Archive for July, 2013

You’re Invited: 4th Annual Alexandria Summer Sidewalk Sale

You’re Invited: 4th Annual Alexandria Summer Sidewalk SaleIt’s time for another Summer Sidewalk Sale. This time it is in Alexandria!

 

Alexandria, VA will be buzzing with shoppers taking advantage of great deals during the city-wide 4th Annual Summer Sidewalk Sale. This is the time stores will be getting rid of inventory to make room for new fall pieces.

Over 60 businesses will be offering deeply-discounted summer merchandise, product demonstrations and/or other special events. This is a much-anticipated and fun special summer event for residents and visitors alike. Click HERE for a complete list of participating stores and their hours.

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Look For Less: Kelly Rowland’s Leather Skirt, Giuseppe Zanotti Pumps & Alexander McQueen Clutch

Kelly Rowland defined casual chic while celebrating Michelle Williams birthday last week in LA. The gorgeous songstress attended the birthday festivities in a t-shirt, leather skirt, Giuseppe Zanotti Metallic Pumps and Alexander McQueen clutch.

I absolutely love this look; I’d wear it in a heartbeat!  It’s soooo effortless and easy to create. My go to for a casual chic outfit is usually a blazer and skinny jeans, but thanks to Kelly Rowland, I’m inspired to wear my leather skirt with a t-shirt (I need to purchase some metallic pumps)! If you’re inspired to rock this look too, check out these pieces below to create the look for less:

 

 

HOT!

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Give Back: Join The #HashtagLunchbag Movement

I first saw #HashtagLunchbag on Instagram two months ago; someone I follow had posted a picture of them and their friends assembling lunch bags to distribute to the homeless in LA. Of course I loved the idea; the holidays aren’t the only time people could use a helping hand.

When I heard that #HashtagLunchbag was going to happen in DC, I knew I wanted to participate.  It’s a simple and fun way to get together with others and serve the community!

#HashtagLunchbag was born on Christmas Day 2012 in a Los Angeles apartment with just a small group of friends.  The intent was simple: to deliver a hearty & balanced meal prepared to the local homeless community.  Everyone chipped in a few bucks, took a trip to the grocery store, purchased a few goodies, invited some friends over to put everything together, put on some tunes, and then hit the streets, all while having the time of our lives doing it! 

hashtaglunchbag Give Back: Join The #HashtagLunchbag Movement

This gesture among friends took on a life of it’s own. Everyone shared the adventure via social media tagging #HashtagLunchbag on each status update and photo upload. After awhile, people started hitting up the creators of #HashtagLunchbag asking what it was and how they could be included “the next time.”  They knew they were on to something big!

#HashtagLunchbag is now becoming a national movement.  This Sunday, #HashtagLunchbag will take places in Los Angeles, Atlanta and New York. 

#HashtagLunchbag is coming to DC very soon and volunteers are needed. If you’d be interested in joining the movement in DC, please sign up here: http://bit.ly/1c0Q1QU

For more information about #Hashtaglunchbag and to find out how to bring this to your community, visit www.hashtaglunchbag.com. Follow on twitterhttp://www.twitter.com/hashtaglunchbag.

“Remember, there is no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end” - Scott Adams

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Shobha: NYC’s Brow Shaping & Waxing Salon Comes To DC

The struggle to find someone that can shape your eyebrows the way you like them is just as critical as finding the right hairstylist! After the lady I had gone to for a few years left the Perfect Brow kiosk at Tyson Corner mall, I struggled with finding someone that was consistent with getting my brows right. One of my brows is thin on the side; sometimes the hair removal specialists are able to keep a thick shape and length on with my “problem” brow. Other times they remove too much hair and it looks like part of my brow is missing. No bueno!

Earlier this year I received an email from the Marketing Coordinator for Shobha. Shobha is New York City’s hair removal expert offering a variety of services including threading, sugaring and waxing.  They moved to DC last month and the coordinator invited me to come in for complimentary brow shaping.

IMG 5706 Shobha: NYCs Brow Shaping & Waxing Salon Comes To DC

After going almost two months without getting my brows done, it was time for a shaping so I went to Shobha this past Tuesday. The space is bright but quiet and the staff is really friendly. I didn’t have to wait long to meet with the hair removal specialist Yamuna. While they do take walk-ins, it’s highly suggested that you make an appointment in advance.

IMG 5699 Shobha: NYCs Brow Shaping & Waxing Salon Comes To DC

What I liked about the threading appointment is that before starting, the hair removal specialist and I looked in a hand held mirror and discuss exactly how I wanted my brows threaded. It doesn’t seem like a big deal, but I’m big on customer service and taking the time to walk through with a client how they want to look is very important.

IMG 5703 Shobha: NYCs Brow Shaping & Waxing Salon Comes To DC

Once we discussed my shape and my issue with my “problem” brow, Yamuna got to work and did a great job; she shaped the exactly how I like them AND she got the brow that I struggle with just right (it helped that I went almost 2 months without getting them done)! She concluded the appointment with a cool compress (since threading like waxing can sometimes irritate the skin) and then I was good to go. The receptionist at the front desk gifted me with a brow pencil and brush I look forward to trying.

IMG 5712 Shobha: NYCs Brow Shaping & Waxing Salon Comes To DC

One thing that did catch me off guard was the pricing, but then again Shobha is supposed to be one of the best!  After all, they have been featured in Lucky, Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan and more. It will cost you $22 to have your brows threaded. A bikini wax is $48.  I can get my bikini wax for less than $30 from a salon located around the corner from Shobha, so I probably won’t be stopping by for a wax. But brows are a different story. Those are seen on a daily basis which means I need to keep the brows in shape a lot more often! While it’s more than what I’m used to paying (I usually pay $12 for threading), I do believe in paying a little more to get exactly what you want. Fortunately, I’m not one that needs to get my brows threaded every two weeks, so I could pay the premium every couple months.

IMG 5701 Shobha: NYCs Brow Shaping & Waxing Salon Comes To DC

If you’re like me and have struggled with finding someone to get your brows just right, I do recommend giving Shobha a try. I think they offer a discount to first time clients and the service is definitely a step up from the brow kiosks you may visit at the mall.

For more information about Shobha and to see a full list of services visit www.myshobha.com

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Do You Tell A Friend If Their Spouse Is Cheating?

rasheeda and kirk Do You Tell A Friend If Their Spouse Is Cheating?If your friend’s spouse was cheating and you knew, would you tell your friend?

This post is inspired about a recent incident on Love & Hip Hop. Here’s a recap:

Rasheed and Kirk are married. Rasheeda found out she was pregnant and told Kirk. Instead of being excited, he told her she should get an abortion. They were trying to make some major career changes and the timing wasn’t perfect. He also suggested that the baby wasn’t his since Rasheeda is a rapper and they live a certain lifestyle (the baby is definitely his).  There as a lot of back and forth and eventually, Rasheeda told Kirk he needed to leave and really figure out what he wanted to do in terms of their family. He interpreted the request to leave as a free pass; during a boys trip to a cabin, he got it in with one or two “popcorn heauxs.” Rasheeda’s friend Traci found out and told Rasheeda.

For those that watch the show, did I miss anything?

Overall Kirk is trifling, but we’ll just focus on the “telling a friend their spouse is cheating” part. That is tricky!! I’ve never been in this situation. My initial reaction would be to tell my friend. How could I keep something like that from them? As a friend, I want the best for them; being cheated on is beyond unacceptable!

A coworker and I talked about this a few weeks ago and she provided a different perspective.  While telling a friend about a cheating spouse comes from a good place, the friend may not be very receptive. They may not believe you. After all, no one wants to hear from an outside source that their spouse is cheating. Sharing this type of information could ruin your friendship (it happens more often than you’d think).

What would you do?? If your friend’s spouse is cheating, do you spill the beans? Would you want your friend to tell you if your spouse was cheating?

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You’re Invited: “Fashionably LOUD 2″ Fashion Show

The Fashionably LOUD fashion show made its debut this past March. I wasn’t able to attend, but I heard nothing but great things about the show! Since the event was so popular, ROE: The Agency, G. Baker & Elite DC Magazine are bringing the fashion show back this August. Fashionably LOUD 2 will be a great night fusing together fashion and music. Attendees will enjoy a fashion show featuring over 50 models rocking unforgettable fashions! Like the first Fashionably LOUD event, there will also be local vendors at the show for you to shop (support local businesses)!

Fashionably Loud 2 Youre Invited: Fashionably LOUD 2 Fashion Show

Date: Sunday, August 4, 2013

Time: 7pm to 11pm

Location: Howard Theatre (620 T Street NW, WDC)

RSVP: This event is 21+. Purchase your ticket HERE.

Check out this video recap of the first fashion show below and a picture recap of the first Fashionably LOUD fashion show HERE.

Crown life from Marco Kay on Vimeo.
 

 

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Diva Spotlight: Kerry Washington Receives First Emmy Nomination

kerry washington uptown magazine Diva Spotlight: Kerry Washington Receives First Emmy NominationKerry Washington is having the best time of her life! She is the lead actress on the popular show Scandal. She was featured in two movies over the past year, Django and Peeples (this was a good movie by the way). She won an NAACP award. She has covered countless magazines AND she secretly wed last month. Whew! Talk about being busy!

To top it all off, Kerry Washington is the first African American actress to be nominated for an Emmy in the Lead Actress in a Drama Series category in 18 years!  The last actress to be nominated for this category was Cicely Tyson in 1995.

Kerry Washington is not only an exceptional actress, but she’s also very involved in politics. She hit the campaign trail for President Barack Obama; one of the many celebrities we saw show their support and volunteer for the campaign during the election season.

Ms. Washington is beautiful, intelligent, charismatic and carries herself with so much style and grace.  Let Kerry Washington be an example on how to stay humble, work hard and dedicate yourself to your craft.  You can live a life better than you ever imagined!

Congratulations Kerry Washington on all of your success. We thank you for being who you are! I, like so many others, will be tuned to watch the Emmy Awards on September 22nd. We are rooting for you!

To all the Gladiators: A new season of Scandal returns October 3rd on ABC! Time to set your DVR and start planning your viewing party! icon smile Diva Spotlight: Kerry Washington Receives First Emmy Nomination

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You’re Invited: Bethesda Row Summer Sidewalk Sale

The Bethesda Row Summer Sidewalk Sale, the annual festival that turns the Bethesda Row quadrant into a festive outdoor street bazaar, offers live entertainment along with unprecedented deals on fashions, housewares, beauty items, furniture and more. The weekend also offers restaurants specials throughout Bethesda Row.

2013 Bethesda Row Sidewalk Sale Youre Invited: Bethesda Row Summer Sidewalk Sale

 

WHEN: Friday, July 19th, Saturday, July 20th and Sunday, July 21st, all day.

WHERE:  Bethesda Row is located in downtown Bethesda on Bethesda Lane, Arlington Boulevard, Bethesda Avenue, Elm Street and Woodmont Avenue. The sidewalk sales will be set up in front of each participating store.  Parking information can be found here:www.bethesdarow.com/parking.

For more information about Bethesda Row, please visit www.BethesdaRow.com or follow them on Facebook at Bethesda Row or on Twitter at @BethesdaRowFRT.

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Trayvon Martin: Where Do We Go From Here?

Justice for Trayvon Martin Trayvon Martin: Where Do We Go From Here?I was at an event on Saturday when I heard the verdict of George Zimmerman’s trial. NOT GUILTY. I, like so many others, was outraged! I understand the State had to prove it’s case beyond a reasonable doubt, but just because Zimmerman was acquitted, does not mean a crime was not committed.

The more news I read and watched on television, the harder it was for me to comprehend what we can do to make some changes in America. Folks try to eliminate race from the Zimmerman trial, but I don’t know if that’s fair. Trayvon Martin was a black teenager walking home in a hoodie. Based on the 911 recordings, it’s really hard to believe a white teenager walking home in a hoodie would’ve been followed.

Whether people want to want to admit it or not, racism still exist in America. Just because we have a Black President DOES NOT mean we live in a post racial society (whatever that means).  Innocent BLACK men have been killed by police (you’ve heard countless stories about men in California and New York), legislation that has protected the voting rights of Black individuals is decades was overturned and a man gets to walk free after killing a black teenager who was unarmed on his way home. Had the races been reversed, there is no doubt Zimmerman would be sitting in a jail cell right now. America is STILL a dangerous place for black people, especially boys and men.

So where do we go from here? What do we do to really make a change?

It’s great to express our outrage on social media. It’s beautiful to see people protesting all across the country but what changes are we as a people going to make?  Let’s put our words into ACTION!

Someone, who grew up in during the Civil Rights Era, told me that my generation was not one of activists.  During a time of social injustice, individuals rose to the occasion without hesitation to force change.  Who will be the activists of my generation? Who will set the standard of what we need to do to continue to seek justice for all people in America? My hope is that we as a people would be as passionate about social injustice as the generations before us.

In the midst of writing this post, I started going through my blog reader and I came across an article by Clutch Magazine titled “How To Take Action After The George Zimmerman Verdict.”  How on time was this! According to Clutch, here are a few things we can do to begin to force the change we want to see:

1. Sign the NAACP Petition

The NAACP posted a petition on their site calling on the Justice Department to prosecute Zimmerman for civil rights violations. It reads: ”The most fundamental of civil rights — the right to life – was violated the night George Zimmerman stalked and then took the life of Trayvon Martin. We ask that the Department of Justice file civil rights charges against Mr. Zimmerman for this egregious violation.” Read more and sign here.

2. Contact local government officials to call for the removal of “Stand Your Ground” laws

The stand-your-ground law states that a person may justifiably use force in self-defense when there is reasonable belief of an unlawful threat, without an obligation to retreat first. The “Stand Your Ground” law disproportionately give whites more favorable opportunities to kill blacks as whites who kill blacks in Stand Your Ground states are far more likely to be found justified in their killings than blacks.  In regard to Trayvon Martin’s killing, the police initially did not charge Zimmerman with a crime, citing Florida’s ‘Stand Your Ground’ law. This work needs to begin in Florida ASAP!

3. Vote

If you are a woman and/or African American, you have no excuse not to vote!! Our parents, grandparents and great grandparents fought way too hard for anyone NOT to exercise their right to vote. It is the fundamental right every American should be able to exercise. Voting ON ALL LEVELS of Government is critical because it decides the fate of our country and influences our day-to-day lives.  Someone voted for the local politicians that created “Stand Your Ground.”

4. Serve on jury duty

The outcome of the George Zimmerman trial proves that a diverse jury pool is so necessary.

5. Support the Trayvon Martin Foundation

The Trayvon Martin Foundation was created to support and uplift families hurt by violent crimes and spread awareness on the impact such crimes have on the mourning family. The Foundation also provides tools to young people on how to solve issues without resorting to violence. You can help further their mission by donating $10 by texting TMF to 50555, donating any amount here and shopping at the online store.

If you have any other suggestions of what we can do, please leave them in the comments section below. 

Let’s work together and become the change we want to see! No Justice…No Peace!

Source: Clutch Magazine

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Looks We Love: Colin Kaepernick Bares All For ESPN The Magazine Body Issue

Hello Colin Kaepernick!!

Colin K 2 Looks We Love: Colin Kaepernick Bares All For ESPN The Magazine Body Issue

The San Francisco 49ers quarterback was one of many athletes to strip down for ESPN The Magazine Body IssueIn the issue, Kaepernick addresses not looking like the standard NFL quarterback:

I don’t want to be the standard image. I don’t want to be that perfect mold of, ‘This is what every quarterback before you looked like. This is what you are supposed to look like.’  One of the biggest things when I first started playing was, ‘Oh, you have tattoos, you don’t dress the same way most quarterbacks do.’ To me, as long as I go out and play well, it shouldn’t be a problem of how I dress, or whether I have tattoos or not, or whether I’m rockin’ a snapback or beanie. To me, that’s just part of who I am.

Colin K 1 Looks We Love: Colin Kaepernick Bares All For ESPN The Magazine Body Issue

Colin K 5 Looks We Love: Colin Kaepernick Bares All For ESPN The Magazine Body Issue

Colin K 3 Looks We Love: Colin Kaepernick Bares All For ESPN The Magazine Body Issue

Colin K 4 Looks We Love: Colin Kaepernick Bares All For ESPN The Magazine Body Issue

Colin in ESPN Looks We Love: Colin Kaepernick Bares All For ESPN The Magazine Body Issue

 

Other athletes featured in the body issue include John Wall, Vernon Davis, Kenneth FariedSydney Leroux, Kerri Walsh Jennings and more! Click HERE to view more pictures and athlete interviews.

Happy Friday!! icon smile Looks We Love: Colin Kaepernick Bares All For ESPN The Magazine Body Issue

Source: ESPN; Photography by Richard Phibbs

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