The Reinvention of Me: What Comes Next

Truly, this has been one of the more eventful weekends I’ve had in a long time.  I firmly believe that when the weather gets warmer, the social butterflies emerge from their cocoons and energy levels are high.

March 4

My Friday evening started with the Beauty is Skin Deep Fashion to Benefit Skin Cancer event, which you can view here. Following this, my girlfriend Holly and I decided that the evening wasn’t over.  With a quick change, we were back out on the town with two of our favorite male accompaniment.  We started at Bodega for some tapas and sangria, at 10:30pm.  After a two-hour meal, we all headed to Mr. Smith of Georgetown for a little piano sing-along.  Although barely able to hear the words, we sang along and danced for the next hour.  Still, sometimes this is not enough, as we proceeded to dance the night away, straight into the morning.

Shout outs to: Holly Peart, Nash Peart and Roman Jankowski

March 5

Constance Christakos was the woman of the evening when her and almost 20 of her girlfriends celebrated her birthday the only way we all know how – in true style and class.  At Cities in D.C., we were treated to a three-course pre-fixe menu, complete with wine and cupcakes!  The three-hour birthday extravaganza was complete with great conversation, laughter, story-telling.  Happy birthday CC!!

Shout outs go to: Constance Christakos, Kate Michael, Diane Lebson, Erica McCants, Allison Brooks, Donna Donella, Stef Woods, Cheryl Romero and all the other fabulous ladies in attendance!

I am no fortune teller but as I have been able to see thus far, 2011 is still showing signs of being a fun year.  The first weekend of February brought random adventures, costumes and great friends.

Random Adventures are What Makes Life Fun

Friday night’s adventures began with my outfit that included black pleather pants and hot over-the-knee leather motorcycle boots.  It was a risk I was willing to take, considering I’m always in dresses.  This was followed by a pre-evening drink at the Ritz-Carlton in Georgetown, before heading to Michael Saylor’s Surprise Birthday Party.  It’s those types of parties that touch you, as you realize how many people care about the person being celebrated.  Michael deserved it, as he is so generous with making sure everyone else always has a good time.

After his arrival and speech, I was ready for my next stop – another birthday party.  This time, it was at Town Hall to celebrate Christina Mohr in a Weekend at Bernies’ theme.  It turned out to be quite a packed celebration!  Still, there were more celebrations to be had and thus, a group of us headed out to POV at the W.

For those of you who have been to POV, the view is amazing – especially since the White House looks like it’s two blocks away. Still, the “clientele” that night wasn’t what we were looking for and agreed to head out to find food… at 1am.

There are few places open late in D.C.: Johnny Rockets, Old Ebbitt Grill and Bistro Francais.  We agreed on the latter.  For the next hour we dined on chicken, venison, scallops, fries and other delectable dishes before heading home around 2:30am.

Shout outs go to: Stefanie Ball (for being my hot date all night), John-Michael Scott (for picking us up and being our chauffeur all night, as well as for learning how many times you can change your name on Facebook), Steve Lebo, Tina Cruikshank, Michael Saylor, Ray Regan, Kirk Wiles, Brandy-Michelle Hart, Allison Katz, Doug Dixon, Winston Lord, Tim Burke, Christina Mohr, Felicity Amos, Paul Barbieri, Bill Dean, Kimberly Glenn, Lara Herger, Joe Warren, Seyhan Duru, Amit Anand, Sara Trab Nielsen, John Paul Hamilton (for hanging out with us at POV) and anyone else I may have forgotten.

It’s a Winter Wonderland Birthday Celebration!

Saturday night was an all-out fete for Michael Saylor.  An all-white, masquerade theme, attendees graced the top of the W in a wide array of all-white outfits, wigs, masks, shoes and plenty of accessories. Once inside the secured area, the ballroom had been transformed into a winter wonderland with an open bar, tons of food to nosh on, go-go dancers, a white bear (costume), DJ Seyhan, Burnt Sienna and plenty of people watching.

Around 1am, four of us decided to head out for some late night food – this time Johnny Rockets.  There’s nothing like showing up to a brightly-lit establishment in outlandish costumes to make those who have been out all night, trying to make sense of what they are seeing.

Shout outs go to: Michael Saylor (for an amazing time), Natalie Cartner (and her hair), Susan Ostrowski, Brandy-Michelle Hart, Amanda Deathrage, Felicity Amos, Doug Dixon, Kristen Murdock, Jessica Haese, Ray Regan, Michael Gerrior, Windy Shepard, Tina Cruikshank, Kirk Wiles, Christina Mohr, Taryn Fielder, Ryan Forsythe, Kimberly Glenn, Tim Burke, Christina Lombardi, Courtney Rosellini, Jimmy Ray, Lara Herger, Joe Warren, John Arundel, Ken Suarez, Matthew Hebert, Sara Trab Nielsen, Amit Anand, Ed Schudel and anyone else I may have forgotten.

You know how sometimes you feel that a certain year is going to be “your year”?  Yep, I’m having one of those and I’m only one month in.

Despite the sub-zero temperatures (ok, I’m being dramatic), I’ve had a stellar time out and about.  Since New Year’s, I’ve already made more amazing friends and thus, have had no shortage of a good time.  This is especially true, over the last weekend of the first month of 2011.

January 28, 2011

As mentioned in the Fashion Takes Flight blog below, it was an incredible experience to be part of an amazing team.  When it concluded, my boyfriend, my high school friend and I decided to head to Napoleon Bistro for a late night dinner.  Set scene: girl in a tight dress, eating a bun-less Kobe beef burger with a ton of fries and not feeling one bit remorseful for it.  This was followed by an announcement that my feet were about to fall off and it was time to head home.

January 29, 2011

Feet still sore, my boyfriend and I headed down to the Eastern Market area to partake in a breast cancer photography project (will be announced soon).  Having not spent ANY time down in this area, we went exploring.  I had never been to the Eastern Market before and sure enough, I chose the wrong time of year to explore.  I was somewhat disappointed -it was only 4pm and people were packing up.

Later that evening, we had been invited to Holly and Nash Peart‘s place for a Winter Jamaican BBQ.  Their gorgeous Georgetown home was taken over by the savory smells of Jamaican chicken, rice and beans, cabbage and other unbelievable Jamaican dishes.  We ate, drank tropical cocktails, celebrated birthdays and sang along to Hannibal’s guitar.  It was so great to see Roman Jankowski, Natalie Cartner, Alison Crumling, Taryn Fiedler, Ryan Forsythe, Amanda Deathrage, Tina Cruikshank, Hannibal Bray, Tim Burke, Kimberly Glenn, Holly Peart, Nash Peart, Roscoe Peart, Adam Aloi, Windy Shephard, Brian Gill and many more!

After saying goodbye, my still exhausted self, along with the boyfriend, announced our goodbyes, fully intending to go home.  By the time we got home we a) smelled propane and b) noticed the elevators were out.  Thus, I announced my desire for dessert. Luckily, Cheesecake Factory was still open.  The bartender, who seemed rather happy to have customers, gave us free alcoholic shakes while we  (happily) consumed cheesecake and Irish coffees.  Thinking we’d be able to get on the elevator, we headed home, only to work off the cheesecake by taking 26 flights of stairs to get to our 13th floor apartment.

Although a super-busy weekend and way to end a month, I am excited for what is in store for February!

Since the start of the new year, I’ve made a vow to myself that I’d spend more time with my girlfriends and a little less time working… all the time. So far, it’s been relatively successful.  This week alone, I’ve had some really memorable, fun times with some incredible women.  Take a peek at two of my favs:

My Date with Kate… and a few friends along the way

Last Thursday night, my lovely friend Kate invited me out to the Crime and Punishment Museum for a Yelp-sponsored event.  To commence our evening out, we started at Rosa Mexicana for a drink and ended up adding two fabulous friends to our party.  The four of us embarked upon an interactive exploration adventure of not just food, drink and haircut (yes, I said it) stations, but all the fun things you can do at the museum.  This exploration took us to standing in a stockade, behind bars, in a jail cell, through an escape hole, shooting rifles, riding a motorcycle and even working out.

When our tour was over, we headed over to Redline for some food and drink and then ended the evening at The Mighty Pint – my new favorite bar that features tater tots  Here’s to more random adventures out with good friends!

Shout outs to: Kate Michael, Tiffany Carter, Reese Gardner, Nakeva Corothers, Daniel Swartz and Amit Anand (who made a cameo).

A New Year, a Celebratory Brunch

This past Sunday, about 20 girls got together for a brunch at the Beacon Bar and Grill, inside the Beacon Hotel.  Amidst squealsand laughter, we all were so excited to get together and catch up after a very hectic holiday season.  For the next two hours, we all caught up, told our tales of New Year’s and vowed to get together a bit more regularly than we did in 2010.  I think we can all agree that this brunch left us happy, excited and a little warm inside that we belong to a group of great women!

Shouts outs go to: Lindsey Mask, Susan Ostrowski, Sanam Toosi, Nicole Castle, McLean Robbins, Brittny Corene McKinney, Taryn Fielder, Leah Dyrud, Kate Michael, Tina Cruikshank, Shadan Sayed, Stacy Bergin and to all the other women I didn’t get the pleasure to meet.

Slowly but surely, I’ve been creeping out of my “cave” to join the rest of my friends in social world I’ve missed so much.  I admit, the downtime was great (and much-needed) but it’s a new year – one, in which I make my own rules, both professionally and personally, and I could not be happier.  I’ve found the freedom to support more events, possibly host a few but more importantly, to be able to set my own schedule in the process, resulting in a MUCH BETTER work/life balance than I’ve had in years.

Event Number 1: Caps Game

To kick things off right, my mom had given me her and her husband’s two front row tickets to the Caps’ game against the Lightning on January 4th.  I decided to bring my girlfriend Samantha, whom I had not seen in a very long time.  She had never sat that close to the action and was uber-excited.  No sooner did we sit than the cameraman for Comcast Sportsnet asked us if we wanted to open the second period on TV with about 10 seconds of cheering. Who could actually say no to that?   So, as stated on Facebook – I don’t want to know how we looked but I’m pretty sure if it was viewed in HD it was bad – fluorescent lighting and all (ok, I’m speaking for myself) still, it was fun.  After this, we went on to watch 2 periods of hockey with a few minutes into overtime – Caps lost 0-1. Our added bonuses of this evening – running into Tiffany Carter, as well as Andre and Bethany Carter with their son Quincy.

Up This Week

Wed. – Planning meeting for Luke’s Wings Fashion Takes Flight – we have a fierce team of women behind this, this year and I couldn’t be more excited!  Look for the official invite soon!

Thurs. – YELP event at the Crime and Punishment Museum with the lovely Kate Michael

Sat. – Chili Cookoff at Union Pub

Each year, we are plagued by the same question, “What are you doing for New Year’s?”  Each year, this question is asked, in hopes that something spectacular will pop up, being the “go-to” event of the new year, thus giving the questioner a ray of hope that this year will be “different”.  But, it always ends in the same options: 1) Over-priced, over-packed bar  2) Over-priced, over-packed hotel party (last time I did that, I thought I mistakenly walked into a prom) 3. Sit at home and have a “nice, quiet evening”.  Regardless of options, it’s the one night that you will NEVER get all your friends in one place.

This year was the first year on record that I did do something different and it was, hands down, the best time I’ve ever had on New Year’s Eve.  It proves that the right mix of people, free-flowing champagne, delicious food, music and plenty of cameras (to snap memories we’ll have forever) can resuscitate a time of year that most people dread.

Scene: Chateau Forsythe

The Attendees: Hosts Taryn Fielder and Ryan Forsythe; Sub-host Windy Shephard; Brian Gill, Nash Peart, Holly Peart, Matthew Christian Davis, Tim Burke, Hannibal Bray, Chris Walling, Rey Alatorre, Amanda Deathrage, Taylor Berry, Jessica Haese, Felicity Amos, Sanam Toosi and David Wind (hope I didn’t forget anyone)

The agenda: Cocktail hour, 4-course dinner, countdown with balloon drop, hats, tiaras, noise makers, streamers, beads and champagne toast; music, dancing and shenanigans.

The dinner was amazing: salad, shrimp, roast turkey, ham, stuffing, mashed potatoes, broccoli, potatoes au gratin, cranberry sauce and many delicious dessert options, including cupcakes from Delightings!  It was all worked off when Hannibal brought out the guitar and Ryan started playing the piano.  The rooms were filled with music, dancing, singing, laughter and story-telling.  New friends were made and old friends bonded.

I left at 3am – sad to have gone, as I heard this party celebrated until the sun came up.  Many thanks to Taryn and Ryan for an amazing evening!

My Annual New Year’s Resolution: It should be anything you want to make it

Mid-afternoon, a friend of mine let me in on a little tradition: No work, have a hearty meal.  It should be the one day where you allow yourself to do (and eat) anything you want.  We headed out of Arlington and to Reston Towne Center, where we decided to dine at Mon Ami Gabi.  Each time I’ve been there, it’s been for a business lunch or dinner – never during weekend family hours.

Our first surprise was seeing people leave in their pajamas.  Given that we live in an area where most everyone is conservative, it was quite a shock.  As we find out, the restaurant’s promotion was that if you and your party showed up in your pajamas, you would receive a gift card worth what you paid – a pretty stellar promotion.  However, it made the place so busy that service was slow.  Still, my boyfriend and I indulged in Bellinis, bread (they have amazing gluten-free bread), bacon cheeseburgers (bunless) and fries.  It was great comfort food for a rainy day.

While waiting for the check, we decided to see a movie.  Being that we both love animated Disney films, we agreed on Tangled – a movie I would see again (for those that have seen it, I wish I had a pet horse like Max).  When it’s over, it leaves you wishing you could own a castle, hoping you actually are a real princess (but didn’t know it yet), wanting magical pets and having a handsome prince, who in two days after seeing you, wants to marry you and live happily ever after.

When the movie ended, we went to Ben and Jerry’s for some ice cream and visited the gingerbread display at the Hyatt – truly impressive, as it puts our Shrek Swamp House to shame – before heading back home.

Quite literally, this was the most perfect New Year’s I’ve had in a long, long time.

Happy New Year to all!

My boyfriend was adamant about taking a Sunday/birthday drive with the top down in this amazing weather.  Him being incredibly creative, exploratory and adventurous, I knew we weren’t just “driving around” – he had something in mind.  As we’re driving down MacArthur Blvd., I see this amazing Art Deco, 1940s structure with a HUGE old sign: Glen Echo Park.  I had heard of this place quite a bit but had never been there.

Nestled in a wooded area and could practically be missed when whipping down the road, it’s one of DC’s best-kept hidden historical spots.

According to its website, “Glen Echo Park began in 1891 as a National Chautauqua Assembly, teaching the sciences, arts, languages and literature. By the early 1900s, Glen Echo Park had become a premier amusement park, serving the Washington D.C. area until 1968. In 1971, after the federal government obtained the land, the National Park Service began managing the Park. The National Park Service collaborated with artists and arts organizations to create a rich arts program in the spirit of the original Chautauqua movement. Today, the Park’s programs and facilities are managed by the Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts and Culture, Inc., a nonprofit organization, while the National Park Service continues its role in managing the grounds and providing historical interpretation. The mission of the Glen Echo Park Partnership is to present vibrant artistic, cultural and educational programs at Glen Echo Park and to promote the Park as a unique destination for our region’s diverse population. The Partnership nurtures a dynamic community of artists and performers while preserving and managing historic facilities within this unique National Park.” (For a complete history, click here.)

We entered the park through the main Glen Echo entry point, which now has an old trolley sitting in front of it – a reminder of the transportation of its time.  Being fascinated with history, I so badly wanted to climb in there and see it.  I was giddy with excitement to just be there – history, especially architectural history, are some of my favorite adventures/experiences I could have in my life.  Passing through the entrance of this very eclectic and historically preserved amusement park (not to mention my LOVE of amusement parks) put me close to sensory overload.

The first building we entered was the Yellow Barn – filled with artists and silversmiths.  We walked up the turret to meet Jordan Bruns –  a painter who depicts apocalyptal scenes with Greek columns still standing – we later find out those are meant to signify that justice still prevails, despite our troubled times.

We then wandered into the adjacent Popcorn Building  to watch the silversmiths make jewelry with precious gemstones, as well as view some rather artistic photographs in a photography studio (each place also serves as a classroom).

When we exited the Popcorn  building, my interest in the sign that read,  ”Crystal Pool“ piqued.  This seemed to have been the main focal point of the park when it was in service, as it held 1.5 million gallons of water and  3,000 people.  It also had 10,000 square feet of sand, which served as a beach.  As it stands today, the only thing left is the main entryway and it was utterly fascinating.   We walked up the hill to the grassy area and playground to look down at what we thought would be a pool.  As I come to find out later, we were standing in what used to be the main pool area and beach.

Exploring further, we visited the Yurts (round huts that could withstand all sorts of weather) that now hold various art classes, including glass blowing, pottery, painting and calligraphy.  We also walked past the old carousel, which had been completely restored in all of its glory.  There weren’t just carousel horses – there were also rabbits, tigers, deer and other animals.  Although no longer in operation, tours are still given in the summer – something I am definitely going to come back and do. Just to peer into the windows and try to think of what it would be like to visit this park over 60 years is overwhelming at best.  I also felt this way about the old Bumper Car Pavilion, which is now an entertainment pavilion.  In one of the buildings, you can actually sit in one of the old cars, something that was the first of its kind in the United States.

Our final stop: The Spanish Ballroom.  Rarely do I get emotional about history or architecture but so far, with everything I’ve experienced about Glen Echo Park to this point, only gave me incredibly happy, positive vibes – like a happily haunted ghost town.  When I entered the Spanish Ballroom, I couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed.  The sense you get is nothing but happy good times, regardless if it was the Depression Era, the Prohibition Era, or even de-segregation years.  The sound of a band filled the air, as it was warming up for the day’s classes.  Although looking/smelling like an old musty gym, the 1940s-style art deco walls and flooring were jaw-dropping.  Further, if you closed your eyes and listened to the music, you began to envision large parties, dinners, weddings, etc. – people escaping their everyday lives and having a good time – swing bands, big bands, symphonies, etc. – all of it providing dancing, laughter and fun-filled memories that so many got to experience.

As we left the park, I talked non-stop about coming back during the evening in the summer to experience this place in  a whole new way – being able to immerse myself in the history that once provided millions of people so much happiness.

Another summer has gone by and I’ve let a lot of Twilight Polo escape me, yet again.  It seems that each Saturday, during the entire summer, has been filled with some sort of event or activity (side note, I’m also the only one without a tan), not giving me an opportunity to enjoy one of the finer sports you can see in this area, while spending time with great people.

The first polo event of the season I was able to attend was rained (strike that) dumped on – that was in May.  As polo is coming to a close, I was finally able to spend the day in The Plains, Virginia on Saturday, to not just watch my favorite team, First Chukker, play but also taste some of the many fine wines Virginia has to offer.

Upon arrival, there were a few thousand people already in attendance and the first polo match was about to begin.  We were given a tasting glass and off we went.  Most of the wines were from the southwestern regions of Virginia – some of them very unique.  In particular, Hilltop Berry Wine had very unique “True to the Fruit” wines and even Honey Meads.  We ended up taking home a bottle of Mountain Apple Wine and of course, their Honey Mead.

In addition to these tastings, we had the pleasure of running into great friends, listening to a bagpipe band play between matches, as well as watching some of my polo playing friends, race up and down the field for the trophy.  Next year, it’s my solemn vow to spend more time doing this and less time indoors!

Shout outs go to Charlie Martel (for the glass of wine), Andrea Johnson, John-Michael Scott, Lindsey Mask, Jared Hyman, Leah Dyrud, Ray Regan, Andrew Bullion and many more for a great day!

Courtesy of Capitol File Magazine

On Wednesday, August 18th, Capitol File Magazine threw their traditional cover party and this time, it celebrated their summer cover boy, John Legend.  Located at Cafe Dupont, inside the Dupont Hotel, a few hundred guests gathered together to catch a glimpse of the star and his amazingly beautiful model girlfriend, as well as listen to a few of his latest hits, which he personally sang.  Guests were also treated to light fare and some great liquidconcoctions.  At about 10pm, my boyfriend and I quietly bowed out and headed over to Zorba’s Cafe for some late evening Greek food.  As usual, another great event thrown by Capitol File!  My only disappointment: Donovan McNabb – I was slightly hoping to run into the man, as I still want that autograph, since his name is one below mine on The List If anyone has any information on his whereabouts so that I can fulfill this mini dream o’ mine, it would be much appreciated.  Shout outs go to Aba Kwawu, John-Michael Scott, Katherine Kennedy, Kate Michael, Jennifer Blacker, Sarah Schaffer, Tommy McFly, Kristen Cecchi, John Cecchi, Ray Regan, Deanna Powell, Tara de Nicolas and Mark Burke for a great time!

By now, I’m sure most of you are well aware of my new “flame”.  There is nothing better in this world than finally meeting your match: someone who can match your wit, intellect, energy level and passion.  For me, there is something better: someone that can pull off a surprise without me knowing a thing about it.

This man spent quite a few days coming up with the perfect birthday plan that (in so many words) had me smiling, laughing and all-around feeling downright spoiled rotten (and in his words, would claim, that was his goal).

At promptly 3:30pm, I was asked to be dressed up and ready to go.  By 4:05pm, we were at the Spy Museum, waiting for our secret mission.  Yes, our SECRET mission.  Knowing my love of exploration, he got us tickets to Operation Spy – a one-hour interactive experience where you are a spy, trying to complete a mission.  Without revealing too much (as I recommend you to try it), we got to track the targets, decode a cell phone conversation, break into an office, search the office and interrogate a mole.  Sadly, our group never recovered the device we were searching for but there’s always a next time…

By 6pm, we were in a cab on our way to the Kennedy Center.  We were there to see a performance, from the cast of Mary Poppins, on the Millenium Stage.  It featured not one, two, or three but four Jane Banks’ actresses performing, as well as many other of the characters.  It was a great variety show and definitely something different to see.  Shortly after, we went to the terrace to walk the whole parameter of the building and take in the sights of the city.  As beautiful as it is, we had one final stop to make.

Having lived in D.C. as long as I have, I would always swear up and down I’ve been to all the right places to dine – not so.  Upon leaving the Kennedy Center, he  announces that we are going to Marcel’s for my birthday dinner.  It just so happens that they also have transportation to and from the Kennedy Center – a nice perk neither of us knew about or expected.

Once we arrived at the restaurant, we were greeted by quite a friendly staff and shown our corner table.  When handed the menus, it seemed overwhelming at best, as you could choose a 3, 4, 5 or 7-course meal or a la carte.  Being that we had no other stops and plenty of time, we chose the 7 course menu, along with a bottle of champagne.

To start, they brought us a fois gras with cocoa sprinkled on top.  Not being a big fan of duck, it actually wasn’t half bad.  This was followed by what seemed to be an endless parade of food:

Course 1: Garden-grown tomatoes with melt-in-your-mouth mozarella cheese

Course 2: Chilled corn soup

Course 3: Veal ravioli (I got to eat the insides )

Course 4: Marcel’s classic Boudin Blanc – a melt-in-your-mouth sausage dish

Course 5: Filet Mignon over incredibly light mashed potatoes

It was amazing I could keep going but still, I had to make it through the cheese and dessert courses.

Course 6: A tasting of four cheeses (we shared)

Course 7: White chocolate mousse cake with peach confit (with an added message on my plate)

When we were done, the staff realized we hadn’t finished the bottle of champagne and the last of it went into my glass.  They didn’t want his to be empty so they poured him a glass of Moet and brought out little confections for us to try.  By far, the most amazing dinner I’ve had.

… and it wasn’t just the dinner that was amazing. To be spoiled as much as I was, amazing doesn’t even begin to describe the man that made it all possible.