Gingersnap

Went strolling through the Fairfield Commons Mall searching for the perfect gifts for Mom and brothers. Fruitless and empty handed, I ventured into two of my favorite shops, Nirvana and SHE Fashions (formerly Sleepy Hollow) looking for bargain deals. Of course, I knew that there would be more "presents" for me here and not my family. Still, nothing wrong with harmless window shopping! Belly Dancing wear on sale! Sweet! Ummm yeah. Could totally see Mom and brothers enjoying these things. Nothing in my color spectrum unfortunately- only purples or darker blues for me! Not that I planned on making purchases for myself. But can't help imagining how amazing at home belly dance training would be if I wore something similar to what the other Shimmy ladies are wearing! Bob Marley! Yay! Except Mom isn't necessarily big on reggae and my brothers probably aren't interested in a dread locked Rastafarian rapping about peace and love. Though one brother might love the "gre...

This past Friday's "First Friday" was beautiful- weather wise! Colorful leaf piles were something to treasure, especially walking around in the lovely neighborhood of the Oregon District- that perfect, historical strip of classical architecture near downtown Dayton. Leaves! Yes! I jumped into a bunch of crunchy madness, skipped on through, and photographed like a crazy madwoman. Short, bittersweet autumn simply brings out the childish relish in me! Saw amazing paintings, handmade vintage product, and tasted delights from local artists. Ah, little old Dayton, your surprises always astound me.... I went inside of a neat place called Grassroots. It's not entirely new, having been opened since July, but they have started joining in on the First Friday craze sometime ago. In the boondocks of the Oregon District, it was a place I missed on previous occasions. Glad to have spotted this cozy down/upstairs business that not only features a gallery and DIY shop, but has after ...

It was a lovely day to end the weekend. Why not end birthday weekend with Dayton Mall, Target, and larabar shopping? Glad that my friend Asia H. was completely free- after all, she's traveling all over the country listening to refreshing upcoming bands and meeting new inspirational people every weekend! Ha ha! :) I thank her immensely for spending time with me. Much obliged! First stop- Auntie Anne's- easily one of the best pretzels, I've ever had the honor of tasting! Not surprised at all at the long line. But it's well worth the wait. Today, I'm not getting the 69 cent cheese sauce that comes in that tiny plastic sealed container. No way Jose! I'm eating my warm pretzel- hot from the oven, no gimmicks allowed. They're sooooo right! I couldn't handle myself at all! Buttery, unsalted, hot, and delightfully fresh from the oven, my mouth nearly swooned with every bite of this decadent heaven. There is nothing like a freshly made pretzel! Looked around at a...