Mama needs a new pair of shoes…

Alright…alright…I know I need a new pair of shoes like a whole in the head.  But who could resist this.  I walked into South Moon Under today while at lunch with the good intentions of buying a birthday gift for one of my girlfriends.  I saw these Lovely People Olivia Snake shoes in Gray.  They were originally $148.00.  I picked them up on clearance for $50.  So at least my little splurge was a good deal.  I checked out the shoes on PiperLime and DSW.  Both sites have these shoes on sale but for $90.  Hey….had to confirm I got a good deal!!

What I love now…

If ever I wish I could justify a lavish purchase it would now.  I just got a link to today’s deals on Ideeli (see my “shopping page” for a link to this site).  They have a lovely white burburry “Beaton” handbag I adore!  It originally was priced at $2030.  Ideeli members price is $1195.  Wow…that’s a huge difference.  But seriously $1195 for a handbag!!!  Who buys these bags and such steep prices.  I swear…I think I’m the long lost heir of the Rockafellers’.  I have expensive taste.  I just wish I had the budget to go with it! 

Musical To Benefit LLS

Looking for family friendly plans this coming weekend?  Well look no further.  The Young Hearts club (a group of HS students) will be presenting a musical “A Year with Frog and Toad”.  The musical is completely student-run and student-performed.  Proceeds from this musical will benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. 

For the past 10 years the Young Hearts Club have been active participants in the annual Light The Night campaign for LLS.  What a wonderful group of youngsters who are getting into philantropic ventures.  Let’s get out there and support their efforts!

When: 

March 7 / 2:00PM

March 7 / 7:00PM

March 6 / 7:00PM

Where:

Robert Frost Middle School

 

4101 Pickett Road

Fairfax, VA 22032 

Why:

Proceeds Benefit Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

 

 

Extended Family In Town

My cousin Ford’s father (John Cochran a.k.a. “Jack”) was back in town this week for a visit.  He came to represent his vineyard (Chateau Falfas) at the “Return To Terroir” event held at the French Embassy on Tuesday.  The event was organized by the French Wine Society and they featured producers who used biodynamics in the production of their wines. 

A little history on my Uncle Jack’s vineyard.  Jack and his second wife, Véronique , who is from Languedoc have run their vineyard on bio-dynamic principles since 1988. The bio-dynamic production methods are organic and follow the cycle of the moon. The chateau is located near Bayon in the Côtes de Bourg appellation to the northeast of Bordeaux on the Right Bank. of the Gironde, just five kilometres across the Gironde from Château Margaux. This area isn’t known for great quality and hence its wines don’t command high prices, but that doesn’t do justice to certain individual estates who are reaching to applaud-worthy heights. Château Falfas is one of them and almost unique in Bordeaux, The Château – originally dating from the 14th Century but architecturally is pure regal 17th – is surrounded by fifteen hectares of vines with another seven across the road facing the Gironde. You can purchase his wines to see for yourself.  Currently, MacArthur liquor in Washington, DC offers a few of his wines.  My Aunt Michel (Jack’s ex-wife) informs me that several other high end restaurants in the area are soon to offer some of his wines as well.  (His wines are already featured at several NYC restaurants)  On the right of my blog I have a link to his Château’s website as well.

The vineyards are composed of 55% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Malbec (an unfashionably high proportion) and 5% Cabernet Franc – more of the latter is being planted – and are well sited to catch the morning sun. Training is mostly double guyot (the two cane pruning and training system common in this region and St. Emilion for example) and plant density is below average for the area (6500 – 7000 vines per hectare) at about 5500. If any denser, John believes he’d “get more juice from these rich soils” – clay and loam on a limestone base – perhaps the opposite of what you might expect.

Wednesday evening Aunt Michel, Ford, Cole (my cousins son w/ his ex-wife Pam), Kathy and Ryan (Ford’s fiancé and her son) joined Jack, Steve & Ruth (Jack’s brother and sister in law) for dinner.  Here’s a picture of cousin Ford, his Dad Jack, Aunt Michel and Ford’s fiancé Kathy.  Wow…Ford seriously is looking like his dad these days!  Any ways it looks like they had a nice visit.  I think I want to pack myself away in Jack’s luggage and take a trip to the Château.  I could use a little vacation.  Certainly lots of wine on hand is a plus!

Pictures of Me as a Baby w/ my Mom

Mom, Me, Sucon & Ford

Cousin Ford & My First Pet Sucon…a Siberian Husky

Mom, cousin Ford & me

Old Pictures of My Dad

Aunt M, My Dad, and Grandpa M

Grandpa M, Nan (grandmother), Aunt M & My Dad

Older Picture of My Dad w/ cousin Ford & co.

All The Style I have…

Nan w/ a Cig…go figure

Aunt M w/ my cousin Ford

Aunt Michel Headed To A Ball

I inherited from my Aunt!  Anyone will tell you my Aunt Michele has style.  She never looks like she has a hair out of place.  Her accessories always match her outfit.  Shoes, handbags, jewelry galore.  If you all ever wondered who I inherited my obsession of fashion from…look no further.  I blame it all on her!

Love you Aunt M!

Upcoming LLS Events

As you all know I’m a huge supporter/volunter for our local Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.  Here are a few upcoming events you can participate in to help raise funds for the cause.  Let me know if you have any questions.

 

1) LLS Night at the Washington Capitals Hockey Game: Watch the Caps take on the Carolina Hurricanes on Tuesday, March 3 at 7 p.m. All tickets for LLS night are $35!  With special thanks to the Washington Capitals, $15 of the ticket price will be donated back to the National Capital Area Chapter. Simply visit www.capstickets.com/ball.html to purchase your tickets!  Only 100 tickets have been made available to LLS, so purchase yours today!

 

2) New TNT Race:  Zooma Marathon and 1/2 Marathon in Annapolis, May 21, 2009

This race also had a new 10K option.  For those who are hesitant to take the giant leap and complete a full marathon, we now work with you in taking the first step in reaching your greatest potential!   The 10k training program offers similar benefits to Team In Training’s Marathon Program.This opportunity is available for EVERYONE! So get together with your colleagues at work, the Sunday breakfast club, or reengage yourself in a healthy lifestyle, and sign up to complete this fun alternative to 26.2 miles!  Have any other questions? Contact Carly Samuelson at 703-399-2913 or carly.samuelson@lls.org.

 

3) Leukemia Ball Mercedes Raffle Tickets On Sale: With the Ball just three weeks away, we are trying to get the word out about our fabulous Mercedes-Benz raffle.  Mercedes is kind enough to donate both of the cars and the price of printing the tickets, so every dollar raised through the raffle goes straight to the bottom line.  Below you will find an email template that we have put together explaining all of the details.  Please pass this information along to your friends, colleagues, etc to spread the buzz about the raffle.

 

Please feel free to reach out with any additional questions!

 

 

 

Spring is just around the corner!

Celebrate Spring with a brand new Mercedes-Benz!

 

We’ve braved the worst of winter and soon we’ll say “so long” to icy sidewalks and wintry air! What better way to welcome in Spring them with a brand new Mercedes-Benz. Just think…in the grand prize CLK350 Cabriolet convertible, you can put the top down, feel the wind in your hair, and enjoy the first signs of spring.  All you need is a Leukemia Ball raffle ticket for just $100, and you’ll be entered to win either a 2009 CLK350 or the all new GLK350. Only 6,000 tickets are printed and your chances of winning are 1 in 3000! 

Grand Prize: CLK350 Cabriolet  MSRP: $55,675 

 

The 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK350 Cabriolet is a rare combination of timeless design, comfort and exhilaration in a wide-open Cabriolet .  In short, the CLK doesn’t simply seat four, it thrills them. Built with a 268-horsepower V-6 engine that can reach 60 mph in just 6.4 seconds  with a 7-speed automatic transmission that customizes its shift points to your driving style.  You’ll see why the CLK’s performance is measured not just by the ticks of the sweeping second hand, but by the racing beats of the driver’s heart.

 

First Prize: GLK350
MSRP: $38,000

 The all new GLK350 is an invitation to play that won’t take no for an answer.  The fun of an SUV, compact enough to be nimble, yet large and rugged enough to be up for anything.  A powerful SUV that’s right for the city, right for the country.  An SUV that’s just right, period. Built with a 3.5 litre, V-6 engine and 4MATIC all-wheel drive, this new vehicle is sure to be a crowd pleaser.

 

TICKETS

To purchase your raffle tickets, please contact  Jackie Montgomery at curebloodcancers@gmail.com or 703-855-1480.   Payments may be made by cash, check or credit card (Visa, AmEx, MasterCard, Discover and Diner’s Club are accepted).  Make checks payable to: The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. 

 

Mercedes-Benz has donated the cars for the raffle so The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society will receive the full value of your raffle purchase. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s mission is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s and myeloma and to improve the quality of life of patients and their families. 

 

THANK YOU & GOOD LUCK!

What A Crock…

Australia is on the top of my list when it comes to places I’d like to see in my lifetime.  (Ireland being a close second).  This weekend the gang will be gathering to wish our friend Keith Sherman a Bon Voyage as he’s off to the land of Kangaroos and Koalas for a 4-6 month extended business trip.  Why can’t I land a job that sends me to such exotic locals??? Keith’s wife Kathy works in the school system so she won’t be able to visit until the summer break.  However, Keith’s company has already offered to spring for a round trip ticket so Kathy can come out for a visit.  I checked around and currently round trip air fare to Australia is about $1200.  With Kathy’s schedule she’ll be able to stay for a whole month. 

The only downside to the trip is that Australia’s climate varies across the continent, from hot and tropical in the far north to cool and even snowy in the south. The seasons are the opposite of those in the northern hemisphere. Between December and February is summer for most of the country, and the wet season in the tropical north. The Australian winter from June to August is generally mild, but offers snow in the southern mountain regions and dry, sunny days in our northern states. So by the time Kathy heads out there it will be winter in Australia.  But hey…a free vacation to Aussie country.  I’d deal with the cold weather.  Aussie…Aussie…Aussie!!!

Keith will be working about a half hour outside Sydney.  He’s already done some preliminary research on what to do and see in the area.  Of course the first thing he mentioned was the plethora of vineyards in the area.  I did some event searches and found out there is a big festival coming up called The Melbourne Food & Wine Festival.  That might be worth venturing too.  Can’t stay in Sydney the entire time!  Anyways…Abby and I already have thoughts of crashing their trip to Sydney.  Of course my free stand by travel on United only goes so far.  I’ve already looked into the flights.  Right now the loads look great…but who knows.  I’ve heard the airline takes cargo before passengers so the loads can be deceiving.  Then I have my sister’s benefits at Marriott Hotels.  The dollar is pretty strong against the AUS dollar now too.  $1 US Dollar = $1.54 AUS currently.  A girl can dream…maybe we can make it happen.  It sure would be nice to climb the famous Sydney Harbor Bridge, bask in the sun along Bondi Beach, and take in the breath taking scenery along  the Bradleys Head Trail.  Of course those vineyards sound mighty appealing as well.

http://www.melbournefoodandwine.com.au/www/html/7-home-page.asp

Mardi Gras Kicks Off Tomorrow Night…

 

THE HISTORY OF MARDI GRAS

Just the name Mardi Gras conjures up images of drunken, bead-wearing revelers dancing through the streets of New Orleans. But how, and when, did this huge mid-winter party get started? Here’s a look at the history of Mardi Gras throughout the ages and across the nations. Historians tell us that the ancient Romans probably kicked off the Mardi Gras celebrations. Their mid-February festival known as Lupercalia honored the god Lupercus, alternately known as the god of fertility and the god of agriculture and pastoral shepherds. In either case, his party definitely had Mardi Gras-like qualities, including days of feasting and drinking. And a little enjoying the “pleasures of the flesh”, probably, too — in fact, the term Carnival, often synonymous with Mardi Gras, is derived from the Latin expression meaning “farewell to the flesh.” Like most of the ancient Roman and Greek festivals, Lupercalia was adopted and adapted by the Church as a way of subtly converting the local pagans to Christianity. The carnival-like celebration of Lupercalia thus morphed into a last “fling” before the beginning of the Lenten period. Lent refers to the 40 days of pertinence and purification celebrated between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday. During Lent, the religiously faithful refrain from a number of indulgences of the “flesh”, including eating meat. What began as a Roman-based celebration quickly spread across the European continent. By medieval times, lords were hosting carnivals prior to Lent in honor of the conscription of their new knights. Each region and country celebrated their own traditions, but all were indulgent. In England, for example, pancake feasts were served — a tradition that lasts until today. Shrove Tuesday, the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, is widely known in the UK as “Pancake Tuesday” and is celebrated with pancake-eating competition and pancake races. In France, this period of revelry before Lent was especially raucous. In fact, the term Mardi Gras is a French expression meaning “Fat Tuesday” — likely referring to the indulgent nature of the pre-Lenten celebration. The name may have been more than just allegorical, however. Ancient pagans often marked their fertility ritual by parading a fattened ox through the town before sacrificing it. It was also the French who brought the celebration to America. Many historians believe the party crossed the Atlantic Ocean in 1699, on the ship of a French explorer named Sieur d’Iberville. The Frenchman landed in what is today Louisiana, just south of New Orleans, the heart of America’s modern-day Mardi Gras celebrations. In fact, his landing is believed to have coincided with the French celebration of Mardi Gras, explaining his choice of name for his point of entry: Point du Mardi Gras. Other historians, however, dispute the d’Iberville connection, contending that it was the early French settlers to Louisiana who introduced Mardi Gras to America. Regardless of the precise origin, Mardi Gras can clearly be attributed to a Franco-influence. By the mid 1820s, Mardi Gras was firmly rooted in the New Orleans culture. Today, the city’s celebrations are considered one of America’s biggest parties, with towns and cities throughout the Gulf Coast Region getting in on the fun.

MARDI GRAS EVENTS IN THE DC AREA

Clarendon Mardi Gras Parade
February 24, 2009 , 8 p.m.
Veitch Street (by the Court House Metro station)
Arlington, VA
(703) 812-8881.
A local parade with floats, music, beads and fun.

Mardi Gras on U Street
February 24, 2009, 7 p.m.
Bohemian Caverns
11th and U Street NW
Washington, DC
Enjoy an authentic evening of Mardi Gras inspired food, drinks, music and more. Advance tickets are available for only $10.

Annual Bourbon Street Bash
February 24, 2009
Rumors (19th & M ST NW ­ Dupont Metro)
Featuring live music by Annapolis own “HIGHER HANDS-FAT TUESDAY FUNK” Band, playing all the latest hits plus New Orleans favorites. Drink specials, FREE souvenir cup to the first 200 people, authentic New Orleans food specials, Beads, masks, DJ & dancing and contests with prizes. Cost: $5 at the door.

Show Place Arena and Prince George’s Equestrian Center
Mardi Gras Ball
March 3, 2009, 7 p.m.
14900 Pennsylvania Ave.
Upper Marlboro, MD
(202) 397-7328.
Annual fundraiser for the United Way of Calvert County.

 

Metromix Fat Tuesday Party

The Park – 920 14th St. N.W. – Northwest

February 24 : 4 p.m.

Get in the spirit of New Orleans with Metromix and The Park at the biggest “fais do-do” north of the Big Easy The fun starts at 4 p.m. on Fat Tuesday with drink specials including $4 hurricanes, mambos and kamikazes until 7 p.m., as well as a special menu of creole favorites. Deck yourself out in purple, green and gold, feathers and frills, beads and bangles and leave your inhibitions at the door!

Bourbon Street Bash

Rumors – 1900 M St. N.W. – Northwest

February 24 : 4 p.m.

Celebrate Fat Tuesday at Rumors with Lindy Promotions. There will be ridiculously cheap drink specials, authentic New Orleans food and entertainment. Plus the person with the most beads at the end of the night gets $100!

Second Annual Mardi Gras Celebration Dinner

Central Michel Richard – 1001 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W. – Northwest

February 24 : 5:30 p.m. – 11 p.m.

Gourmet chefs will be cooking up New Orleans inspired dishes like turtle soup and crayfish etouffe, while master mixologists will be serving traditional southern cocktails and brews at this area favorite. There will also be live music from Laissez-Foure to accompany the meal and Mardi Gras atmosphere.

Tattoo Mardi Gras

Tattoo Bar – 1413 K St. N.W. – Northwest

February 24 : 10 p.m.

Tattoo Bar goes from hard rock to New Orleans jazz with their 2009 Mardi Gras party. There will be free beeds for everyone and complimentary champagne for the ladies from 10 p.m-12 a.m.

Mardi Gras at Mio

Mio – 1110 Vermont Ave. N.W. – Northwest

February 24 : 6 p.m. – 11:30 p.m. [End Date: February 24, 2009]

Downtown hot spot Mio goes all out with a bayou-inspired four course feast and drinks for a night of eating, drinking and Bourbon Street bawdiness. Tickets are $48, with proceeds going to the Make It Right foundation to rebuild New Orleans.

Bounce Back Mardi Gras Party

Bar Louie – Chinatown Galleries – 701 7th St. NW – Northwest

February 24 : 6 p.m.

Check out Bar Louie on Fat Tuesday for food, fun and great specials. The Gallery Place bar will have $5 Hurricanes, $5 Rum Runners, and guests will receive “Bounce Back” beads. Bring your beads back with you for half-off lunch Monday-Friday with unlimited use!

Mardi Gras on U Street

Bohemian Caverns – 2003 11th St. N.W. – Northwest

February 24 : 7 p.m.

What better place for an authentic night of New Orleans jazz and partying than Bohemian Caverns. Tickets are only $10 in advance.

Mardi Gras Madness

The Front Page – 4201 Wilson Blvd. – Arlington

Enjoy live music from Love Seed Mama Jump and dance beats from Playboy’s own hot and sexy DJ Kay Jay. First 200 people in the door get free feathered masks, as well as plenty of beads to go around.

Annual Huge Mardi Gras Party

Kstreet Lounge – 1301 K St. N.W. – Northwest

K Street Lounge once again holds their Annual Huge Mardi Gras Party with contests, giveaways, and of course beads.

Mardi Gras Parade

Veitch Street – Arlington

February 24 : 8 p.m.

In the spirit of New Orleans, this Clarendon parade will feature floats, live music, and more.

Whitlow’s Mardi Gras Celebration

Whitlow’s On Wilson – 2854 Wilson Blvd. – Arlington

February 24 : 9 p.m.

After you’ve enjoyed the Clarendon Mardi Gras parade, follow up on all the Mardi Gras madness at this Arlington bar. There will be drink specials, authentic creole food and live music from Matt Waller and Friends.

Black Pride Mardi Gras Dance Party

Mahogany - 2001 11th St. N.W. – Northwest

With costume contests, themed drink specials and live DJs, this Bourbon street dance party is sure to get you movin’ and groovin’.

Mardi Gras Bash

Union Jack’s British Pub – 4915 St. Elmo Ave. – Bethesda

February 24 : 4 p.m.

This Fat Tuesday, head over to Union Jack’s to enjoy some of the Mardi Gras best specials around. They’ll be celebrating in style with $3 hurricanes, $2 Miller Lites, and $2 Coronas. Wear the most beads and you enter a chance to win a tropical vacation!

Red Derby Mardi Gras Party

February 24 : 8 p.m.

The popular Columbia Heights bar will also have their own party with the usual accompaniments such as feathered masks, beads specials on hurricane drinks and the New Orleans favorite, king cake.

Mardi Gras at Tommy Joe’s

Tommy Joe’s – Tommy Joe’s – 4714 Montgomery Lane – Bethesda

February 24 : 8 p.m.

Hop into to Tommy Joe’s for great Mardi Gras drink specials. The fun-filled evening will feature karaoke, $3.50 coronas and margaritas, and a heated outside patio.

La Tasca Clarendon Mardi Gras Fiesta

La Tasca – 2900 Wilson Blvd. – Arlington

The tapas restaurant is hosting a special celebration complete with DJs, dancing, $3 drink specials and prizes for the best mask.

King Cake Special

Buzz – 901 Slaters Lane – Alexandria

February 24

Nothing makes Mardi Gras more special than a delicious New Orleans-inspired King Cake. Buzz Bakery will be making the famous multi-colored cakes for $25 by special order.