Scrappy Travels

Even though I live very close to VA, I'm hardly ever down there.  There are loads of fun places to go I've learned, but I never think to go to them.  Until this week, I'm not sure I'd ever actually been to Alexandria.  But I'm sure it won't be my last.  It's such a cute little city. It really reminded me of Boston, with the old town feel and main street shops.  Of course, stores and streetlights decorated in Christmas garland and ornaments, can make any city gorgeous.  But in Alexandria's case, I'm pretty sure it's adorable in the spring, summer and fall as well.  My attempt at creativity...obviously, it really didn't work out as planned...  Uppy Shot! Heh, I see what you did there : ) Think Misha Collins owns this coffee shop?   All the uppy shots!

For the past 25 years, Kennedy Krieger has held the Festival of Trees.  It's their biggest fundraiser of the year.  If you're not familiar with it, the premise is simple.  Families, businesses, companies, etc. decorate Christmas trees in all sorts of elaborate themes and ornaments - some handmade, some store-bought.  Then all of the trees are set up at Timonium Fairgrounds and hundreds of people, who love Christmas, come to ogle a them. After the exhibition, the trees are sold and all of the money made goes directly to Kennedy Krieger to continue their work with children battling serious illnesses and other disabilities. Basically it's a winter wonderland for all who love Christmas.  Oh, and have I mentioned, it's pretty awesome?! Even though I've lived here in Maryland, my entire life, I'd never been up until last year.  But after seeing the spectacle for the first time, I got hooked.  One of these years, I'm so doing a tree or a wreath at the very ...