Hampden's Holiday Windows

Our neighborhood is decked beyond belief for the holidays. I was frankly a little put off seeing some windows decorated the week after Halloween this year. Everywhere I turned people were rushing Christmas. The "wait your turn Fat Boy" cartoon was sweeping the Internet with a feisty turkey giving Santa the business. I totally got that on November 2. But now, after Advent has begun and I have had time to reflect on what I am truly thankful for, I am ready for Christmas. My first stop was Trohv on The Avenue in The Hampdens. 

Oh Trohv. With your brown paper packages tied up with pine cones! I want to make out with you. Your "over the river and through the woods" Woody car cruising on the front window just warms this Midwestern born heart. Thank you for the fake snow too. This rain and creepy fog in mid-December just bums me out. We could have had inches of snow had the air been a wee bit closer to 32 degrees. Damn December. Bring it on. 

I had to stop inside Trohv to see their always inspiring displays. They never disappoint. I'm still obsessed with the star burst pencils from this post.

Their chalkboard screamed customer service to me in a hip fun way.

If you need ginormous candy canes? 

Gingerbread mix and stocking stuffer's galore.

Killer wire lamps, adorable ornaments and simple baskets for wrapping?

Vintage ornaments? Yep, Trohv has got you covered.

 Sparkly pinecones

Felted mistletoe

The Flexible Flyer's in their displays just warmed every part of my soul.

If I were fully employed I would have gone to town on their wrapping station. Paper Porn.

A few blocks west, Paradiso's red and white display is such a nice contrast with their pea green facade.

I love the cardboard deer head.

Sue's snowmen and yarn snow balls at Lovely Yarns were my all time favorite. Notice the knit hats on the snow lady. So clever. So adorable. So jealous it isn't snowing yet.

The "Yes on 6" downspout yarn bomb outside is why my New Years Eve brides love this state so much. We did it Maryland. 

Double Dutch

I stopped in to Ma Petite Shoe for a little chocolate teaser.

Charm City Cook is now selling her caramel salted brownies at Ma Petite Shoe. We met Amy and Susannah and Amanda's wedding and realized we were stalking each other on Instagram. So hilarious but true.

Spro has an upside down tree in their front window with a gorgeous row of Poinsettias. 

You must try their Mexican hot chocolate. It has a heat from cayenne pepper that is amazing.

And finally, In Watermelon Sugar's windows never disappoint. Did you notice that these shops are all so unique and independent? We keep hearing great things about more restaurants and art pop up spaces joining The Avenue. 

We are truly so thankful to STILL be living in Baltimore. It was touch and go there for a minute but we are here to stay and thankful to be able to walk up and see the windows in our hood. It's not New York City, but I'm okay with that. 

Hippest Hood Toilet Bowl Races

Our little village was just written up as one of the Hippest Hoods for Hipsters in Forbes Magazine last month. Any village that has an annual Mac-Off competition is alright by me. And frankly, I've never smiled so hard during The Toilet Bowl Races this year at Hampdenfest. Yes, friends, Toilet Bowl Races. Think box cars with potties...not Grand Prix with fast cars. I'm the farthest thing from hip so this news made me giggle as it was sent to me via Twitter by I very clever youth groupie from DC. Just recently a friend burst into laughter when I said I had a tennis match on Saturday. Is that funny? I guess in a Biff and Buffy sort of way it is. The fact that my preppy self lives up in this funky joint just makes it all the more hilarious, and I love you Hampden! Toilet races and all.

Our way stylish neighbor Paul was the official finish line judge. He was roped into the job by one of the "Mayors of Hampden", Steve Baker, I'm sure. But he had front row seats to all the action. Earlier that morning we were heading to the coffee shop and Steve offered up a spot on one of the "race" cars. Um...not this year, but thanks for the offer Steve. 

A front moved over Chestnut Avenue just as the races began. I was expecting a "Surrender Dorothy" sky writer at any moment. It was dark, ominous, and the temperature dropped 20 degrees in 10 minutes. It was big scary. Rumors of tornado's were streaming the Internet and up and down The Avenue. But not even the Wicked Witch of the West could stop the hilarity that was about to ensue so we hunkered down and risked our lives for a great time.

We camped out in front of the Roland Park Deli after having a fabulous hot dog and complimentary cupcake. I love this place. Thank you Nancy Hinds for introducing me to it. If you haven't been you must try their Chicken Pot Pie Soup. Perfect for a cold fall day.

The names of the "race cars" were the absolute limit. "Stool Running", "Holy Crap", "Flush Gordon" to name a few came two by two in about 5 heats. They had to be powered by gravity only. No engines, no manpower. 

The closest race and most exciting of the day was between @mobtowngeorge riding in a monk's costume on "Holy Crap" and Team Wholly Terra (not sure of his team name). You can see the intensity on Steve's face.

This speed and intense focus resulted in the first crash of the afternoon. The crowd oohed and gasped. It was fantastic. No one was hurt and they made it to the second heat and added a much needed flare to the event.

The street was lined with people taking photos.

These guys were my favorite of the day. I love the nod to the Flamingo on the handlebars. Their team name was Gorilla Finger Racing. The wrestling masks made the pit crew uniform in my opinion.

E, Viv, and our best bud Brad.

The sky was a close second on the entertainment factor.

@mr_pistol won the whole shooting match with Flush Gordon. Little did I know I was following him on Instagram. We've never met but someone tagged him and I mentioned I took a few winning shots. Hope you enjoy the photos Shawn! Well done.

 

The pride in this team just makes me so happy.

Will from Luigi's on The Avenue and our great neighbor Viv again gave much reason to smile.  Luigi's has the best Italian Deli Sandwiches ever! Ever. The bread is so fresh and all the meat is cut to order by Will. Oh my gosh, my mouth is watering just thinking of my favorite sandwich of all time. Thankfully it is just blocks away from our hip home. We can walk off the calories.

There was only so much dark sky Vivi-anne and I could take so we high tailed it back home to Stone Hill just before all hell broke loose in the atmosphere. E stuck around on The Avenue and got stuck at his favorite coffee house and no tornadoes touched down anywhere near us so all was well in our hood.

Thank you Hampden. You are beyond weird, beyond wonderful and we love you more than our luggage.

Mrs. Claus Bar Crawl

It's the Holiday Season...and I'm a crazy woman. I simply have to share photos from the Mrs. Claus Bar Crawl when Katiecakes came to town however two weekends ago. Em, was kind enough to deck out some bows (Craft Club second order of business) for our hair. She inspired me to don some festive sock-wear and play Mrs. Claus elf. E. and I were sick as puppies that weekend and didn't last at all. C'est domage. The scene was a stitch!!!

First, a Marie Antoinette Mrs. Clause with working snow globe. Oh my God! Talk about crafty. She made the whole outfit. 

The Mrs. Claus' illuminated all of Hampden and we happened to partake during the Fraizer's on the Avenue stop. Wow. The bartenders were so nice but my gosh the waitresses were rude as snitz-fanny!!! Get over yourself and smile people. You have a packed bar with women singing carols and bringing you TONS of business. Have mercy!!!

It was a sea of red velvet and hot babes dressed up as tricked out Mrs. Clauses.

Ho, ho, HOOOO!!!

Texas Katie had a fun spin with cowgirl boots and flowers in her hat.

Honestly, do you think Santa would ever leave the North Pole if Mrs. Claus wore this sassy uniform. Thank goodness the real Mrs. Claus is a zaftig woman or none of us would get any presents!!! Dayum.

The highlight of the night was watching Katie and her cute beau dance.

Spotted: Natty Boh and Katie's cute purse on the same table. Atta girl Katiecakes.

Oh the twirling!!! 

Cheers to Katie and all the Mrs. Clauses for such a fun night. I'm just sorry we couldn't rally to see you in the Mayors Parade. Megtown caught a great shot and didn't even know it was Katie! Notice the costume change. Wishing everyone the best in managing all the details of the season. Remember to smile, especially when wild and crazy women burst into song in your bar!