Recap: AIDS Walk Washington 2010

(NOT sure why this didn't post on 10/09, but...fyi!)

As you know, I participated in last week's AIDS Walk Washington. I've been collecting donations for several years and was super duper excited to actually participate in the walk. The crowd was hype, the music was cranked and the weather was BEYOND perfect. It was a great day to be outdoors.


My t-shirt.

 I'm in love with these bracelets and wear them every chance I get.

My "magic" bracelets.

Despite the fact that I wasn't able to compare bracelets with Wonder Woman, it was really nice. I made friends with another walker and we ran our mouths the whole time (turns out we have a lot in common and even discussed participating in other charity walks together).

A good time was had by all -- including the 4-legged supporters :-)

I was glad to take Metro, because there were so many other events going on. I decided to wear a "ONE NATION Working Together" sticker in support of their rally/march efforts only a few blocks away.

Of course, there were many sights to see (be glad I didn't post pics) and smells to avoid (ugh!).

Homeward bound: my tired feets.

I've already committed to participating in 2011. Care to join me?

*Smooches&Hugs*

Recap: Taste of Georgetown

ME: Ex-cited...holding tasting tickets

Last Saturday, "Hunny Bunny" and I attended the 17th Annual Taste of Georgetown. The weather was WONDERFUL (I should've worn a sun dress or shorts. My tattered jeans did NOT do me justice)

At least I LOOKED cool...See?

My shirt: Happy Birthday, John Lennon! *air guitar* Rest in Peace, Sir..

I really wish this was a monthly or at least semi-annual event. It made for a REALLY good meal and I was full for the rest of the day. (That never happens.)

Wine & Spirits tickets: Too bad we didn't get to use them :-(

Two out of four of the Wine & Sprit Pavilian booths sold out pretty fast, which sucked. We opted for bottled water instead. Not quite the "spirit" we were hoping for, but at 80+ degrees, it was all the "spirit" we needed. We were thirsty.

Here's some of what I sampled:

• Bodega Spanish Tapas and Lounge (3116 M Street, NW) - chicken paella
• Crêpe Amour (3291 M Street, NW - lower level) - strawberry crêpes
• Georgetown Wing Company (3291 M Street, NW - upper level) - mango caliente wings
• Morton's the Steakhouse (3251 Prospect Street, NW) - tenderloin
• Mie N Yu (3125 M Street) - lamb with jasmine rice
• Patisserie Poupon (1645 Wisconsin Avenue, NW) - pear tart, macaroon-pound cake hybrid thingie

Someone was nice enough to GIVE me their extra tasting ticket. Apparently, she couldn't eat another bite. Lucky for US, I could and accepted it graciously. I was all smiles, as if I wasn't already filled-to-the-brim with paella and such.

I don't have many pics, because I was too busy eating and fighting NOT to lose my good spot in line. I guess its safe to say "you had to be there" to get the full effect.

I'm there bright and early next year. Our 12:30 arrival was no match for the gazillion people that beat us there. They had a plan.

*Smooches&Hugs*

Recap: Buick-Regal Discovery Tour

Source: ME!

*latepass*
On Sunday, September 26th I attended DC's last leg of the 10-city Buick-Regal Discovery Tour. The event was held at The Westin Alexandria (Alexandria, VA) and sponsored by Food & Wine, Travel+Leisure and Buick. A good time was had by all.

After registration, we were split into several small groups (I was in Group A) and immediately swept away...to test drive the 2011 Buick Regal! This was the first of four Modules. Oh boy! What a good ride. Even the standard packages are pretty "souped up". If I wasn't already in love with my current vehicle, I'd be itching to trade it in.

After that, we headed to Module #2: Mixology with Michael Green, where we learned to make Ginger (Gin) Sour Cocktail. Since I'm not a fan of Gin, I opted out of that particular mix. It was really good and something quick and easy to make at home.

Module #3: Travel with one half of RoadFood.com's Michael Stern. I swear, this man can tell you where to go for the best food and best bargains for your buck. He had me at "hello". He can suggest anything from the best lobster to the very best chili fries.

Module #4: Artisan with Steven Lynch, founder of Virginia's Montebello Kitchens. We sampled the West African Peanut Soup, which was really good and not at all what I expected. Its a nice, hearty all-year-round soup and didn't taste too bad at room temperature.

The grand finale was the Chef Presentation with Greek Chef Michael Psilakis. That was my first time even thinking about tasting Greek cuisine, but certainly won't be my last. Everything was sooooo good. Very well-seasoned, like soul or Indian food.

I've never attended an event quite like this. I hope to be invited to many more (thanks, Thrillist!) It was, indeed, the unique culinary-travel experience it promised. Here are a few pics.

*Smooches&Hugs*

Recap: "Around the World" Wine Tasting

Source: KidsPeace

On September 23rd, I attended the KidsPeace "Around the World" Wine Testing Fundraiser at Corridor Wine & Spirits (Laurel, MD) to benefit KidsPeace Foster Care and Community Programs. The event was an absolute success and the venue was jam-packed more than usual. I was happy to be a part of it all.

...and YES, I snapped a few photos -- which was kinda hard with a hand full of wine and all. (Hey, I tried.)

The fun doesn't stop there; KidsPeace is also hosting a 5K Fun Run/Walk on Saturday, October 30th (Halloween Eve) in Baltimore City, MD (Canton and Fells Point area). Participants (kids, included) are encouraged to wear their fav Halloween costumes. That's gonna be super duper cute. "Put Your Best Face On" to support the foster teens of Baltimore. Here's the scoop on registration and sponsorship opportunities.

Point of Contact:
Kenya Grant-Murphy, LICSW, LCSW-C
Family Resource Specialist
Foster Care and Community Programs
KidsPeace
401 C Street, NW
2nd Floor
Washington, DC 20002
Phone: 202-544-9015
kenya.grant@kidspeace.org

"Give a child a chance..."

*Smooches&Hugs*

Recap: Barracks Row Fall Festival

"I'm a Barracks Rower!"

Saturday's Barracks Row Fall Festival was a success! The weather was beautiful, the crowd was excited and there were more dogs than people.

Source: ME! :-)

I volunteered on the Set-up Committee and was in charge of balloons. Orange balloons. White balloons. There were over 400 balloons -- and several blisters, lol -- throughout 8th Street!

An extra special thanks to "Balloon Guy" (Groovy DC Cards & Gifts) and the "Balloon Girls" (homebody) for all their help with the balloon clusters!

*Smooches&Hugs*

Recap: Johnson & Johnson 'Girl Talk" Cause Party

My fellow blog buddy/Meetup maven/all-around cool girl Venue Guru hosted her very own Johnson & Johnson 'Girl Talk" Cause party. This event was an effort to support Girls Educational and Mentoring Services (GEMS).

The event was hosted at Silver Spring's new-to-me 8407 Kitchen Bar. Here's the scoop and a few pics of the goings-ons.

Johnson & Johnson provided full-sized products and Venue Guru gave us the cutest pink and white tote bags.

Yummy food. Delish cocktails. NICE raffle prizes. Great convo. It was an AWESOME party.

*Smooches&Hugs*