On Friday the Little Shopper and I hit the (very wet) Home & Garden show in Timonium. Lots of ideas for home improvement and I always get a kick out of those as-seen-on TV. I came thisclose to buying a mop. There were beautiful orchids and bonsai trees. Plus, a small craft show. Lots of the stuff was very, umm, interesting (life-like dolls!) but not necessarily my cup of tea. My favorite booth was A Well Kept Nest—run by the charming April. She does great capes and super poufy tutu's (those two things seem to go hand-in-hand) but I really loved her tailored themed parties. She'll put together a whole party package for bridal and baby showers including invitations. And I loved her art work too—so fresh and whimsical.

I think the Little Shopper was already planning her 2nd birthday party.

...

The little shopper and I are headed to the Maryland Home & Garden Show today. It runs until Sunday at the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium. I'm hoping to get lots of ideas for our next Home & Garden issue (and of course my own house.) Even though I don't have a yard, per se, we love to fill containers with flowers. Our backyard is in some desperate need of some TLC. Winter has not been kind. But one nice weekend and a few free hours and we'll be good to go. And knowing me, I'll also hit the craft section. If you were at the show last weekend and you have some suggestions as to favorite exhibitors—send them my way. —JED

I guess Phil the groundhog was wrong. HA! Even if we are in store for more winter, it sure doesn't feel like it. I was lucky enough to wander Hampden on this beautiful day, and everyone seemed so happy. With sixty degree weather, I had a little spring in my step too. Of the shops open today, most of them had their doors wide open. Since people were out and about grabbing a bite to eat at many of the local restaurants, the open doors were inviting for people to stop in and take a peek. I know I did! Watermelon Sugar has some wonderful spring and beachy decorations for the home—including Easter decor. Angela Lynn has some nice lightweight jersey tops and sun dresses, as well as basic tanks and beautiful jewelry. doubledutch is full of fun, flirty skirts, spring scarves, and dresses to fit any warm weather occasion. If you get a chance, today is a wonderful day to walk around Hampden and enjoy not only the great weather, but the shops' new spring items as well. —Nikki Reese (intern)

That's—Thank Goodness It's First Friday. Here are some suggestions for tonight:

Shine Collective, with their new location behind Woodberry Kitchen, will host their event from 7-10PM with an exclusive meet and greet with artist Xavier Schipani, a graduate of illustration from MICA. Most shops over on the Avenue in Hampden also stay open late tonight, with refreshments, live music, discounts. Earth Alley is hosting their reschedule Mole Party—as in authentic Mexican mole dip, plus  sangria and music of the Native American flute by Jan Seiden.

Over at Mt. Washington Mill—"Around the Mill” lasts from 5-8pm. Customers are encouraged to “mill around the mill” and enjoy refreshments and discounts from Amazing Glaze, dogma-life (pets welcome), Gore Dean, Holly G Boutique, Home on the Harbor, Mt. Washington Wine Company, Starbucks and Whole Foods. Those who get their mill passes stamped (available at all stores) will be automatically entered to win a gift basket (total value of $400) containing goodies from all participating merchants at the Mill. —Nikki Reese (intern)