! Melissa ordered pizza her way, with a bunch of different ingredients, and she loved it!

Then, as we wrapped up our meal, our server brought us the check…um, we weren’t done…but, felt like we were being pushed to wrap it up.  We stopped our server and asked her for another round of beers and for information about desserts.  Honestly, she wasn’t real sure how to describe the desserts.  So, she pulled another server over and he went into detail about the desserts.  Armed with info, we ordered a slice of Earl Grey Cake and Mocha Toffee Cake.

The evening ended with much laughter!  Joe Squared delivered just what this birthday girl needed…a fun night out with good food…and beer.

I woke up this morning next to my superhero.

It’s been 16 years of him watching over me and our family.

He reminds me that a true superhero love is not always perfect…sometimes there’s a dark side…but superhero love keeps coming back to where it started…back to fighting for justice, protecting those he loves, providing for those in need, always being vigilant, having integrity and always, balancing it with romance.

I love that he loves me.  I love that he’s still by my side, fighting to keep this institution (that has failed so many) alive.  It’s not easy.  It’s a commitment.  It’s a promise to give our kids something precious.  We have to fight for it.

There are many villains out there that would love to destroy this institution…and believe me, many have tried! I’m happy to say, at the end of the day, we have stood together to passionately protect the thing we love and treasure, our marriage.

I love you Devon!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Love,

Kristin

p.s Thank you Irene for creating a card that said what was in my heart this Valentine’s Day!

Baltimore is known as Charm City.  I have to tell you, I love my city!  It’s quirky.  It’s loyal.  It’s diverse and very creative.  It’s home to the O’s and the Charm City Roller Girls!  The Inner Harbor is a great tourist stop.  The Star Spangled Banner was written here and I promise, no other city has the Hon Fest!  Edgar Allan Poe found inspiration here!  And Duff Goldman has found a great spot to dig in his heels and sprout a delicious dream!  Baltimore is home to Charm City Cakes.  (We are so lucky!)

The Charm City Cakes crew just released their new book, Ace of Cakes; Inside the World of Charm City Cakes.  I received an invitation to come to their first book signing at Atomic Books (another killer Baltimore dig) and headed down with a friend and one of my sons.  My son, “Najay”, was beyond excited to meet Duff.  You see, he’s the kid that has aspired to be a chef for the better part of his life.  He loves to shadow his dad in the kitchen, sharpen up his knife skills and I can vouch he has quite a sophisticated palette.  This would be his first time meeting a celebrity chef.  It was late, really at the time he should have been getting to bed for school, but I knew this would be a fun adventure!  We arrived in Hampden and headed to Atomic Books.

It was toward the end of the book signing, so it wasn’t too crowded.  We went in and purchased a book.  My friend, bought a graffiti magazine for her kid and thought it would be cool to have Duff sign it for him.

We got in line.  “NaJay” was a bit nervous.

He stretched his neck to get a glimpse of the infamous Duff Goldman.  Spotted!  He was at the end of a long table of people!  Oh my!!  The whole Charm City Cake Crew was here!  Cool!

We gave our book to the first signer, Joe.  He quickly signed the book and off it went!  They had this signing thing down pat!  Our book moved four people a head of us and left us time to chat with some of the Charm City gang!  We met Erica Harrison, whose inspiration was Kermit the Frog!  We also met Sherri Chambers Fisher a decorator from my hometown, Catonsville!  Fun fact, she has directed the play, Earth, Wind and the Baltimore Fire, for Fluid Movement, with Duff Goldman acting as mayor of Baltimore circa 1904!  Sherri had on a great shirt!  I introduced myself and Erica took down the LoveFeast url!

We made our way down the line, with one person in front of us to Duff, I glanced at my kid to find him smiling nervously.  Duff began to put pen to paper on our book and I quickly requested he put in a personal note to our LoveFeast readers.  “Thanks for joining us at the table” he wrote!

I asked him if my son could get a picture with him.  Then a man sitting next to him answered, “Just have him stoop down in front of the table.”  Evidently, this guy was the “gate keeper” to Duff.  I can appreciate that.  I’m sure there are a few crazed fans out there trying to get a piece of Duff’s cake!  But, seriously, my kid is harmless, he just wanted to get a picture with a guy that inspires him!  Duff, rising to the occasion, stepped out from behind the table to put his arm around my kid (so glad, there’s a kid still inside of him that remembers what it’s like to be 12!) and get a picture with him!  Thank you Duff!

Duff sat down and took a look at my friend’s magazine.  She apologized it wasn’t one of his books, but explained she had an artist for a kid and thought he’d like this better.  Not knowing, Duff was once a “wall artist” himself!  He quickly bombed that mag!  How fun!

Then, I turned back to have Duff sign my kid’s phone (he wanted something to show his friends at school) only to find the “gate keeper” blocking my path.  “No, he won’t do that.  We don’t let him sign phones.  Move on, there are other people waiting.”  I glanced back to see two more people in line.  “Really?” I said.  “Yes, now move on.”  “But, this is for a 12 year old boy…he just wants to show his friends.”  He quickly flagged me away without a thought.

Let me just say, the crew at Charm City is the real deal.  They are just like you see them on  Ace of Cakes.  They were joking with one another!  They smiled and looked us in the eyes.  They were approachable and really, I knew we could be fast friends if given a minute to chat!  They are fellow artists and after reading, and not being able to put down the book, I just knew they were kindred spirits!  But, the “gate keeper” about left me with a bad taste in my mouth.  I understand the need for some protection…I get it.  But, dude, we are in Duff’s hometown, Baltimore, in Atomic Books…his backyard, trying to get an autograph for a 12 year old kid, who just happens to be inspired by Duff!  “Najay” could be a Duff one day!  His parents embrace his art, encourage him to explore his gifts, and just like Duff’s mom, we set a stage for creative endeavors!  But, “gate keeper”…he couldn’t get an autograph on his cell phone?  Really?!  It would have been worn off in a few days from the use.  Maybe you don’t have any kids.  In that case, I guess I can kind of understand, but, speaking from experience (I have five kids) this one kind act, would’ve gone a long way!

I calmed down as I drove home because my friend and I realized that while I was arguing with “gate keeper” he was distracted from the special tag she received for her kid!  (Thank you Duff!)  We know you bent the rules for that one, and we appreciate it!  We love the young and budding graffiti artists!  We even LoveBomb them on a regular basis! So, thank you, again!

Like I said, I couldn’t put the book down…I’ll give you a glimpse…but, come back tomorrow and I’ll show you more!  We will also give this copy to one very lucky reader…but, now I have to run, go to the gym, do some laundry and set some stages for my kids to explore their dreams!

We want to thank you all for taking the time to vote for us for the Baltimore Sun’s Mobbie Award for best foodie blog in Baltimore!  We landed at number 3 and at number 8 in best overall blog for Baltimore!  We can’t begin to tell you how fun that week was for us!

Thank you for putting up with our campaigning antics!

We couldn’t have done it without you guys!

So, thank you!

Thank you for joining us at the table!

Chris Ann and Kristin

Chris Ann is at a party somewhere in Minnesota with MckMama.  She was invited to this party by her friend, the very talented, recording artist Mela Kamin.  I’m sure she’s having a blast!  I just hope her voice holds up.  I just got mine back.  How is it we had the same cold and yet are hundreds of miles away?

So, I’m sitting here in Baltimore, thinking about this crazy, campaign trailing, facebook flooding, twitter-tweeting week!  Shew!  It was fun!  I only wish you could’ve heard the conversations Chris Ann and I had throughout the week!  When we found out that we were nominated for Best Foodie blog in Baltimore, like we said, we were giddy.  It didn’t take long for our first-born (we both are!) competitive natures to come out.  I don’t even think we had a goal to shoot for…we just started yapping!  Honestly, if you’re not a blogger, you may not understand how great it is to have content!  This contest was loaded with content!  We were surrounded by great food bloggers!  We were hearing from all sorts of readers!  We were actually moving up the list!  Too fun!

We really had a fun week!  On one facebook comment, we quoted Miley Ray Cyrus, “Ain’t about what’s waiting on the other siiidddeee.  It’s the cliiiimmmbb!”  We love the climb!  We relish every moment of the journey, but especially when there are other people climbing with us!  So, this is a LoveFeast shout out to those who hiked it with us this week!

First and foremost, there is Elizabeth at Strawberries in Paris!  Without her we wouldn’t have even known we were nominated!  She’s Oh So Stylish!  She has an amazing group of friends that will even go to bat for her (Joanne) when we are obnoxiously facebooking, Rock the Vote!  She’s part of the Charm City Cookbooking Club and it looks as if these women cook up delicious food and lotsa laughter!  And did we mention?  She travels to Paris every 6 months for work!

Then there is Dara Bunjon from Dining Dish! She and Elizabeth were the first two bloggers to add us to their blogrolls!  They saw the diamond in the rough and took a gamble on two frazzled mommas trying to find an outlet for all the ideas running around in their heads!  Dara is gracious and obviously the pro!  She’s a great writer and is loaded with great information and excellent restaurant reviews! She won a Top Local Blog award in 2008! She also writes for The Examiner. And if you look, you will find her in great spots all over Baltimore!

We can’t wait to meet you ladies!  We also can’t wait to meet the wonder twins at Black Coffee and a Donut and a lucky momma who lives in the Land of Bean!  We must say here, with sad hearts, that we won’t be at the Mobbies party this Wednesday.  It’s kinda crazy, but Devon and I are flying out that exact time to meet Chris Ann and Todd in Minnesota!  We booked the tickets long before we knew we were even nominated! We are trying to talk some of our close friends into standing in for us, so you can meet us in proxy!

We really can’t wait to meet you, friends and break bread with you around the table!  You inspire us and made this week a lot of fun! And congrats Dara, for unofficially (it will be official next week) taking spot of #1 Baltimore Foodie Blogger!