Bird, Bird, Bird...Bird is the word.

Uncle Charlie and I got to visit with some of our darling friends in Virginia a few weekends ago. Our bridesmaid McCall and her hubby Tyson invited us for a slumber party at their new home. We were so excited to visit with their daughter Birdy before she hit the sack.

She is the most precious little angel. Full of personality.

We had a fun little visit with books.

And a photo shoot.

She smiles ALL the time. Happiest little girl I've ever met! Seriously.

They are selling their other home and needed the furniture to stage the place. They just sold this week! Too bad. The living room is way fun sans furniture. Many a dance party USA could happen sans furniture.

I've never seen a Daddy more smitten than Tyson with his little Birdy.

McCall and I have known each other for the better part of 13 years. We missed each other by a semester at American University in DC. We were in a beach house in Dewey together and were always the last ones to leave the beach.  She is the most faithful woman and is always upbeat and positive. We prayed for each other to find good Christian husbands and both found our guys within months of each other. I love you sweet McKayla!

TyBeau, fiance, husband is the best dad and a hero! He has a bronze star from the Marine Corps. I feel so blessed that Eric and Tyson love each other too. It's amazing when your friend's husband ends up taking care of your in-laws at your own wedding. Tyson gets the gold star in my book. You rock my friend.

He knows how to make little Birdy squeal with laughter.

She had a little stranger danger with her Uncle Charlie.

But quickly warmed up to my sweet man.

'

It makes my hear just melt seeing E. hold a baby.

He's always worried he's going to drop or somehow break a baby. He got the hang of it quickly. I'll never forget him holding our friend Nicoletti's day old baby Kate at the hospital.

McCall and Tyson have just purchased a new place and it truly is a Lighthouse to the Lord. We watched the sun set, had dinner and later went out and looked at the stars with the IPad Stargazer aplication. Amazing. It was so quiet and so wonderful just to be outside, sipping wine with old friends.

We got to see all of the Bird's tricks before she went up to her nest for night, night. Clapping was a good one.

The best trick hands down was her night night opened mouth kisses. E. had to prepare himself for these. I've never laughed so hard and even now am cracking up laughing just typing as I remember this very moment.

Oh. My. Gosh. Is that not the funniest thing you have ever seen in your life? I can't wait to show this to little Birdy when she is older. Makes my heart happy.

Thank you for your wonderful hospitality McCall, Tyson and Birdy. We can't wait to come out and see you garden grow and hang by the pool! We love you guys so much. Amen!

Charleston

I was fortunate enough to attend a luncheon at Baltimore's beloved Charleston last weekend.

E. brought me here for my very first birthday in Baltimore in February 2008. We had a five course meal with wine pairing during truffle week. Strangely enough I don't remember the specifics of the meal, but I remember the atmosphere and impeccable service. Owners, Tony Foreman sent us champagne and Chef Cindy Wolf came and spoke to us for a generous ten minutes. I was blown away by the interior design of Patrick Sutton. Frankly, I couldn't believe such an elegant restaurant existed in Baltimore. I was so naive back then, having only been here for two months. Much did I learn about the culinary prowess of Baltimore that evening and the following months. This town has amazing restaurants. Many are owned by Tony Foreman and Cindy Wolf, or the Wolf Foreman group. I think they should have combined the names and called their company Wolfman. :)

The light during the day was brilliant and the rooms were stunning.

The blue sky reflected off of every object.

The restaurant is tucked away on a corner in the tony Harbor East neighborhood. It is across the street from another Foreman Wolf property, Cinghiale, and has a lovely view of the Inner Harbor. They are no longer opened for lunch but will open for private events.

Guests are allowed to come and view the open kitchen which is run as tight as a ship.

I covet these copper pots.

I look forward to going back with Eric and having a martini at the bar.

The dining room is magnificent. I love the simple gold and red edged china.

This is a restaurant that reminds me of our honeymoon at the Grand Hotel. You get dressed to have dinner here. You wear a cocktail dress and your diamonds. Go here for a romantic evening and just enjoy as the meticulous staff caterers to your every need. If you have a question about wine, the sommelier can nearly tell you the row from which the grapes were plucked. Tony Foreman and Robert M Parker Jr. are besties so the wine list is to die for fabulous at Charleston, Pazo, Petite Louis and Cinghaile.

The meal was light and perfect for lunch.

The bread is baked daily. We were offered corn bread, raisin fennel or a French roll.

The artichoke soup would have made David Tanis cry it was so good.

I opted for the lobster Cobb salad that was served with a quenelle of saffron mayonnaise.

Chef Wolf came and spoke to our group about the vision of the restaurant and the Foreman Wolf owned restaurants and wine shops.

I had to take a photo of the flourless chocolate cake with pistachio ice cream. Isn't it beautiful?

My fruit plate was delicious.

Back in December while shopping for last minute prizes I stumbled upon the famous restaurant interior designer Patrick Sutton's new shop Home. The floors are polished cement and the space has a great unfinished quality to it with exposed lighting fixtures and high ceilings.

There are original works on paper and anything your design hungry self would desire.

He even has a nice selection of glassware and stationery.

I am in the business of place cards and nearly picked up this box of one hundred cards, but alas they didn't take my corporate Amex. 

I'm a huge geek for Molton Brown and spotted their signature bottles on the shelves. I made sure we had Molton Brown in the powder rooms at our wedding reception site. Simply love them.

There are also lovely soaps for sale.

It's a gorgeous shop and a nice addition to Harbor East.

If you haven't been to Baltimore lately you should come and see the treasures that await you in Harbor East. I truly believe we have some of the finest restaurants in the world. Little did I know in 2008. Thank you Chef Wolf for such a gorgeous meal.