In sharing our holiday spirit, the WeLoveDC crew has pulled together our recommendations for locally produced and themed gifts. Some of these recommendations our authors are swooning and lusting over, some they highly recommend for those looking to buy locally sourced or locally themed gifts.  We hope you find our gift guide useful and feel free to add your own recommendations (make sure they’re DC related, produced, themed, etc., cuz that’s the whole point!) within the comments section below.  Enjoy and Happy Holidays!

Wild Flag

Expect to see this record on most critics’ best-of-2011 lists. Fronted by iconic Washington, DC musician Mary Timony, the record is an accessible, garagey crowd-pleaser about the power of music and the catharsis of just leaving everything on stage each night. Teenagers and jaded, aging indie rockers will all find something to like. Recommended by Brittany.

Handmade Storybooks & Bags

These handcrafted storybooks by local author/artist Sushmita Mazumdar pay homage to the storytelling traditions she learned from her father and brought to DC from India. Proceeds benefit Empowered Women International (EWI) – a non-profit organization working with immigrant and refugee women in the DC area. Recommended by Joanna.

Amethyst Geode Ring

This brass, sterling, and amethyst ring from local jewelry designer Rachel Pfeffer is just everything. The big, jagged geode and oxidized brass triangles at the bezel add up to a delightfully modern take on the classic cocktail ring. Recommended by Brittany.

Dream City

I’ve been told that understanding Marion Barry is the gateway to understanding the District. There’s no better place to start than Tom Sherwood and Harry Jaffe’s important Dream City. This 1994 book tackled issues of race, class, and power in our city. A reminder of how much has changed – and how much has not. Recommended by Brittany and Tom.

Metro T-Shirt

No matter how it’s displayed, the Metro map of DC is something we all recognize, like a shibboleth that identifies you as someone who understands the whole system that we love to hate and hate to love. Now you can wear it, too! Makes a great gift for that friend who’s way too excited for when the snowstorms shut down the above-ground stations. Recommended by Addison.

Customizable Washington DC Pillow

What better way to comfort yourself after a long day than with this cute throw pillow version of the District. As an alternate use, you can chuck it at the television when the Council fails to act on another major issue without doing damage to your TV or your pillow. Recommended by Addison.

Presidential Seal Cufflinks

Nothing says impressive gifts for your out-of-town relatives quite like a set of Presidential Seal cufflinks. The folks at home will think you know somebody, and you come off looking like a genius. Of course, this won’t work if they’re from near here. For the locals, I recommend these lovely Metro token cufflinks, vintage 1982. Recommended by Moses.

Historic Photos in Washington DC

From Mount Vernon to Georgetown, The White House to the monuments, Historic Photos of Washington D.C. is a photographic history collected from the area’s top archives. With about 200 photographs, many of which have never been published, this beautiful coffee table book shows the historical growth of our nation’s capital in stunning black and white photography. The book shows life, government, events and people important to Washington D.C. and the building of this unique city. Recommended by Michael Ruhl.

Grand Avenues: The Story of Pierre Charles L’Enfant, the French Visionary Who Designed Washington, D.C. by Scott W. Berg

Give this book to any newcomer to town or friend thinking of moving to Washington. Pierre L’Enfant’s passion and vision in crafting a plan for the great capital of a new-born nation is inspiring – and should nip in the bud any complaints about not understanding traffic circles. Recommended by Brittany.

Wooden Handlebar Mustache for Bicycle

Local creative powercouple Carolyn and Richard Sewell take the handlebar mustache quite literally. Give your bike some love for the holidays. Recommended by Joanna.

“Positive Force: More Than a Witness” by Robin Bell

Have a friend who grew up here loving music and this community? They would probably think it super rad for you to help fund this Kickstarter project in their name to make a documentary about the amazing work of punk rock activists Positive Force. Different funding levels include stickers, DVDs, and other physical items they can receive. Recommended by Brittany.

Penn Camera, 840 E Street NW, Washington DC

With it being Christmas, a new camera tends to be on everyone’s list.  But with new cameras coming out every day, it’s always hard to know what’s a good camera and what’s a waste of money.  This is where Penn Camera comes in; it is one of the best camera stores in the country and it is DC based.  There are stores all over the area (Downtown; Laurel; Tysons; etc).  They are only slightly more expensive than an online retailer, but with it you get excellent advice and the chance to actually play around with the cameras you’re considering.  I always recommend people go to Penn when they are looking for a new camera gear. Recommended by Brian.

Teddy Roosevelt vs. Bigfoot.

There are few more awesome ways to say, “I am a great American that loves other great Americans,” than a giant replica print of our 26th President mowing down Bigfoot with a machine gun. Those few more awesome ways? They include Andrew Jackson, Alien Slayer, Abe Lincoln riding a Grizzly and George Washington, Zombie Hunter. You’re welcome. Recommended by Michael Ruhl.

Biscuits of Columbia
courtesy of tbridge

Every DC home should have a cookie cutter shaped like the District. Pick one up, along with some awesome cookware, at Eastern Market’s Hill’s Kitchen. The townhouse-slash-repository-of-awesome is perfect for your Christmas cookie needs. Recommended by Addison.

Do you have a boyfriend, brother, bestie, or other man on your gift list? Does he wear shirts? Great. Get him one from local menswear banner-carriers Hugh & Crye. Try a gift certificate which lets him order online or pay a visit to the Georgetown showroom to get the perfect fit in person.

Should I get every girl I know nail lacquer from Truxton Circle boutique Studio85’s new District of Columbia Collection? At these crazy-affordable prices, the answer is yes. Particularly in “Go Go,” “U Street,” and “Tight.” Recommended by Brittany.

Washington DC Landmark Print

Grey, white and blue layers of pattern and color makes this print of iconic Washington, D.C. landmark, the Capitol Building, a beauty. Recommended by Rebecca.

Serve Yourself: Nightly Adventures in Cooking for One by Joe Yonan

From The Washington Post’s food and travel editor, this beautifully photographed and engagingly written cookbook actually celebrates making real food just for oneself wholesome and without compromise. DC is a city of young, single people and this is perfect for anybody who has been wanting to cook at home more, particularly in an apartment-sized kitchen. Recommended by Brittany.

Cloak and Dagger Cook: A CIA Cookbook by Kay Nelson

A former CIA officer recalls her days of intrigue, espionage, and epicurean adventure. Upon graduating from college in 1948, Kay Shaw Nelson, a bright young woman yearning to travel, joined the Central Intelligence Agency. There, she met her future husband, discovered her passion for food, and began her life of excitement. Nelson accompanied her husband as they traveled the world on assignment. Dozens of unusual recipes with memorable histories pepper this irresistible memoir of fascinating events, exotic locales, and clandestine culinary pursuits. Recommended by Michael Ruhl.

Via Thrillist this morning, the now-closed ESPN Zone is auctioning off pretty much all of their arcade games and the going prices aren’t bad. Knowing the WeLoveDC audience, I figured there would be some of you out there interested in getting your gaming hands on some of these classics. Aside from the games, the auction includes lighting, furniture and industrial kitchen equipment from the Zone, so if you’re in need of an ice cream machine or a heavy duty deep fryer this is your auction.

If I lived in a group house, I would totally be ALL over my housemates to chip in and buy one of these beauties. Personally, I’m partial to the Trophy Hunting (Bear & Moose) and the Super Shot games, but I’m sure the Slapshot Hockey and Washington Redskins Football Throwing game will be big fan favorites as well.

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Georgetown Cupcake has unveiled the world’s largest cupcake for the Guinness Book of World Records at the Washington Harbour.  Post record keeping/awarding administration, the 1000 lb cupcake will be sliced up, so head on down there for a taste of the world’s largest cupcake while it lasts.

Unlike other two DC Brooks Brother stores I’ve been to (Chevy Chase and Dupont), which have a prim, proper and country club-esque sterility to them, the Georgetown Brooks Brothers is a complete departure; the shop plays heavily on a hunting lodge or Adirondack cabin vibe with dark wood paneling, heavy uses of flannel and tweed fabrics in the drapery, carpeting and upholstery. On the lower level, you’ll find a pool table and bar lounging area that companion shoppers can relax in while tailoring takes place.

The other notable difference is the store’s focus on men’s casual and collegiate wear. While the lower level is all about suits, the main and upper floor are full of khakis, cable knit sweaters, college insignia embroidered ties, polo shirts, cufflinks, hats, flannel shirts, etc.; all essential parts of any dandies closet.

Unfortunately for the ladies, the vast majority of the shop’s casual wears caterer towards the opposite sex, however there is requisite, small section dedicated to BB’s formal, dare I say older and stuffy, woman’s demographic. It really was quite disenchanting to see such a lack of sporty, mix-and-match younger women’s attire when the men’s selection was SO overwhelming and the shop’s window dressings include so many female mannequins. But Brooks Brothers has traditionally been a man’s store, so while it does make sense that doesn’t make it less disappointing for the female shopper.

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If you walk by the Georgetown Apple Store, you’ll find that to left of the store’s entrance, DC Apple lovers have created an impromptu memorial to Steve Jobs filled with posters, letters, flowers and many apples. Personally, I found these tributes to be the purest and most genuine expressions of how Mr. Jobs and his company have inspired so many people and how the DC community is mourning the loss, and solidarity with the Apple community and Jobs’ family and friends.

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They just don’t make videos like this anymore. I wish Dan Snyder would organize a remake; I’d love to see Okrapo, Grossman, Fletcher and co. in their best 80s entire.

Continuing on the heels of my Etsy Round Up: Washington DC feature apartment decorating finds, I ventured over the CB2 in Georgetown recently to check out their Fall 2011 collection. The latest and greatest from this Create&Barrel and Land of Nod, “affordable” sister shop centers on providing innovative, space saving options for DC’s small apartment, loft and efficiency occupants.  Although that is not a revolutionary concept (see IKEA, West Elm, etc.) and was not chosen to meet the particular needs of DC urban dwellers, it is well executed.

One of the things (as a 1 bedroom DC apartment renter) I look for in furniture is meeting a variety of needs and functions.  CB2 is overflowing with pieces that meet this requirement. The Max Felt Ottoman (pictured above) is both a leg rest and a fold out twin mattress, the Julian Storage Ottoman provides storage for blankets, pillows, books,etc., and the wooden Caliper Coffee Table has a slide out shelf for remote controllers, magazines, pens or whatnot.

Many of CB2’s Fall “work line” pieces are also multifunctional with the Ernest Pool Bar in electric blue (above, that I’m in love with) and the Go-Cart Console Table (above) perched on metallic wheels, so they can serve as a bar and desk, or be rolled around and used as side or dinner tables.

The line also features a solid mix of textures and fabrics, although the color palette  is too heavily centered around dark grey, brown and orange for my taste. But highlights like the Parlour Bold Chair, the music studio-esque Cloud 16 Lounge Chair and the Grid Media Console do help to round out the collection with some spunk and lighter wood contrasts.

While I definitely liked many of the items I saw in CB2, the price tag that came along with them seem hefty. Yes, you are getting a good, stylish, well made product, but the frugal, IKEA shopper in me thinks $750 for a chair seems a bit much; that is unless it was the centerpiece of my room. Whatever your furniture budget or shopping mentality, CB2 is definitely worth a stop in.

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Oh. My. Goodness. I <3 me some Etsy and the authentic, amazingly beautiful items available on the website; it’s a place I go to for inspiration amd a little break from the monotony of life.  To spread the love on DC Residents Day, I’ve combed Etsy to find the latest and greatest handmade, DC inspired items that would be the perfect additions to DC lover homes, wardrobes, weddings, etc.

Getting married in DC in the Spring of 2012? Then you better get cracking on those save-the-dates, and while you’re at it feature DC’s beloved Cherry Blossoms. Did I mention that this reminder comes with a magnet already attached, so your guests can immediately put it on their fridges and won’t forget your special day (not that they would anyways).

Speaking of weddings, ladies are you looking for that perfect groom’s gift? Grooms are you looking for a kickass groomsmen gift? Well, you’re just in luck with this classy and timeless cufflinks made from begone DC railway tokens.

I’ve been seeing these slab soaps for a while now. In fact, I walk by Lush almost daily and can smell them a mile away; it’s almost as bad as the Body Shop was. However, make on out of DC “State” Flag and I’m all about purchasing this Stars and Bars, scented beauty.

Ummm…yeah…well….it’s Kenny Rogers sporting a retro DC t-shirt. Do I need to say more? Might as well put Chuck Norris’ head on there. I’m sold.

Last but not least. If you’re looking for some plus-size art for your DC pad, this 30″ X 73″ Trolley/Bus Roll Sign is the way to go. These rolls were
used to indicate the destination of the bus or trolley in the display window of the vehicle. This would be great wall hang and conversational piece.

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If the above doesn’t work for you here’s a direct link to the District 1.5 : HDR Time-lapse from Drew Geraci.

Via the power of the interwebs, I stumbled across this awesome HDR time-lapse by Drew Geraci. The shots were taken over a 3 day period, during which Geraci was stopped 9 times by the National Parks Service and 3 times by DC Metro police;  post-production (rendering, editing, etc.) took Geraci only 1 day. This is the photogs first full scale production time-lapse using the new HDR technique that he’s developed from his own personal photography experience.

Personally, I’m loving the locations selected; they really capture the heart of this city. Whoever said that DC is a sleepy town clearly needs to see this as the locations selected, be they thoroughfares, monuments or sites, are packed with pedestrian and vehicular activity. In the 3 plus minute long video, we’re taken on a whirlwind trip around DC through saturated hi-def quality of the shots and kickass crescendoing musical accompaniment. Tre cool.

Happy Friday everyone! In celebration of the end of the week, BLT Steak and WeLoveDC are giving away two seats for this Saturday’s (aka tomorrow’s) South American Asado cooking class. The two hour plus class will be held at BLT Steak, starts at 12:30pm and features in-depth instruction from Executive Chef Victor Albisu on how to prepare exotic and delicious barbecue from South America. Oh, did I mention you also get a filling four-course lunch of the dishes demonstrated during the class? Well, yeah, you do.

BLT holds these executive cooking classes six times a year and seats generally go for $100. So for all you aspiring chefs, this is the perfect opportunity to glean some 5 star tips, tricks and creative methods of preparing foods AND fill your belly with yummy goodness.

To enter for the giveaway, simply leave a comment on this post using a valid email address (one entry per email address, please) between 11am and 1pm today. Entrants must be able to attend the class in person, so check your schedules. If you aren’t declared the winner, you can always make your own reservations with Erica Frank at 202-689-8989 or erica@bltrestaurants.com.

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Huzzah! DC’s very own Dolcezza will be on ABC’s “The View” today at 11am and we’ll get to see owners Robb and Violeta Duncan chumming it up with Whoopi, Sherri, Joy, Elizabeth and Babs. I can only assume they’ll be talking about: 1) Gelato–in particular their seasonal summer flavors (Peach, Pineapple Cilantro, Mojito…) and 2) Dolcezza’s focus on locally produce ingredients and their collaboration with local area farmers.

If you’re not familiar with Dolcezza, you can read about how They Make DC or visit them at their three area shops in Georgetown, Dupont Circle and Bethesda.

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Society6, an organization that connects artists with unique opportunities and empowers them to make their artwork available for sale without giving up control of their rights, recently completed an innovative project titled “50 And 50.” The idea behind this endeavor was to recruit 50 designers, one per each state, and have them illustrate their state motto using the same color-scheme. The results are modern, yet historical grounded, designs that would make any wall fit for oversized art proud.

Fortunately for us, although not part of 50 states, DC was included in the project and represented by Oliver Munday, whose  illustrations and designs have graced bookcovers, TIME, The New York Times, Wired, etc. And for those of us completely naive to DC’s “state” motto, it’s “Justice For All” or as the Romans prefer “Justia Omnibus.”While the DC motto is definitely on the design, it takes a huge back seat to the neon sign inspired “Cash for Gold,” which I can only assume is Munday’s cunning and subtle commentary that DC’s motto may as well be ‘Cash For Gold” because it’s impossible to have “Justice For All” when citizens lack full government representation. I also think the usage of “Cash For Gold” and the small campaign button-esque DC state flag are a commentary on the DC political scene; more specifically how the money and power of the federal government overshadow DC on both a local and national level.

Love or hate Munday’s execution, there is no doubt that he put some thought into the piece and that he’s definitely trying to make it more than just a pretty piece of wall art.

On a lighter note, as DC was included in the project, we’ve come up with a few alternative project names:

50 And 50, +1

51* And 51*

Any others out there?

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Sports Illustrated has a solid collection of famous athletes, namely former Wizards player Gilbert Arenas and Dwight Howard, who apparently have PLENTY of free time and nothing better to do than take pictures of themselves planking all over their expensive cars, pool tables, exercise equipment, etc. There’s also a planking example courtesy of Redskins rookie receiver Niles Paul.

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Horrible news this morning of a woman falling from the 10 story W Hotel POV rooftop bar last night to her death. Eyewitnesses report that the not yet identified woman had been drinking at the bar and that she climbed over the rooftop patio’s fence.

Secret Service was on hand last night and all lanes of 15th St. NW were shut down from New York Avenue south to Pennsylvania Avenue. These roads have since reopened.

Just awful news.

Travel + Leisure readers have spoken and our nation’s capital is not one of the top ten dirtiest cities in America. In the publication’s annual America’s Favorite Cities survey, participants gauged “dirty” in a variety of ways: litter, air pollution, even the taste of local tap water and the publication found New Orleans, Philadelphia, Memphis, New York City, and our neighbor to the north Baltimore, wanting for cleanliness.  That’s not to say that DC didn’t appear on the more comprehensive list; in fact, it was ranked 15th on the list.

The America’s Dirtiest Cities list is only one of the many compiled from reader’s responses about 35 U.S. urban destinations. The publication breaks down responses by those according to visitors and those according to residents. DC ranked well in the historical sites/monuments (duh!), museums/galleries (duh again!), business hotels, public transportation/pedestrian friendliness, etc. We didn’t do so well when it comes to all-in-one retreats, affordable hotels and relaxing retreats.

What I find most insightful and funny about the survey’s results is where visitor and resident opinions align. For instance, both groups give DC high marks when it comes to culture, but pan the city on local food specialities (coffee, barbecue, micro brews, etc.) and new year’s eve celebrations. Things get funny when it comes to ranking DC inhabitants; while we get high marks for intelligence and diversity, both groups ranked us below 25 when it comes to stylishness, friendliness and attractiveness.

On October 9th, 2010, Adam Hosinski and Rory Weichbrod, were crossing Rockville Pike in North Bethesda, when they were struck and killed by a driver who was later arrested on DUI charges and convicted of manslaughter.

This Saturday, from 2-7pm, friends and family will gather at The Bullpen, across from Nationals Stadium, to celebrate the lives of these two men, with a memorial concert and fundraiser for two charities (The Special Olympics and Operation Once in a Lifetime) the two were closely involved with. The event was conceived and planned by several of Adam and Rory’s closest friends, specifically the band members of Midnight Spin, close childhood friends and classmates of Hosinski and Weichbrod. According to the victims’ close friend, Kevin Boyle, “The concert is a memorial, a charity fund raiser, and most of all a celebration of the lives of two of the best guys I was lucky enough to have as a part of my life.”

The weather for tomorrow will provide the perfect day to head over to The Bullpen for tons of fun, live music, cornhole, a fast pitch baseball machine, food and drink, but most importantly to remember two DCers taken far too soon.

The event will not require a cover charge.

This little cutie was found Sunday afternoon in an alley near 16th NE. His rescuers describe him as “ridiculously sweet, trusting, quiet, and well-behaved” and as much as they’re enjoying his companionship, they’re hoping to reunite the pup with his family ASAP. If you recognize him, please email founddogdc@gmail.com.

Click here to view the embedded video.

In their search to find Sass, the owners have uncovered both the positive and negative facts of recovering their dog, including:

1) The city department charged with disposing of dead animals, does not notify pet owners even if the dead animal has tags and other easy identification.

2) While many area shelters post pictures of animals brought to their shelters online, the DC shelter does not, even though they have the capability.3) There are good people at the animal shelters.

4) There are trackers across the country that can be brought into help. Sassafras’ owners have had two in, one from Georgia and one from Baltimore, and others have provided advice.

5) There are many people willing to help out and complete strangers have done great things. Many of the volunteers who’ve helped are searching for their own lost animals or are just simply compelled by the story.

6) Social media really is active in DC – in addition to rescues and other dog groups that have posted, tweeted, and facebooked, there are many local neighborhood listservs and blogs that have responded. The above video, created to help with the search, now has more than 1100 views and the blog has more than 5200 page views.

7) Unexpectedly, and disgustingly, there are many crank callers who have made this painful situation much worse for Sassafras’ family.

Should you have any information about Sassafras, please contact Jeff and Beth at findsassafras@gmail.com or  call (202) 664-2301. Also visit the  “Find Lost Beagle Sassafras” blog to spread the word about Sassafras, and help this story have a happy ending.

courtesy of @pottenhoff

Nuff said.

Despite yesterday’s fears, the 9pm high tide came and went without the Georgetown waterfront breach reaching K Street. As of 8:30am this morning, the Georgetown Waterfront is still completely shutdown with very, very limited access. The K Street side of the Waterfront is filled with emergency flood repair vehicles, workmen, Pepco vans, etc., all awaiting instructions from site surveyors. Local buildings continue to monitor their basements and lower level garages for flooding and seepage.

I managed to gain access to the 31st Street walkway that leads to the waterfront, and saw a heavily pumping Potomac river and the front side flooding. While the flood barricades along 31st street were all in tact, I could see where the waterfront walls leading into the fountain area had been breached. At that time the river was below fountain area level, and I could see some evidence of water being pumped out of the fountain pool back into the river.