Svelte TV has launched!

Elaine Mensah has launched her new video blog, Svelte TV where she will discuss fashion, events, and more!! Svelte TV profiles local industry leaders like boutique owners, hair stylists, designers, make-up artists, and more! Stay tuned!

Mason's Super Stars

This morning I had the opportunity to go with the Leach Family to the Children's National Medical Center in celebration of Mason's Super Stars. After Mason passed away last fall, his family remained committed to the hospital and has been raising money to purchase televisions and video game consoles for the children to play with as they undergo chemo in the new Pediatric Oncology wing!Already, the fund has raised over $10,000, but still needs your support...

Edy's Ice Cream kindly donated to Mason's Super Stars so Mateo, Mason's older brother, and I went around the hospital both on the floor and in the clinic offering Scooby Doo push pops, ice cream sandwiches and a bunch of other treats to the patients. When undergoing chemo, it is typical to get mouth sores, so the ice cream really brings a smile to the children's faces and soothes their pain. We also handed out workbooks donated by the Redskins, a variety of prizes like pencils, player's cards, notebooks, and more donated by DC United, and bracelets with inspirational messages on them to the patients. The strength and courage of these little guys really is empowering. Additionally, every month Mason's Super Stars awards Target gift cards to those patients who are celebrating a milestone or are in need of a pick-me-up. (Mason loved going to Target to pick out toys and things!)

I know I post a variety of charity events and causes, and while this one won't get you an open bar, I really urge you to donate to the fund so we can continue celebrating life in the memory of Mason. Cancer is serious. Childhood shouldn't be.

Donations can be made to:

Mason Leach’s Super Star Fund c/o Children’s National Medical Center

attn: Volunteer and Consumer Support Services

111 Michigan Avenue NW Washington, DC 20010.

Mason Leach Super Star Fund to benefit Children’s National Medical Center Hematology-Oncology Department

Mission: To encourage and empower patients to recognize their inner strength and feel like a “superstar”.

Goal 1: To honor Mason’s life through “superstar” activities that will promote strength and hope for each child

Goal 2: To provide opportunities for children to have choices and control

Goal 3: To promote family activities both at the hospital and at home

Goal 4: To supply funds to provide extras for the Hematology Oncology Department patients that may arise throughout the year.

Goal 5: To show appreciation to the staff that took excellent care of Mason and encourage excellence in family centered patient care

Goal 6: To encourage staff development and training about listening to the voice of children, especially younger children, and ways to empower them and increase their role in their own care.

These funds go directly to benefit patients and no operational costs will be allocated to this fund. Every penny affects a child’s life.

Nat's New Field is Eco Friendly!!!

Zimmerman's incredible home run that clinched the National's first season opener win in the past four seasons was definitely the highlight of the game for Washingtonian's last night. The win over the Atlanta Braves has every smiling this morning. The other thing that had me smiling about the new stadium was the new stadium's attempt to be eco-friendly!! The beer cups for the Peroni's we downed to keep warm were made from 100% recyclable consumer goods, and to battle the parking problem, the have e-Cruzers to take ticket holders to the stadium in an eco-friendly chic way! The e-Cruzer is an electric cart that goes up to 25 miles per hour and has zero emissions! Way to go National's! There sure is a lot to celebrate this season!

Hey Mom- Look! Bouncy Houses for Boozin

So every December 23rd, the annual Kennedy Christmas Extravaganza is held, complete with just about everyone in Silicon Valley- all of the area's execs my dad works with, my moms book club, and the friends of my brother and I who are all trying to get a job and talk to my dad's friends. There are chocolate fountains, champagne bars, live Sinatra bands, Caricture artists, and a piano man. There is also a bouncy house.

Now my mom claims it is for the kids, to tire them out so they'll go watch Christmas movies while all of the adults continue the party, but I think it's really for her book club- who after a few Pointsetta Champagne Cocktails, all end up there- Every. Single. Year.

A UK company, Amber Iris has now put the two together in their Inflatable Pubs! The UK company offers "The Firkin, Kilderkin, Barrel and Hogshead, all named after their beer containers. They cost about $10-30k each (to buy, not rent!)

Anyone care to play?

C-Mart Liquidation Sale!

C-Mart is liquidating their warehouse as they are closing! Now let me tell you it is taking every last ounce of self-control not to head over there and buy all the great designer pieces that are now HALF OFF the already 75% off prices... We're talking Helmut Lang pieces for $30! C-Mart is closing their Landover location in anticipation of their newest venture- an online boutique which launches April 28th! The furniture is also beyond fabulous- all huge pieces at really affordable prices! Stop reading this, get in the car, and head on over to C-Mart and do some retail therapy for me, I thank you in advance!

Re-Cap: Mazu Asia Grand Opening

We were honored to attend the Grand Opening of Mazu Asia on Friday night surrounded by some fabulous people dining on scallop skewers, roasted duck rolls, and Singha beer! Even Mayor Fenty seemed to enjoy himself at the new restaurant located downtown at 1100 New York Ave NW. The atmosphere was amazing but of course we enjoyed the swag bags the most- packed with hats, polo shirts, date books, key chains, and more!

DC's Cherry Blossom Festival...

The annual cherry blossom display is guaranteed to dazzle your senses. But have you ever wondered why the trees are planted along the Tidal Basin? Why cherry trees? Whose idea were they anyway? Hear the stories and secrets behind the delicate blossoms during a walking tour featuring not only cherry trees, but also noteworthy arboreal cousins. Learn about the woman whose cherry tree vision lives on today, a Japanese lantern older than the United States itself, and where you can discover even more pink and white blooms.

Time: 10am-12noon This week Monday-Friday only!

Cost: $10

Location: Meet the guide outside the Smithsonian Metro station Independence Avenue, SW exit - 12th St NW & Independence Ave SW

Cool Fact

If every U.S. houshold replaced 5 regular lightbulbs with energy efficient compact flourescent lightbulbs it would be equivalent to taking 8 million cards off the road for a year.

Vinho Verde

Growing up outside the Wine Country, I am all too familiar with packing a picnic basket and being blamed for the blond moment of forgetting the cups. Whoops!

Fear not the embarrassment of chugging from the bottle fratastic style anymore! Viktor Pucsek designed an extremely clever wine bottle for the PapaMama Design Competition which has the wine's labels peel off and turn into two eco-friendly paper cups. Literally, the Vinho Verde wine design is a very green way to enjoy your wine!

Out Ease Struts Strips are Eco-Friendly!

I am vertically challenged. Although I still have hopes to be five foot 10 one day since my bones haven't yet fused (byproduct of the MENs), Jimmy Choo and his 5-inch stilettos have answered my prayers so I don't hold my breath.

All too often I've been the girl stepping on the hem of my pants as I "click-click-click" down M Street in my backless heels. Daryn has launched the Out Ease Struts Strips which are environmentally friendly (made of PLA Film which is 100% corn product by Earthfirst) and prevent pant hems from getting caught between your well-pedicured foot and those fabulous new backless Marc Jacobs. You'll be able to find the patent-pending gift from above at the nicer department stores and boutiques this fall for about $12! Sign me up!

Black Out with Google

Google used a black background today in celebration of Earth Hour. According to Blackle which launched a black-background search engine last year, says that the world could save 750 Megawatt hours per year if Google permanently used a black background. Interesting.

Sublet

Attention shoppers- It's sundress season! Ah, my favorite time of the year! Thanks to global warming (this is sarcastic people) my sundress season is getting longer and longer- which means I need even MORE options! As I have committed this year, I am only buying eco-friendly clothing (and I have stuck to it thus far! Woo Hoo 1/4 of the year down!) The Alison dress by

Sublet mixes chic style with sustainable fabrics... and it has pockets! It comes in white, black and olive green and is made out of bamboo, organic cotton, and a little bit of spandex!

National's Opening Day!

Get excited! The National's Opening day is this Sunday vs. the Atlanta Braves at their new stadium! Parking is said to be a mess, so be sure to hop on the metro for the Green Line that will take you to the Navy Yard stop. If you cannot wait to see the new ballpark and for the season to kick off, check out some of Steve Chenevey's stories this week from Fox 5!

Shockingly Offensive Behavior Football Game Tomorrow!!!!

Come out and Support (or come play with!) Shockingly Offensive Behavior in our third game this season. Kickoff is at 10am at West Potomac Park on Independence and Ohio Aves. Leave a few minutes early because there is sure to be traffic with the Cherry Blossom Festival in full bloom! If you'd like to buy one of our team shirts, they're just $15!

Ranger-led Bike Tours of the National Mall

With tours begining at the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, the Park Rangers (no, not Power Rangers, silly!) will be holding bike tours all around the area for the next few weeks- for free! Learn all the historical stuff you SHOULD know when you're out giving tours of the area yourself! All riders must have their own bike and helmet. The tours are from 1-4pm and will be every Saturday and Sunday until November!

Yoga Charity Class @ Georgetown Yoga this Sunday

The incredible teachers in training at Georgetown Yoga who will be offering a mixed level charity class on Sunday evenings after the training. All class donations will benefit the Wendt Center for Loss & Healing and Pediatric AIDS/HIV Care. Minimum donation $5.

ArtBuzz

Check out ArtBuzz tonight at 909 U Street, NW with Jade Floyd for an awesome evening of wine tasting and art. The event kicks off at 6:30 and runs until 9:30 and will be exhibiting live mannequins courtesy of Foreign Exchange Boutique. The evening benefits the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative

Attention Brides to Be

With the millions of bridal boutiques online and all over the world, the last place you would probably think of finding a dress is at the Goodwill of Greater Washington- even if you think you'd try and write it off as "vintage". With all the invites, catering, etc adding up, you may want to check out their Wedding Gown Extravaganza this weekend as they will be selling hundreds of designer and vintage gowns- plus many that have never been worn before as an unnamed leading bridal store recently donated an entire warehouse full! The most expensive gown will be going for $400, but there are tons of great deals under $125!! That cannot be beat! Green weddings are very "in" these days...!

Details:

What: Wedding Gown Extravaganza

Where: Wheaton Plaza in Wheaton, MD

When: March 30th from 12-4pm

Morton's Evening of Vodka and Caviar

Head on over to Morton's Steakhouse tonight for an enchanting evening of Vodka and Caviar for just $45. Vodka cocktails shall include the Imperia Mortini, Russian Raspberry Mortini, Thyme Lemon Drop Mortini, and the Cucumber Mortini while the delectable hors d'oeuvres will include sliced tenderloin on crostini, tuna tartare canapes, sliced smoked salmon, and petrossian caviar. For more information check out the Georgetown BIDness and be sure to make a reservation asap as they're required for tonight's promotion. 202.342.6258

South Carolina State Society Oyster Roast- This Saturday

Head on over to American Legion Post 139 (3445 Washington Blvd Arlington, VA) this Saturday from 3-9pm for the South Carolina State Society's Seventh Annual Oyster Roast. Just $25 for members and $30 for non-members, dine on fresh oysters, Beaufort Stew, venison chili, boiled peanuts, moonpies and sweet tea! I'm sold!

Put Your Best Foot Forward

No, no, no, you don't need to bring out the Jimmy Choos for this event, just come on over to Rumors (1900 M Street, NW) tonight for happy hour from 6-9pm to Benefit "Put Your Best Foot Forward"

What: Benefit Happy Hour for Put Your Best Foot Forward

When: 6:00pm to 9:00pm on Thursday, March 27th, 2008Where: Rumors, Dupont Circle, 1900 M St. NW, Washington, DC 20006

Nearest Metros: Dupont Circle (Red Line), Farragut North (Red Line), Farragut West (Blue)

Cost: $10 before 7:00PM and $15 thereafter (includes raffle ticket, complimentary food and drink specials)

Event Details: Join other professionals as well as community and corporate partners in supporting an incredible project called “Put Your Best Foot Forward” which sponsors an annual full-day job workshop and free clothing boutique each April to empower disadvantaged primarily homeless community members to obtain and keep great jobs. The happy hour will include complimentary food, great drink specials, raffle prizes, a silent auction, and March Madness basketball!

2nd Annual Boozing for Boobs- "Help Save Second Base"

Head on over to Bobby Lew's Saloon (2006 18th St. NW) on Saturday, March 29th from 7-11pm to support Team Tickled Pink in their Second Annual Boozing for Boobs. With a tag line of, "Help Save Second Base", how can you resist?! Sponsored by p.i.n.k. Vodka, a donation at the door will get you drink specials including $2 domestics and $4 p.i.n.k. Vodka drinks. Last year, Team Tickled Pink raised over $37 k for Breast Cancer Research through their participation in the 40 mile Avon Walk for Breast Cancer over two days. Let's help them double it!

National Walk for Epilepsy- Saturday

The National Walk for Epilepsy will be held this Saturday, March 29th to raise money for the foundation which supports people who have seizures and allows them the opportunity to participate in all of life's experiences. It'll be held on the National Mall from 8-11am, check out the website to get more information on registering and donating.

Watch me trip down the runway... Saturday!

The tickets to Fashion For Paws sold out almost a month before the event and I know a lot of you are pretty upset you couldn't get tickets. My apologies in advance for that. If you still want to see me fall flat on my face on the runway AND support our furry friends- you're in luck!

Bloomingdale's is hosting a Spring Fashion Show-Brunch (Which I'll be walking in) this Saturday, March 29th, from 10:30am-12:30 at Peacock Grand Cafe on K street to benefit the Washington Humane Society.

Tickets are $50, with $25 tax deductible. Please call Peacock Grand Cafe to purchase your ticket and make your brunch reservation as seating is limited!

Pizzeria Paradiso- Jazz it up

Head on over to Pizzeria Paradiso on M street tonight and enjoy sample hors d'oeuvres and three different beers from the North Coast Brewing Company while listening to jazz by the Thelonius Monk Institute. ($30)

Four Seasons in Georgetown to Celebrate Earth Hour

The Four Seasons Hotel at 2800 Pennsylvania Ave, NW will be celebrating the World Wildlife Fund's Earth Hour initiative to host candlelight dinners circumventing the globe. Four Seasons is participating with a phenomenal Spring menu ranging from foie gras sliders to Nantucket bay scallops. Earth hour begins at 8pm.

What a bright idea!

You know how whenever a cartoon character gets a "bright" idea a little light bulb clicks on above their heads? Well know that light bulb can go green!

I have gotten dozens (maybe close to 100) emails asking me for tips on how to go green at home. One of the easiest ways is by changing all of your lightbulbs to CFL light bulbs. Energy Star qualified light bulbs use about 75% less energy than standard incadescent bulbs and last up to 10x longer. Although the bulbs cost more initially, about twice as much as traditional bulbs, each bulb will save you about $30 or more in electricity costs! I have 12 lights in my condo- thats $360! Maybe I can go purchase that Edun dress afterall...

One of the benefits of CFL light bulbs is they produce 75% less heat than traditional bulbs- they are far safer when you have that obnoxious crowd over for latenight and can reduce the costs of home cooling bills. Remember that you need a lower wattage than a typical bulb and kelvin temperature determines the color of the light emitted. Target is having a sale on bulbs now, you can get 2 for $2.98. Costco also has a pack of 13 for $10. Even my local CVS has the bulbs in the aisle, but they are a bit pricier- about $2 each.

When looking into purchasing bulbs, follow the steps provided by Christie Matheson in Green Chic (pages 8-13):

CFL Suggestions

Room: Your Bathroom
Wattage: Choose a 23 bulb
Kelvin Temperature: 3000
Why: If you want to look gorgeous, you gotta be able to see everything in there!

Room: Kitchen
Wattage: 19
Kelvin Temperature: 2700
Why: You want to see clearly-but not be caught in the glare if people are gathered around you!



Room: Living Room
Wattage: 13
Kelvin Temperature: 2700
Why: This is bright enough for reading and keeping you awake till Entourage comes on, but still lovely and inviting.



Room: Bedroom
Wattage: 11 to 13
Kelvin Temperature: 1500-2700
Why: Go for the lower wattage and temp if you want to evoke candlelight in your boudoir- if you're a light-on kind of gal, try something a little brighter.

Courage and Hope Gala- Last Call!

1st Annual Courage & Hope Gala

March 28, 2008

7pm at City Tavern Club

3206 M Street, N.W.Washington, DC
Reception & Silent Auction — 7pm

Dinner with featured speakers — 8pm

After-party with band— 10pm until 1am

Attire: Cocktail

Tickets: VIP(silent auction, dinner& presentation) $150

Afterparty $50

Purchase Tickets Online!

Proceeds will benefit The Courage Cup, a 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation which helps at-risk youth by supporting programs in the mid-Atlantic region which give disadvantaged children individualized attention and a positive alternative activity to keep them in school and off the streets.

I'm going to the circus!!!

Few people know this, but I actually lived in D.C. as a child while my dad was a Congressional Fellow when I was a wee little one. So little, that Ringling Bros' Barnum and Bailey Circus actually told me I could never come back... But tonight- I will make my reappearance! I love the circus... I know it is criticized for cruelty to the animals and consumes far too much of the earth's natural resources for each production, but the circus is just one of those spectacular events that can make anyone feel like a kid. It's magic. Last time I went to a B & B circus was actually here in DC, just about 21 years ago to date. I was a little runt of a child, two months pre-mature, I wore a 4T until I was 8! Apparently I was so small, that at the Circus 21 years ago, I slipped through the bleachers and was stuck underneath- forcing the entire circus to postpone for two hours (throwing off the entire day's schedule) and making everyone in our section evacuate the area so they could come "rescue" me. Curiosity almost killed the KK, or maybe they should have just fed me to the lions! Either way, I know my polish dopah has grown in immensity so falling through the cracks shouldn't be a problem tonight ;-)

The Circus officially opens tomorrow and runs until 30th at the Verizon Center. Tickets are $14-$95 and all children over 2 years of age need a ticket (I guess so they don't fall through the bleachers?!)

Eco Tobi- Hot GREEN fashion

Green chic is the lethal combination of feeling good about yourself and your choice in fabrics while looking great. Eco-tobi is a one-stop shop for some ethical and fashionable choices. Being a self-proclaimed online fashionista, I have scoured a lot of the web in search of designers inspired by the green movement AND the runway. I am pretty sure you have never seen me in a t-shirt (except during football, where I have it tastefully paired with my pearl drop earrings). I like dresses and eco-Tobi provides exactly what I am looking for with a variety of designers I had never heard of! Edun, Bono's line, has this amazing Requiem Dress that I am just vying for, but it is $295, so I just have to keep reminding myself that once I trade in my gas guzzler, I'll have a lot of extra cash for the important thinks... green chic fashions!

Girls Gone Glam IIII- This Thursday!

The fabulous ladies of Dress for Success invite you to come out to the Palomar Hotel tomorrow, Thursday, March 27th from 6:30 to 9pm in celebration of their fourth annual Dress for Success Girls Gone Glam night honoring the Professional Women's Group (PWG)! The evening will have food and drinks courtesy of Kimpton Hotels, with a silent auction and accessory trunk show by many local boutiques in the District and salons presenting the latest trends and styles! Tickets are $65 and can be purchased by cash, check or credit card!Who needs a better excuse to go glam this week?!

ZipCar- Go Green and Do More

When I first moved to D.C., I didn't ship my car out from California, instead I got a ZipCar. Fascinated by their business model, I strongly support what they are doing- saving the earth while saving their drivers a lot of money!If you can go green while saving green, why not? ZipCar includes your insurance, gas, and parking and many of their models are hybrids! All you have to do is sign up online and head over to one of their hundreds of spots in the district and pick up your car. It is really easy... even for a dumb blonde like me!

ZipCar is rewarding humanitarians in the Boston area by showing National Geographic's Arctic Tale in a drive-in setting in Harvard Square's Brattle Theatre tonight. Car owners are then asked to leave their car at the theater as a donation to Habitat for Humanities, in exchange for a free one-year ZipCar membership and $500 in their CarforHomes project.

Re-Cap: Sneak Preview of the Newseum

Last night I attended a sneak preview of the Newseum for TV media and Bloggers with Steve Chenevey and Nikki Burdine and we enjoyed the most incredible tour of the enormous addition to Pennsylvania Ave. Quite an educational evening, I think we all agreed the coolest part was the Hydraulic Elevators- the only hydraulic elevators in the United States! They have a capacity of 65 people and are completely made of glass, which makes for a phenomenal 360 degree view of all of the monuments and buildings- not to mention they put a bar in the back for Martinis during special events! The Newseum also boasts the largest High Def flat screen, over 40 feet! I would NOT want to see my face up there! The exhibits are really fascinating (okay so I did my thesis on, "How Advancing Communication Technologies Act as a Catalyst towards Political, Social, and Corporate Reformation" so this was right up my alley...geek!) If only this had been open while I was doing research, I could have had a lot more fun! This is going to be the first stop for me when guests come in to town, as the exhibits change daily- you can see the front pages of over 600 different newspapers in circulation! I really suggest checking it out when it opens up to the public on April 11th... I'll be back!

Habatat Galleries 1 year Anniversary Party

Habatat Galleries will be celebrating their first year in Washington, DC on Thursday, March 27th at 8pm. Check out their fine art while dancing the night away. The evening is sponsored by Chima and DC Modern Luxury Magazine- A night that cannot be beat!

Habatat Galleries is located at 8020 Towers Crescent Dr. Tysons Corner, VA.

SuperPet Expo- Saturday

I know we have a lot of furry friend lovers out there, so I wanted to pass along some information on this weekends' Super Pet Expo held in Chantilly, Virginia. The expo kicks off at 10am on Saturday at the Dulles Expo and Conference Center (4368 Chantilly Center, Chantilly, VA) The cost is $12.00 and gives you access to hundreds of different dog boutiques and exhibits. Pets are welcome to attend at no charge ;-)

And if you cannot make the event, but still want to support the puppies, feel free to donate to the Washington Humane Society here!

Let's Go Fly a Kite...

Saturday, March 29th come fly a kite at the Smithsonian National Kite Festival- one of the largest kite festivals in the world! Sponsored by the Smithsonian Associates and the Air and Space Museum, Saturday's fleet of high flying spectacles will surely have everyone looking towards the sky. Part of the Cherry Blossom Festival, the National Kite Festival will be all over the National Mall, beginning at the Washington Monument on 15th st SW.

Scope It Out 5k Run/Walk

On Sunday, March 30th at 8am, join your fellow Washingtonians for a brisk early morning jaunt around the city to help raise money and awareness for one of the most deadly, but unmentionable culprits- colon cancer. The cost is just $25 and kicks off at West Potomac Park on 2298 Connecticut Ave NW. I'll be there! As it is illegal to accept payment on National Park site, you must register beforehand...

"I'll never let go" To my Green Credit Card

A titanic endeavor had Leonardo DiCaprio in Hong Kong promoting HSBC banks new green credit card- made entirely from recycled materials. The green credit card uses paperless billing and donates a portion from each transaction to local environmentally friendly projects. The launch of the card in Hong Kong coincided with the eco-friendly superstar's premiere of "The 11th Hour".

Inspire.com

Danielle Leach is a woman who has inspired me with her strength and fortitude beyond any imaginable way. I met her as she was the glue that held her family together while her son Mason, lost his battle with cancer which she shared with friends and family through his blog, keeping us posted no matter where in the world we were. Words don't do justice in expressing the respect I have for her, if you are ever lucky enough to be the recipient of one of her hugs, you'd understand. She possesses a contagious positive outlook and since first meeting her I have grown in awe of the grace she maintains through all trials and tribulations she has faced. She truly is inspiring...

This morning she sent me an invitation to join Inspire.com, a new venture she is working with that allows people to engage in support groups online and share new information, utilizing web in the best manner I can think of. Please take a few minutes to sign-up and invite friends who may be most comfortable to get support in the anonymity of the web, combined with the vast availability of knowledge. We all know someone afflicted by breast cancer, MS or mental illness. Sometimes we don't know the right thing to say, but at least Inspire.com can help point them in the right direction. The one thing I have learned about illness is that it affects more than just the person who got the results from the doctor- it affects your friends, family, employers, church groups, everyone. I have a feeling this may just change the world, and at the very least- inspire a lot of people who are looking for that flicker of inspiration somewhere in this vast world...

Thanks, Danielle!

Sake Tasting at Mie n Yu

I am always stunned when I see the listing of Sake at restaurants... Hot or Cold? Filtered or Unfiltered? What's the difference?! Tonight get all of your answers at Mie n Yu's Sake tasting event. The event kicks off at 5:30 and will provide you with new recipes for sake based cocktails and more! $35

-- Courtesy of the Georgetown BIDness

Chop't in Rosslyn Opening!

Chop't is now open in Rosslyn and in celebration is offering free salads starting at 11:30am today! Check them out at 1735 North Lynn Blvd. just over the Key Bridge. They have a wide variety of salads and wraps to enjoy!

President Lincoln's Cottage now Open!

Although D.C. is a town where it is near impossible to run out of historical places to check out, I've got a new one to add to your to-do list! President Lincoln's cottage is now open for the first time for tours- this is where the Presidential family resided during the Civil War from June to November from 1962-1964. President Lincoln's Cottage is located on the Armed Forces Retirement Home (AFRH) campus in Washington, D.C. The entrance to the AFRH campus is the Eagle Gate at Rock Creek Church Road NW and Upshur Street NW, 20011

20th Annual Taste of the Nation

Tonight is the 20th Annual Taste of the Nation in Washington, DC at the Washington Hilton at 1919 Connecticut Ave NW. The event is sponsored by American Express in Support of No Kid Hungry, with "100% of ticket sales going to ensure than no child grows up hungry." Can you get a better cause? The cost is $200 a ticket for a VIP preview from 6pm-10pm. General admission is $85 and kicks off at 7pm. Tickets can be purchased at the door to sample cuisine from more than 50 of DC's finest establishments.

Restaurants include: 1789 Restaurant * BLT Steak * Bobby Van's * Butterfield 9 * Capital Grille * Carlyle * Caucus Room * Central Michel Richard * Charlie Palmer Steak * Hook * IndeBleu * Kinkead's * La Tasca * Neyla * Oceanaire Seafood Room * OLiVES * Oya * Poste * Proof * PS 7's Restaurant * Restaurant 3 * * Ten Penh * The Source * Zengo

White House Easter Egg Roll

From 8am-2pm today on the South Lawn of the White House! If you missed getting tickets to the annual Easter Egg Roll at the White House, you can still check it out online in live, streaming video! I have to admit it is rather adorable... ;-)

Fundraiser for the American Diabetes Association- Tomorrow!

FUNDRAISER FOR THE AMERICAN DIABETES ASSOCIATION AT TATTOO BAR

Tuesday, March 25th @ 7pm

Please join us as we throw a few back to raise money for the American Diabetes Association. Last year we raised nearly $3,000 for the ADA and hope to raise even more this year!Doors open at 7pm with a $10 cover100% of door proceeds going to the ADA! Please feel free to donate more.

Cash or Check Accepted

Tattoo has agreed to donate a large percentage of the bar sales from 7 - 9 pm so please come early!

Drink Specials:7 pm - 9 pm: $7 Bushmills, $7 Baileys, $5 Mixed Drinks,$5 Wine, $5 Beer, and Discounted Food

7 pm - Close: $5 Grand Marniers, $5 Captain Morgan DrinksYour

To make an additional donation:http://main.diabetes.org/goto/elena

Second Annual Eggstravaganza

Celebrate Spring and Easter at Tudor Place’s Second Annual Eggstravaganza! Children of all ages enjoy the largest Egg Hunt in Washington D.C. and a thrilling Egg Roll Contest. After the exciting games, spend the morning decorating festive eggs and building a spring basket! The Easter Bunny is available for pictures all morning. Visitors also enjoy a self-guided tour of Tudor Place’s 5 ½ acres of glorious gardens. The Egg Hunt begins at 10:30 a.m. and the Egg Roll follows at 11:00 a.m. Bring your own basket, spoon, and one hard-boiled egg per child.

Easter Classic 5k and 10k

Get your running shoes ready! The Potomac Valley Track Club will be sponsoring their annual Easter Classic on March 22nd, kicking off at 8:30am at the Belle Haven Park and Marina in Washington, DC. For more information contact Rolland Elliott at rvelliott@copper.net. Its only five dollars for non-members!

Another Bloomin Designer

One thing I always have on hand are business cards- keeping mine in my right hand pocket for easy access to give, and collecting new contacts in my left. If I could be a professional networker, life would be good. At the same time, I am an old fashioned Rolodex person, and have tons of the scraps of paper floating around my desk... Not too green.

Jamie Waiek developed the perfect "green" solution-growing business cards. The project dubbed, "Another Bloomin' Designer" was inspired to have prospective clients keep your business card on their table instead of in their pocket. By dipping one edge in water, after four days a cress or alfalfa plant springs from the top. Its pretty nifty I dare say...!

The Art of Rulei Bu

The opening reception for the Art of Rulei Bu will be held from 7-10pm on March 22nd an HooplaDC. The accomplished oil painter has been living in DC since 1998 but first studied art at Shanghai University, China. His work has been praised by many in the art community. The event will feature organic wine and hors d'oeuvres and will be located in Hoopla's eco-friendly carriage house.

Run for Water this Saturday

Dear Runners, Washington, D.C. locals and people interested in supporting an effort to build the next borehole well in the Azawak Valley - please come out for the Run for Water on March 22, 2008.

March 22 is recognized by the United Nations as World Water Day. The event will raise awareness about global water shortages and Amman Imman's efforts in Niger. Runners will run one portion of a marathon - 26.2 miles. The total distance run on March 22 will signify the distance many children in the Azawak must travel to find water for their families. Each participant will set their own fundraising goal. The run will follow the National Marathon route, with the first runner taking off at 9 a.m. from the corner of Columbia and Connecticut Avenues NW. So, pick a distance, a fundraising goal, a pace, and, if you'd like, a partner and sign up now by e-mailing: laurel.lundstrom@gmail.com. Sponsorship sheets will be provided to all runners after signing up.If you aren't up to the athletic challenge, please consider donating on behalf of the runners here: http://waterforniger.org/page/donate/main/

Details: Start and End on corner of Conneticut and Columbia Aves

9am-3pm this Saturday the 22nd of March