BrickFair Lego Festival... Lego my ego this Saturday

Are you too old to play with Lego?  NO!

Can you recapture that childhood thrill of Christmas morning again?  YES!

BrickFair (www.BrickFair.com) is a Lego convention bringing together AFOLs (Adult Fans Of Lego) from across the country and around the world.  The DC Lego festivals are frequented by adult Lego lovers from all over the globe.  It's a chance to re-ignite your Lego fetish and to share in creative play with other adults and your own children.

The public is welcome to browse the BrickFair expo on Saturday and Sunday.  Train layouts stretch on for miles.  The "Great Ball Contraption" is always a hoot!  Vendors will be selling special Lego items, including Lego-by-the-piece and individual minifigs.  Visitors enjoy discounts at local restaurants.

Lego festivals have grown very popular, primarily in North America, although there are others around the wold.  BrickFair marks the return of the Lego festival to the Washington DC area.  It is held in the Sheraton Premiere Hotel in Tysons Corner, VA.  Stumbling distance to the local LEGO store.

BrickFair is raising $10,000 for The SladeChild Foundation (www.SladeChild.org), a childrens' charity based in Maryland.  Visitors' entrance fees finance this fundraising.

If you never quite grew out of Legos as a child, this is an event you must see.  Once you step through the doors, we're all the same age: 1Sheraton Premiere at Tyson's Corner (8661 Leesburg Pike Vienna, VA)

YES!Circle, TiE-DC and  Success in the City are once again co-conspiring to bring you the most spectacular, fun networking event of the summer!  Enjoy the last days of summer while mingling, networking, and having a great time!  It's not about trading business cards; it's about connecting, building relationships and most importantly having FUN doing it!  Business cards and tropically-inspired attire encouraged; a great attitude and an open mind are absolutely required! This event includes valuable networking, hors d'oeuvres, open bar, and fabulous door prizes!

Tonight, August 27th at the Merrill Lynch Building (1875 Eye St NW) from 6:30-9pm

FLY at FLY Lounge

Head on over to FLY Lounge tonight from 6-10pm to support Facilitating Leadership in Youth (FLY). Mix and Mingle during their charity happy hour where they will be collecting money at the door and selling FLY t-shirts. FLY supports Annacostia youth in achieving their educational goals, helping them develop into the leaders of tomorrow. Check out their website for more information!

Fashion Fights Poverty 2008 Lookbook Launch Party- Save the Date!

Save the date for this years' FFP Lookbook launch party held at Tattoo Lounge on Thursday, September 6th from 6-10pm!  RSVP at rsvp@sinpr.com 

"The look book is a catalogue of chic, contemporary, and ethical designers, modeled by celebrities and everyday citizens who have pledged their support to FFP’s mission. The look book will be available online and limited editions will also be available for purchase. A percentage of sales from each look book will go to Nest (www.buildanest.com), FFP’s 2008 beneficiary, a nonprofit organization dedicated to changing the lives of women in developing countries. Nest provides micro-finance loans to artisan women in the developing world to help them create sustainable entrepreneurial businesses and then gives them a place to sell their unique goods. 

EDUN LIVE (www.edun-live.com) will sponsor FFP's 2008 "Dress Responsibly" t-shirts by donating their "100% Made in Africa" tees. Preview tees at launch party, limited editions available for purchase at the benefit. "

See you there!

Charity Bachelor/Bachelorette Event at eCities for the Tigerlily Foundation

Support the fight against Breast Cancer this Thursday at E-Cities with the Tigerlily Foundation's Date Auction! From 7-9pm, bid on the guy/girl of your dreams! Check here for more info!

My new Puppy Madison!!!!

The Long Goodbye (Alzheimer's Association Fundraiser)

On Thursday, August 28th from 6:30-8:30pm, join Sasha Horne and Makeda Saggau Sackey at the National Press Club (529 14th street nw) for a special presentation by Anthony Sudler, the President and CEO of the National Capital Alzheimer's Association chapter as he discusses how to identify the signs and symptoms of the cruel disease that effects so many loved ones. $20 suggested donation, complimentary hors d'oeuvres and cash bar.

Weddzilla.com Launch Party and Bridal Event

The Weddzilla Weddvolution is coming to DC! Created by a bride for future brides, Weddzilla.com has one goal: simplify the most important day of your life! 

On Wednesday, August 27th, head on over to Clarendon Ballroom for a free event in celebration of everything Bridezilla!

7:715 Registration and Cocktails

7:15-7:30 Weddzilla Introduction

7:30-8:45pm Meet the Vendors/Bridal Show

8:45-9pm Bridal Give away!

Perfect for all the brides-to-be!

GiraMondo's Entrepreneurs' Wine Tasting Network

Tuesday night, head on over to Trattoria Sorrento in Bethesda and network with like-minded DC area entrepeneurial wine enthusiasts while discussing this months' topic: "The Truth About Email Marketing". 

For just $49, you can mix and mingle while sharing wine tastings and brilliant new ideas... situations like this are where genius is born! Sorrento is located at 4290 Cordell Ave in Bethesda and is metro accessible for my eco-friendly pals off the Red Line. The reception will include six wines and a buffet of Italian appetizers.

6:30-8:30pm

To purchase tickets, click here!

Step outside with Bond, James Bond

Monday nights are shaken, not stirred in Crystal City with their 21 week James Bond Outdoor Film Festival... Tomorrow's movie? "Golden Eye" (1995) Bond movies will be shown through October 20th in the Courtyard along S. Bell Street between 18th and 20th. 

Grab your friends, a blanket, and a picnic and end summer with a Bang... Bond style!

Chop't Opens Monday 8/25 in Metro Center

Another Grande opening that will send those taste buds into over-drive... Check out Chop't's newest location in Metro Center tomorrow, Monday 8/25 from 11am-2pm for free salads and sandwiches! Co-founders Tony Shure and Colin McCabe will be there, so come hungry with questions as well! The new Chop't at Metro Center (618 12th st NW) will officially open its doors on Tuesday the 26th....

Come hungry!

Grande Opening of HELLO CUPCAKE

Tomorrow, August 25th, head on over to the Grande Opening of "Hello Cupcake" at 1251 Connecticut Ave. "A sophisticated twist on an old classic", Hello Cupcake will help you survive the dreaded Monday blues! Opening at 10am, head on over for a cupcake, or eight!

DC Jam Session kicks-off this weekend!

Big Sight

Big Sight... just join it.


(more coming soon about how awesome the founder of it is, how it helps you manage your online reputation so you can be googleable, their partnership with facebook, and more!)

Shape Up with Under Armour

So I have been training with Under Armour's TNP training team online, and man, what a work out! I am currently working on the SPEED set, and the customized workouts that let you establish your goals and track your progress just kick your butt... and your determination! I have tried a bunch of online training programs, but Under Armour's free program is by far the best I have done... which is why I am sitting on my couch, sore as can be, blogging all afternoon because I can barely move...

But it's worth it!!!

Wedding Bells for Prom Dates

Well it is finally happening, my friends are all getting married!

Wanted to extend a congratulations first off to my brother Patrick and his fiancee Julia who will wed next August!

I also want to congratulate two pairs of my very best friends, Anthony Guajardo and Jenna Landis whom I grew up with since 3rd grade; and my very best friend in the whole wide world Jessica Kent and Steve Lipinski (two of my best friends from high school!) who just got engaged this week!!

Funny enough: I went to prom with both Anthony and Steve... perhaps if you pity dated me to prom, you too, can marry my best friends! And also of course a special congratulations to Nancy Margaret Ray and Andy Andler who will be married this Fall...!!

District Sample Sale

Attention Fashionistas:

It your favorite time of the year again... but you have to hurry because we are almost sold out of VIP tickets!! The Fall 2008 District Sample Sale will be held Tuesday, September 9, from 6:30-9:30pm. We will sell out fast so be sure to get your tickets here! Last Spring, the DSS raised $37,000 for their charities, so help them raise even more this Fall for the DC Rape Crisis Center!!!

DC By Foot

So maybe you have lived here and feel like you are the tour guide when friends and family come to visit... but next time let DC BY FOOT guide you on some of the most amazing tours in the nation's capital... FOR FREE!


I met the guys at DC by Foot a few months ago and have meant to post as they are really bringing such an added experience, interacting instead of just reporting facts and figures. They're passion for the city is contagious, knowledge unparalleled, and attitudes amazing! Their "More than Monuments" tour is free, every day at 2 and 6pm at the Washington Monument! They also host the BenefacTOURS every Sunday at 6pm, with all tips generated being donated to a local Washington DC charity! Good work guys!


For more info, check out their website, email them at info@dcbyfoot.com, or call 202.370.1830 . Group tours available!

I love Peacock Grande Cafe

Having Celiac's disease and being gluten intolerant, it is always a challenge to go out to nice restaurants without having to spend the entire first half of the evening disecting the menu in attempts to find something I can actually eat.

You can imagine how thrilled I was when I had lunch during Restaurant Week at Peacock Grande Cafe and many of the fabulous entrees on their menu are Gluten-free-friendly!! What a wonderful surprise!

Check it out soon:

2020 K St NW

Washington, DC 20006

202.530.2020

Salon Roi Summer Sale

Small tiny Leopard Box
Event at Salon Roi.

Summer will be gone soon.
Let’s enjoy the best moments of the summer
And CELEBRATE you-new you, just because you’re valued Salon Roi
CUSTOMER and FRIEND we would like to exclusively invite you and your friends
To our custom-made jewelry SUMMER SALE event (everything 20% off).
Please, join us for cocktails and take a small tiny Leopard Box filled with jewelry with you. On Wed, August 20th from 8-11pm. No RSVP needed, just stop by during that time and bring friends and loved ones…

Hope to see you soon.

SALON ROI.

2602 Connecticut Ave NW

Washington DC, 20008

(202) 234-2668

Grande Opening of Saagar Indian Cuisine

Free Dinner on the eve of Opening of Saagar Indian Cuisine on Wednesday, August 20th from 6:30-10pm! Saagar Indian Cuisine is proud to present you with the authentic Indian Food, please join Master Chef Mr. Shekhar on the evening of August 20th to celebrate the Grand Opening.

Brew at the Zoo

Raise your glass to conservation and join FONZ Young Professionals at the fourth annual Brew at the Zoo. Sample beer and hors d'oeuvres from more than 20 microbreweries and area restaurants, enjoy animal demonstrations, and groove to live music by a top local band.The ticket price includes all beer samples, food, entertainment, and a commemorative glass. Proceeds support animal care, conservation science, education and sustainability at the National Zoo.Another excellent event at the National Zoo and this one is a good deal cheaper than the Zoofari. Lots of great food and drink for a worthy cause.

Thursday, August 21 2008, 6:00pm
Smithsonian National Zoological Park

3001 Connecticut Ave NW

Washington, DC

(202) 633-4800
$40.00-55.00

Ben's Chili Bowl 50th Anniversary Street Festival

Friday, August 22 2008,
10:15am - 3:00pm

Ben's Chili Bowl
1213 U St NW

Washington, DC

(202) 667-0909

Partying in the Street from 10am to 3pmProgram: Words from Ben & Virginia, Tribute from City Officials, Special Guests, Celebrities, Music, Entertainment, Activities for the Kids, and more!

Luke's Wings Benefit Thursday

From Memorial Day to Fourth of the July this summer has been memorable. Now as the summer draws to a close, let's not forget those that have been fighting for us.Please join us at the Rookery for music, drink specials, and grand old American happy hour. This is the perfect opportunity to bust out that red, white, or blue summer outfit one last time.-$10 suggested donation at the door- Patriotic attire encouraged- Free admission with a military IDAll procedes go directly to airline tickets that reunite wounded soldiers with their loved ones. Please join us and be a part of their recovery. For more information about Luke's Wings please visit www.lukeswings.org.

Chanel No. 125 Birthday Bash

The little black dress, tweed suits, costume jewelry and red lipstick - we owe them all to Gabrielle 'Coco' Chanel. Style Icon and ultimate Brunette Gabrielle 'Coco' Chanel's lifestyle fueled her ideas of how modern women everywhere should look, act, and dress.

Come celebrate our haute couture fashion icon's 125th birthday in style and raise money for the Alzheimer's Association at the Chanel No. 125 Black and White Birthday Bash on Tuesday, August 19th from 6-10 pm at Tattoo.

Come dressed to impress in your black and white and ready to mix and mingle with members of Team Brunette as they raise money to tackle Alzheimer's disease in the 2008 Blondes vs. Brunettes charity football game.

Drink specials include

$7Belvedere$5 Captain Morgan$5 Bushmills$5 Baby GM ShotsLadies and Gents,be sure to wear you most excellent black and white!

$5-Suggested donation at the door

All proceeds go to benefit Makeda, Sasha & Lilly's fundraising for the Blonde's vs. Brunettes charity flag football game in support of the Alzheimer's Association. Since 2005, Blondes vs. Brunettes has raised more than $75,000 for the Alzheimer's Association National Capital Area Chapter. This unique charity has brought some of Washington, D.C.'s most prominent young women leaders together to raise awareness about the disease – sometimes occurring in individuals as young as 30 – and funds for the Chapter so that it may continue to provide services and programs – at no or low cost – to area residents.

Wanna be on Redskins TV?

LITON AGENCY + REDSKINS + EASTERNS
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Time:
10:00am - 10:00pm
REDSKINS PARK OR EASTERNS IN RESTON
litonagency@gmail.com


Liton Agency is searching for a Bubbly and confidant TV Host for Redskins Late Night Show. It will be hosted by Chris Paul of WPGC and produced by Larry Michael. It’ll be seen each week on WUSA 9 each Saturday night at 12:30.This is a great opportunity to become a celebrity in DC Metro area, be on TV and have huge potential to meet other media and marketing groups for future events all over the country. If you dream to be on TV, then this is the Job for you !The show will be taped each Tuesday night at Gordon Beirsch at Tyson’s Corner Center from 7-8:30PM for 17 weeks. One note. Because of the Thursday night opener against the Giants and the short week to produce the show, the first show will be taped at Gordon Beirsch at Tyson’s on Friday night August 29th. Other than that one show, it’ll be every Tuesday night for taping from Sept 9 thru the last week in December.Duties would be to interact with the host and player on camera. Possibly interact in a comedy skit. Could have a mike in the crowd for fan questions. Most importantly, she will be asked to dress sexy and add an element of sex appeal to this Late Night show. We are not only looking for just a great talent but you MUST be professional, punctual and take this job very serious as millions of people will be viewing you and the show depends on the quality of work that you provide. We will hold live auditions this Monday the 18th at either Redskins Park in Ashburn or Easterns Main office in Reston.

Live Differently- Nonsociety.com

Hot pink procratination tool- check! Thanks to Dan Birdwhistell of Big Sight Media who pointed me in the right direction of Non Society, I am now obsessed. I honestly cannot say which contributor is my favorite: Julia the eager dating columnist, Meghan the Geekette who makes me feel a little more normal, or Mary the style snob whom I cannot decide if I envy or worship for her chic and sensible style! I kind of would love to be best friends with all three... ;-) Check it out! I really think they should come to DC so we can host a non-society launch party for them in the Nation's Capital!

Grande Opening of Organic to Go!

So this might be the highlight of my week... So excited to check out Organic to Go at their Grande Opening this Thursday, August 14th from 5-8pm at their new location at 927 15th Street Nw! Yum!

National's Ladies Night this Thursday!

We all have a pink National's hat floating around the jungle we call a closet- time to break it out- Its Ladies Night!! The Savvy Girls of Summer will be there promoting their new book, "It Takes More Than Balls" while Last Comic Standing semi-finalist Erin Jackson will have you falling off your seat! Watch the Nats take on the New York Mets with a few cocktails at the 5pm happy hour, first pitch is at 7:10.

NIH Outdoor Filmfestival at Strathmore

Obviously I am into outdoor movies this summer, and even though Screen on the Green ends tonight- the next two weeks will be filled with awesome Children's movies... and my favorite- "Airplane!"

Presented by the NIH, 97.1 and Comcast, these movies shouldn't be missed! Bring a blanket, a picnic and some friends! See you there!

Blonde goes Curtain Shopping...

A Blonde enters a store that sells curtains.

She tells the salesman, "I would like to buy a pair of pink curtains." The salesman assures her that they have a large selection of pink curtains. He shows her several patterns, but the blonde seems to be having a hard time choosing.

Finally she selects a lovely pink floral print. The salesman then asks what size curtains she needs. The blonde promptly replies, "fifteen inches"

"Fifteen inches???" asked the salesman. "That sounds very small, what room are they for?"

The blonde tells him that they aren't for a room, they are for her computer monitor.

The surprised salesman replies, "But Miss, computers do not need curtains!"

The blonde says, "Hellllooooooooo ... I've got Windoooooows!"

(Thanks Mom!)

DC Jam Session

Live music, sports, and an open bar? Sign me up! I am so excited for the DC Jam Session 2008 which kicks off August 23rd at RFK Stadium Festival Grounds! Each of the three jam sessions includes an open beer bar, non-alcoholic beverages, food, bands and djs AND a premium seat at the DC United games, "United We Party!"

Get your tickets today!!!

I Struck some Irish Luck ;-)

Last night a group of us decided to beat the weather and headed down to China Town to check out bowling at Lucky Strike. In full disclosure, the last time I bowled I only got a 19... but with the help of "Mo" who helped me pick out my lucky blue ball, I didn't do too bad- hit something like 140 or so... Huge improvement! Sometimes I forget how much fun bowling is (especially when enhanced by a few cocktails!)

Next rainy day (ha looks like today!)... its on!

Smithsonian Young Benefactors Utopia at the Australian Embassy

Sounds like a phenomenal event for tomorrow, the Smithsonian Young Benefactors are heading to the Embassy of Australia to view Utopia, a collection of silk batiks by indigenous Australian Artists from the Utopia region. $10 suggested donation benefits the YB Culture4Kids Fund. Email yp@si.edu for more information!

Save the Date: Washington Cupcake Contest

This sounds so amazingly delicious! Save the date for Thursday, September 25th for the Washington Cupcake Contest! The event will be held from 6-9pm at the Washington Club in Dupont Circle.

Entries will be accepted in three categories:

* Professional

* Amateur

* Out-of-Town

There will be 3 entries allowed within each category:
* Vanilla with Chocolate Icing

* Chocolate with Vanilla Icing

* Wildcard - where creativity counts

Space is limited, so don't wait to sign up. Samples for the audience are encouraged in addition to the official entries. More info to come! Let them eat cupcakes!!

Screen on the Green

Since moving to D.C., I have always longed to attend Screen on the Green. Dorky, maybe, but it has been on my to-do list for the past three summers, and finally I can check it off! Monday night I saw "The Apartment" at HBO's Screen on the Green down at the National Mall. Hundreds of people gathered on the lawn, sprawled out on blankets with picnics, playing cards and laughing as the sun set in anticipation of a romantic movie night. While the atmosphere was second to none, I have to admit that I am still a bit perplexed by the movie pickers' choice in films to show at a very public venue with little kids galore. Having no idea what "The Apartment" was about, I was taken aback slightly as the story unfolded about how a business man was essentially allowing his apartment to be used by upper management as a brothel, thus allowing him to get ahead in the work place. While this was a black and white film from the 1960s and nothing was explicit, I was still red with embarassment! Thank goodness it was dark!

After a little research, I found more info on the "Screen on the Green HBO Dance" which just stunned me as hundreds if not thousands of people knew what to do as I sat there bewildered... Don't get me wrong, I love people watching, and this city gives you one of the best backgrounds for all kinds of antics...

Be sure to check out the last Screen on the Green for this summer next Monday... Superman!!

Free Doggie Happy Hour

Every Thursday from 5-7pm, the Westin on Embassy Row offers a free Doggie Happy Hour! Pet lovers can dive into a vast array of cocktails, while their furry friends enjoy treats!

Westin Embassy Row Hotel

2100 Massachusetts Ave NW

Washington, DC

Restaurant Week next Week!!!

My favorite time of the year- summer Restaurant week in Washington! The week long celebration, from the 11th-17th boasts nearly 200 of Washington's best restaurants at a great price- $20.08 for a three-course fixed price lunch, and just $35.08 for a three-course fixed price meal! Not bad! These places fill up fast, so head on over to OpenTable.com to get your reservations now... I know I will! On tap for me? CoCo Sala, Darlington House, Oya, Neyla, Mie N Yu, Peacock, the list just goes on and on... Yum!

Congratulations to Battle of the Biceps!!!

Just wanted to send a quick shout out to Atila Omer (and Happy Birthday!) for the blood, sweat, and tears he put into making last Thursday's Battle of the Bicep's event at the Rookery a phenomenal success! I was unable to make it but must congratulate him as I have heard accolades from everyone involved and the $7000 he raised for Neediest Kids is a testament that his hard work paid off... Congratulations on your success!

Coldplay Concert- Rocked!!!

Sunday night's Coldplay Concert was just amazing- great music, good people, and ending the night at Rocket Bar? Not bad! Thanks again!

Bayhawks visit National Children's Medical Center

Last Thursday, three of the Washington Bayhawks' players headed over to the Children's National Medical Center before heading up to Rutgers to take on the New Jersey Pride. Conor Gill, Jamison Mullen, and Billy Glading passed out ice cream, player cards, and posters to many remarkable little guys on the children's cancer floor in honor of Mason's Super Stars, seeing the kids' faces light up as they talked with the guys about movies, lacrosse, and summer plans was far more rewarding than one could imagine. The players exchanged email addresses with a few of the teenagers and have already been keeping in touch, one little girl told the boys how pretty they made her feel when she was having such a rough day...

Thank you again to everyone at the hospital and to Danielle Leach for facilitating the wonderful morning... Words don't do justice in describing how touching the experience was for all involved. Feel free to shoot me an email if you want more information on how you can get involved.