To Do List: Africa Underground Event_February 18th

February 18, 2011 7-11 p.m., the Museum of African Art will open its doors after hours for the public to enjoy performances, dancing, light refreshments and drinks as well as our stunning exhibitions.
For a more in-depth look at the event please visit the Africa Underground blog.
Purchase Tickets:

Tickets are $18 online and $20 at the door ($18 for members; must present membership card)

For more information contact africanartevents@si.edu or call 202.633.4651

BUY NOW!

Golden Globe Inspired Cocktails

I'm not a big time award show watcher. What I do enjoy is the red carpet entry- hours of beautiful hair, makeup, and dazzling gowns. Well, a girl can dream!

Whatever your reason for watching Sunday night's Golden Globes, why not do it with some yummy snacks and a tastey beverage in your hand. Stoli’s mixologist, Charlotte Voisey has come up with award-worthy cocktail recipes based on this year’s “Best Motion Picture” nominees.

Black Swan

4 parts Stoli® Blueberi™

2 parts cucumber-infused gin

1 part fresh-squeezed lemon juice

Blueberries (muddled)

1/2 part simple syrup or agave nectar
4 mint sprigs

Muddle blueberries and mint in a mixing cup

Add ice to fill and add remaining ingredients and shake vigorously

Pour contents into a Collins glass

The Fighter

2 parts Stoli® 80

3 dashes of bitters

1 part lime juice

3 parts ginger beer

Build in an ice-filled highball glass and stir

Garnish with lime and a mint sprig

Inception

1 ½ oz Stoli Vanil

1 ½ oz coconut cream
1 oz passion fruit juice
Squeeze fresh lime

Combine ingredients and blend or shake

Serve in a martini glass

Garnish with a small flower


The King's Speech Gimlet

3 parts Stoli® 80

2 parts lime juice

1 part simple syrup

Shake and pour into an ice-filled rocks glass

Garnish with several limes

The Social Network

2 parts Stoli® Gala Applik™

1 part fresh lemon juice

1 part simple syrup

Shake with ice

Strain into a chilled martini glass

Garnish with a lemon wedge

2nd Annual Capital Wine Festival

For more information go to www.capitalwinefestival.com

Washington Antiques and Fine Arts Winter Show_January 7-9th

For more information go to: http://www.washingtonwintershow.org/

To Do List: Food and Folklore Gullah Dinner at Eatonville_ Dec 19th

Haven't heard about Eatonville's dinner series, Food and Folklore? Where in the world have you been? These events have been selling out and for good reason. Combine Eatonville's top notch menu with speakers like A'Lelia Bundles, Valerie Boyd, and Camille Akeju and you've got yourself a memorable evening.  Check out the video below for the backstory on this culinary and cultural experience.

Go here for more information and to purchase tickets.

Luna Lighting Collection at CORT Event Furnishings

Loving the Luna Lighting collection at CORT! While there's nothing new about lighted furniture, Cort's collection in a variety of colors, functions, and featuring brushed steel and acrylic tops looks more futuristic than dated. Why not break up the ho-hum holiday decor with something unexpected?  Check it out here.

Ann Taylor Shopping Event_TONIGHT!

Ann Taylor
600 Thirteenth Street NW
Washington, DC 20005
6 - 8 PM
*Offer valid only at stores participating in December 9, 2010 events and listed on eventsatann.com website. 30% discount will be applied towards full-price items only. Taxes, shipping and handling fees, purchases of gift cards, charges for gift boxes and payment of an Ann Taylor or LOVE LOFT Card account are excluded from the discount. Not valid at anntaylor.com, LOFT stores, LOFT.com, Ann Taylor Factory Stores, LOFT Outlet Stores, or in conjunction with any other offer or total store promotion. Reproductions of offer are not valid. No adjustments to prior purchases. Not valid for cash.

The 9th Annual DAR Christmas Open House_TONIGHT!

The 9th Annual DAR Christmas Open House
Tonight! Wednesday, December 8, 2010
5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

DAR Memorial Continental Hall,
17th and D Streets, NW, Washington, D.C.
6 blocks south of the Farragut West (Orange/Blue) or Farragut North (Red) Metro stations
 Free to the public. Reservations are not required.

Bring your friends and family to the ninth annual public holiday open house!

Visit the National Christmas Tree across the street at the Ellipse then get out of the cold and join DAR for refreshments, cookies and a taste of history! Experience the elegance and Christmas splendor of Memorial Continental Hall, a Registered Historic Landmark. Tour our 31 period rooms depicting scenes of early American life. Explore the DAR Museum Gallery, featuring "'A True North Britain': The Furniture of John Shearer, 1790-1820."

View other smaller exhibitions on historic Revolutionary War documents as well as famous DAR members.

Enjoy Christmas music, including caroling from area choirs and a performance from BalletNova.

Have a chance to win DAR door prizes and get a head start on Christmas shopping at the Museum Shop and DAR Store!

For Kids: Santa is taking time out of his busy schedule to attend the Open House. Coloring books and crayons will be given out to children.

Video from last year's open house!

To Do List Weekend Edition: December 3-5th



Long week got you feeling a bit like a melting snowman?
Well, get up, get out and do something fun this weekend!
Image: GraceMagazine



Oh the holiday season! So much to do in so little time! Here are some holiday and not-so-holiday happenings going on in around DC this weekend... and...because I'm so full of holiday cheer... I threw in a couple other events to look forward to later this month and early next year....

Make your Friday night a festive one  with Artist Demonstrations, exhibits, and crafts at the ARTFEST 2010 Open House and Holiday Party Friday. December 3rd. TONIGHT!

Get your holiday shopping on at the Downtown DC Holiday Market Friday, December 3 through Thursday, December 23 on F Street, between 7th and 9th Streets, in front of the Smithsonian American Art Museum (SAAM) and National Portrait Gallery or check out the Christmas Market Place at the Ward Memorial AME Church on Saturday, December 4th.

See what's on the cutting edge of hair design and fashion at Hair Gaga 2010, the Golden Scissor Awards Sunday, December 5 at the Washington Convention Center

Have tea with the Mrs. at the annual Mrs. Claus Tea at the Strathmore on Saturday, December 4th.

 

Catch the only showing of the City Dance Ensemble's Jungle Books at Montgomery College's Takoma Park-Silver Spring Campus Saturday, December 4th.  General admission is only $7!

Get into the holiday spirit at the 3rd Annual Merriment in Georgetown,  the holiday shopping and family event of the year in the heart of Georgetown. They'll be local celebs, complimentary horse-drawn carriage rides, live performances, hot coco, and of course Santa will be making an appearance! Sunday, December 5th.

 

Start a tradition at the Washington Ballet's The Nutcracker at the Warner Theater now through December 26th.

Explore Christmas at Mount Vernon , a special daytime program offered through January featuring themed decorations (including 12 Christmas trees), a gingerbread Mount Vernon, historical chocolate-making demonstrations, and 18th-century dancing! Now through January 6th!

Something to look forward to:

A Girl's Guide to Washington Politics at Woolly Mammoth Theater December 8-Jan 9th

The National Symphony Orchestra POPs Holiday Show at the Kennedy Center December 9 & 12th

Sarah McLachlan at the 9:30 Club January 10th

The 2010 Georgetown Jingle at the Four Seasons on December 12th

Tis the season!

Later,
Guru

Eatonville welcomes new chef with a special menu_Dec 1st

One Lounge Turns One

http://www.oneloungedc.com/

Time really does fly when you're having fun! Hard to believe that it's been almost a year since One Lounge opened its doors and made itself at home in Dupont Circle. Decked out in invitingly chic leather sofas, ottomans, and elegant oriental rugs, One Lounge has quickly become a destination for everything from after work drinks to an extra special night out. Under the direction of Le Cordon Bleu-certified executive chef Wade Hoo Fatt, the lounge's menu has been garnering praise from District foodies seeking a more refined late night option.

On Tuesday, December 7 from 6:30 to 10:30pm, owners Niko Papademetriou, Seth McClelland, Filipp Zeldin and Daniel Kramer will celebrate their one year anniversary with the venue's loyal supporters and local celebrities at a decadent invitation only event. Sponsored by Perrier-Jouet, Red Bull, Svedka and Voss Artesian Water, the night will feature One Lounge's signature cocktails crafted by Wes Arthur along with a selection of Chef Wade Hoo Fatt's tasty cuisine.

Not on the guest list? Don't worry. If the past year is any indication, One Lounge will be around for years to come. Check them out for dinner Monday - Thursday (5:00pm - 11:30pm), Friday & Saturday (5:00pm - 12:30am), and Sunday (5:00pm - 2:00am).

One Lounge
1606 20th Street NW
Washington, DC 20009

David Stark Holiday Collection at West Elm

Here's a video from West Elm's site about David Stark's Holiday Collection. He's taken everyday pieces and re-purposed them for a totally fresh take on holiday decor. I'm not quite sure how I feel about the newspaper lamp shade. I might have to pass on that one. However, the flowers are super cute and I love how he uses the garland as gift wrapping. These touches really make items seem personal and crafty without coming across as cheesy or cheap.


David Stark Holiday Collection from west elm on Vimeo.










David Stark Holiday Collection from west elm on Vimeo.

To Do List Weekend Edition: October 22-24th

With so many Halloween themed events jumping the gun this weekend, it looks like some of us may be breaking out those costumes a little earlier this year. Here's a list of things going on in the area ....some Halloween related...some not..enjoy!

Third Annual Silver Spring Zombie Walk, this creepy little walk starts at Jackie's Sidebar in Silver Spring with a pre-party and ends at the AFI Theater for a screening of Dawn of the Dead, Saturday, October 23 7:30 PM


Image from last year's Zombie Walk in Silver Spring
 from Flickr user M.V. Jantzen



Family friendly activities abound at this year's Air & Scare at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, Saturday, Oct. 23, 2010 2-8 PM

Trick or Treating, animal encounters, and Zoo keeper talks at the Boo at the Zoo, Sunday, October 24th ( I hear Saturday is sold out) 5:30-8:30 PM

Science is fun at the US Science and Engineering Festival on the National Mall and meet everyone's favorite scientist, Bill Nye!Saturday and Sunday

Get your dose of culture at the Washington Shakespeare Company's Richard III, now through December 12th
 
As if I need to tell you all about the annual DC Drag Queen Race in Dupont, Tuesday, October 26th 9 PM
 
Sunday is the last day to catch Sabrina Fair at the Ford's Theater, Sunday, October 24th
 
Later,
Guru

TO DO LIST: Tour Ghost Ship Barry at the Navy Yard_ October 29th

For more information go to www.history.navy.mil!

TO DO LIST: The Scene BISNOW Halloween Party_October 28th

DC is hoping with Halloween festivities over the next week. I'll be in Miami on the 28th celebrating my B-day. However, if I weren't, I'd be here with bells on....

The early bird price is $29.

 GO HERE FOR MORE INFO AND TO RSVP!!!

To Do List Weekend Edition: October 15-17th



No I didn't snap this with my cell phone...
it's from http://www.slashfilm.com/

If you plan on taking a break from stalking the Transformers 3 filming all around DC...here's a short list of some other things you could be doing this weekend:

National Geographic Exhibit-Geckos: Tails to Toepads On going-January

Living Classrooms of the National Capital Region's 3rd Annual "A Night at the Yards" Friday, Oct. 15th

Bethesda Row Arts Festival  Saturday and Sunday

OVO at National Harbor Now until October 24th

 

Dancing By the Bayou, the Fall Dance Festival at Glen Echo Park, MD- Saturday and Sunday

17-year-old conductor Ilyich Rivas and pianist Markus Groh at The Music Center at Strathmore -Saturday, Oct. 16th

 
Alrighty then...have a great weekend!
 
Later,
Guru

The New Holiday Collection at West Elm

I'm in love with West Elm's new holiday collection! It's so beautiful I honestly want to buy up the store.  Their fall/winter entertaining collection is truly something you could make work all year. The lines are clean and simple. The prints are playful and whimsical yet very very chic. I love how they use metallic in a way that still feels unfussy and earthy.

Here are a few of my favorite pieces that you can use now, throughout the holiday, and in many cases throughout the year:

I'm I the only one that finds birds kind of creepy? I thought these would be great year round but especially at a very grown up Halloween party.

Love the use of metallics here. Gold and white is just so versitile. These would look fabulous as for Thanksgiving or Christmas entertaining.

Obviously these are great winter plates, but they may also work for Halloween. I have this whole black and white with red accents Halloween party idea in my head just waiting to jump out. Who says you can't move away from the traditional orange and black and do something a little unexpected. Maybe that will be my next post!

More fun usage of metallics.....

Simple and lovely details...

A couple fun holiday themed serving trays....

A new look at the fall harvest table. These recylced spanish glass bottles do double duty as candle holders and bud vases.

Later,

Guru

Eatonville's Food And Folklore VooDoo Dinner_October 26th

Well...I wouldn't exactly call myself superstitious...but whatever I am...I'm a little creeped out by the whole idea of  VooDoo. So, this one will not be on my To Do List.  On the other the hand, this could be a very educational experience. Besides, didn't someone say,  "we only fear what we don't understand." Regardless, I'm sure the food will be fantastic (it's Eatonville for pete's sake) and it's could be a pretty fun pre-Halloween outing.  Guess you'll have to decide for yourself.

To Do List: Weekend Edition October 8-11

I can't say it enough...I love fall! I was born in October and it is hands down my favorite time of the year. Get outside and enjoy it!

Image by Guidalicious

Here are some events happening in and around the DC area this weekend:

Artisphere Kick's off 4 days of events with a bash hosted by Pink Line Project and Brightest Young Things ($20) on Saturday.

Check out Bob Saget at the Warner Theater. I hear he has a bit of a potty mouth post Full House. Might be interesting.-TONIGHT

Dive into fall at Crumland Farms in Frederick, MD. Get lost in the 8-acre Corn Maze, visit the Pumpkin Patch, take a field trip to the Pizza Farm, or visit their Holiday Lights Spectacular! Their Starlight Maze Adventure runs now through the end of the month and is only $6. -Friday, Saturday

The Annual Taste of Georgetown is this Saturday from 11-4pm. Sample over 60 dished from 30 of the hottest restaurants in DC.

If you don't get your fill at the Taste of Georgetown, head over to the Tastes of Africa Festival in Downtown Silver Spring at Veteran's Plaza beginning at 11am on Sunday.

Off on Monday? End the day with the Redskins at Morton's The Steakhouse in Reston from 7-8pm. It's a free event and they say to bring your memorabilia to be signed. I wonder if drooling over the players is also allowed.

Have a fantastic weekend!

Later,

Guru

Johnson's Baby Oil Gift Bag Giveway Winner!

Thanks you so much to everyone who participated in this giveaway and helped to spread the word about Girl's Education and Mentoring Services (GEMS)! It's a fantastic cause and one I definitely plan to continue to support. Thank you all for tweeting and posting. I hope that you will consider contributing to GEMS as well. Your efforts have the power to change the life of girls and and young women in need.

Go HERE for more information about GEMS and how you can help!

Now, without further ado...The winner of a the Johnson's Baby Oil Gift Bag Giveaway is....drum roll please.... @won2x of Michigan. Congrats! I'll be contacting you via email to setup delivery of your fabulous prize. 

Later,

Guru