Between starting a new job, launching a new company, and moving into a new home, my blogging efforts have been (temporarily) pushed to the side. I'm excited to announce that I am once again ready to participate in all the fabulous events that DC has to offer, and will be reporting back soon!
P.S. If anyone attended the DSS (District Sample Sale), I'd love to hear how it went! I was SO bummed to have to miss it...
After a crazy season of shopping, holiday soiree's, family get-togethers, thank you note writing, and adventures in baking, I finally have a moment to sit down and write a new post! Yesterday I managed to swing by Staples and (finally) pick up some speakers for my computer, so now I am writing with the sounds of Nelly Furtado's new CD playing in the background. I also downloaded all of the Hip Tranquil Chick podcasts, and have been listing to them this morning while attempting to organize my desk.
With a baby to care for (and lots of fabulous DC events and parties to attend) I rarely get a chance to spend much needed R & R time with the hubby, so I was excited to spend New Years downtown this year while the little one spent the night at Grandma's. The evening started out at the Melrose Hotel, transitioned into dinner and drinks at the bar in Old Ebbitt, and ended (unplanned) with dancing at Third Edition in Georgetown.
The hotel was kind enough to provide the current copy of Washington Life, which I was very excited to see. I am always on the WL website looking up events, but since I live out of the district I rarely get the chance to get my hands on a copy. One thing that popped out right away: the Old Town Boutique's Third Annual Warehouse Sale being held at the Campagna Center on February 10th. I attended this sale last year and scored some fabulous finds, including a super-soft pashmina wrap from Queen Bee Designs, some lovely crotched jewels from Bakana, and a pair of shoes that were marked so far down they were practically free. This years sale will take place from 9:00am - 3:00pm and will host boutiques such as Hysteria, Mystique, Tutto Bambini, and Appleseed Maternity. (Contact Elizabeth Todd at 703-548-7105 for more information.)
After poring over the magazine I headed into the marble bathroom at the hotel to get ready for the evening. Before leaving the house I made a last-minute decision to grab the free clutch (filled with beauty samples) that I received at Victoria's Secret earlier that week. I had only peeked inside the clutch since receiving it, so at the hotel I tore open the cellophane bag to inspect all the beauty loot. I'm usually not a big fan of the complimentary "gift with purchase" that companies occasionally dole out, but I have to say this is one of my favorites so far. Closer examination of the loot revealed: a generous portion of dream angels Desire lotion, a super-shimmery eye liner labeled "Sparkling White", Very Sexy mascara in Blackest Black, and (the cherry on top of it all) a tube of beauty rush lip gloss in Sugar High. I've been compulsively using the lip gloss since I discovered it, and the smell of freshly-baked cookies is divine. All of the items were the perfect mini-sized essentials needed for an evening out.
After putting myself into a Sugar-High lip gloss induced coma, we went on to enjoy the lovely (albeit wet) New Years. Happy 2007!
*picture courtesy of victoriassecret.com
Just back from a fabulous evening filled with a few of my favorite things: sushi, martinis, beauty products, and retail therapy. In the midst of holiday craziness I always attempt to balance my schedule with a bit of "me" time in order to stay sane. On the agenda for this evening was a chic event at Mate in Georgetown sponsored by Kiehl's and Roche Salon, followed by a private trunk show featuring the designs of Kimberly Wilson (a local clothing designer and owner of Tranquil Space Yoga).
The evening began at Mate (which is part of the Latin Concepts group of restaurants, including Guarapo, Gazuza, and Chi-Cha among others). I was a bit surprised to be carded at 5:30 on a Tuesday evening in order to enter the lounge, but I guess that goes with the territory. Once inside the bartenders were friendly, and it was no problem finding a comfortable seat at the bar. Mate offers a fab happy hour including $7 martinis and 1/2 price maki rolls, and the drinks that I sampled (rasperry martini, mango martini, and passion fruit martini) were delicious. Roche Salon had set up in one corner and were giving hair demonstrations, and the Kiehl's girls were handing out swag bags filled with samples.
Swag Bag contents: Kiehl's Ultra Facial Moisturizer, Kiehl's Lavendar Foaming Relaxing Bath w/ Sea Salts & Aloe Vera, Kiehl's Ultimate Strength Hand Salve, Kiehl's Grapefruit Bath & Shower Liquid Body Cleanser, and a 10% off coupon for Roche Salon.
Happy Hour Mate Style: Special Sushi Rolls 1/2 price, Salads & Appetizers 1/2 price, Specialty Martinis $7, Cocktails & Wine $6, Draft Beer $4. Monday - Friday 5:00pm - 7:00pm.
The organizer (Jessica Gibson) of Latin Concepts did a great job putting the event together. I worked with her over the summer when she coordinated my wedding reception (she was with another restaurant group at the time), and I was reminded of how small DC really is when I saw her at this event!
After sushi and beauty at Mate, it was time to rush over to the second event of the evening: a trunk show featuring the TranquiliT line of clothing. Held at a (beautiful) private residence in Dupont, guests enjoyed wine, cheese, and chocolates while perusing the clothes and accessories. The clothes in the TranquiliT line are made out of a supersoft bamboo fabric which is impossible to resist, and many of the accessories and jewelry offered were handmade. As a young mom who is constantly chasing after a very active 1-year old, I LOVE how comfortable and easy the collection is. Splurges for the evening included a stretch wrap dress, velvet arm warmers, a lush cardigan, and a beautiful aqua hand-beaded bracelet.
I made it home in time to kiss the baby goodnight, and ended the evening curled up with a steaming mug of hot cocoa and a thick stack of magazines.
As a self-confessed chocoholic I am constantly on the lookout for ways to satisfy my sweet tooth, so I was delighted to learn of a new dessert lounge opening around the corner from my home. Buzz (which celebrated its grand opening last week) is a full-service bakery, coffee shop, and dessert lounge located in the charming Potomac Greens neighborhood of Alexandria.
Buzz encompasses all the components of a cozy neighborhood coffee shop: friendly (knowledgeable) staff, good service, great food, and strong coffee. As soon as you walk in the door you're greeted with a large display case housing numerous goodies including cupcakes, chocolate truffles, pies, tarts, sugar cookies, and more. A chalkboard above the pastry display announces the coffee specials, and brightly colored petite porcelain mugs hang behind the counter. Raspberry cupcakes, a mini caramel-pecan cheesecake, and an espresso flavored creme brulee were ordered, while women at a neighboring table enjoyed glasses of wine and cocktails.
The cozy lounge area is decorated with comfy large sofas, armchairs, polished wood floors, and a long communal table. Parents will appreciate the childerns area equipped with small tables and toys, where the little ones can play while the adults take advantage of the complimentary Wi-Fi. Striped rugs and vintage kitchen appliances complete the "look".
On the weekends Buzz will serve up breakfast (cinnamon sugar doughnuts and belgian waffles among others) along with their regular offerings. If you're looking for a cupcake fix (and aren't we all) you'll be pleased with the selection. Unique offerings such as raspberry and red velvet are delivered to you in a fab, buzz-inspired, chinese to-go box. At $2 a pop they're worth checking out. More health-conscious coffee junkies can follow in my sisters footsteps and order a "Why Bother": a decaf, skim, sugar-free vanilla latte.
Don't forget to check out the restrooms...bubblegum pink walls and curvy mirrors will make you smile.
Visit Buzz at www.buzzonslaters.com
