The most fabulous events, happenings and findings in the Washington Metro area.

May 2010 Archives

The DC Fashionista Meetup AND Ben Stein is scene and spotted

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DC FASHIONISTA SEX AND THE CITY 2 PREMIERE MEETUP: 

Markette and I hosted the DC Fashionista Sex and the City 2 Premiere Meetup Group and had sooooo much fun.
photo courtesy of Michael Avilez

So what is this group all about? Well I'll tell you and show you!!
The DC Fashionista group is a diverse group of motivated, hard-working professionals who are passionate about fashion and the fashion industry. All are encouraged to join who are involved in all things fashion from accessory designers, make-up artists, hairstylists, photographers, models, fashion writers, media, bloggers and other nonprofit organizations. All you have to do is join and share your creativity. If you are interested in the fashion industry, or would like to become involved in it, this is the group for you!














 
Abigail de Casanova (pictured left) President and Founder of the group.

Click HERE if you want to learn more or become a member of the group!

The whole event was streamed live by Conjo Studios. 


SCENE AND SPOTTED: BEN STEIN

Writer, actor, and tv personality BEN STEIN was here in DC yesterday giving a speech. The speech was given to help unite widows and victims of those who have lost a loved one in the war. Ben is actually a native of DC. He is very outgoing and genuinely looks you in the eye when speaking. And of course he was wearing his suit and signature sneakers.


I was telling him how I use to watch his show "Win Ben Steins Money" and with his deadpan delivery he said "Well you look much too young to have watched that." I assured him that I was old enough and out of diapers when I watched. But Ben gets bonus points for that comment =)  Of course I never did win any of his money.


A little info about Ben according to Wikipedia:
Benjamin Jeremy "Ben" Stein (born November 25, 1944) is an American actor, writer, lawyer, and commentator on political and economic issues. He attained early success as a speechwriter for American presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford. Later he entered the entertainment field and became an actor, comedian, and Emmy Award-winning game show host.Stein has frequently written commentaries on economic, political, and social issues, along with financial advice to individual investors. He is the son of noted economist and writer Herbert Stein who worked at the White House under President Nixon. His sister, Rachel, is also a writer. He is well known for his dry, monotonous way of speaking.

Ok today's blog was about fashion and money. Hmmm I'm inspired now to go shopping!!

Signing off the blogosphere.
Vanessa xoxoxoxo
OK, so my invitation from Sarah Jessica Parker to attend the premiere of Sex & The City 2 must have gotten lost in the mail... because I so didn't get it.

That's OK, though SJP. DC on Heels celebrated the premiere of the ultimate fashionista "chick flick" at W Salon in Burke, Va., host of the fabulous SATC 2 premiere party and makeover event!

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DC on Heels (Markette and Vanessa) in a group shot with the styling team of W Salon.  Courtesy: Jin Yong, Sweet Dreams Studio. 

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From left to right: Markette, W Salon owner Souny West, Sue (hair stylist) and Vanessa 
(Scroll all the way down to find out how you can WIN the gift basket in the photo!!!)

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Markette and Vanessa sample the goods at the chocolate bar!

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All laughs at the shampoo bowl.

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But now it's time for some serious business, as Sue the stylist gets Markette into "Sex & The City" shape with a chic updo.

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The finished look!


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But wait! What is Vanessa going to do with her hair?!?!

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 Voila! Vanessa rocks some serious bumper curls after getting done up into this funky updo by the only male stylist at the salon. 

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Souny West, W Salon owner and mastermind behind the entire Sex & The City 2 event. 

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Look at those shoes!

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W Salon clients enjoying the event.

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Don't mess with this stylist... she's got a pink boa and she's not afraid to use it!

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Thanks to the gals at W for making us look beautiful!!!

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Wanna have your cake and eat it, too? 

Then enter to WIN a gift basket full of Paul Mitchell hair products and other goodies by becoming a fan of DC on Heels on Facebook! A winner will be chosen at random from our list of fans on June 9, 2010 after 6pm (EST). So hurry, you only have 2 short weeks to "like" DC on Heels on Facebook for a chance to WIN!

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ENTER TO WIN: It's as easy as 1-2-3:

1. Become a fan of DC on Heels on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/dconheels
2. Log on to this blog or Facebook on June 9th after 6pm (EST) to see if you're the grand prize winner of the gift basket. (We will post the name of the winner on our wall).
3. Jump up & down and scream really hard if you see your name on our wall because you've won the grand prize! 

And don't be bummed out if you're not the grand prize winner. Two lucky DC on Heels fans will also win a swag bag of goodies (pictured below) courtesy of W Salon.

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Good luck and good night!

xoxo, 

Markette

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Spike's Cook Book Launch and What NOT to wear

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SPIKE'S GOT THE GOOD STUFF: HIS COOK BOOK LAUNCH!!!

It's OFFICIAL and I have the copy to prove it!

Spike Mendelsohn has finally launched his brand new cook book with his sister Micheline "The Good Stuff CookBook". Want to learn how to make those mouthwatering burgers, shakes, and fries? Well now you can. Spike and his sis' dish out some great family recipes like Uncle D's Chili. And it's not all just buns and burgers, there's tons recipes for great salads, sauces, and shakes. Spike's secret is simple. He says don't overthink it. But for those "planners" like me (who need all the help they can get in the kitchen), his book has a pantry list, fridge list, and the must-have kitchen tools. I'm going to give Spike's Sunny Side Burger a shot. And if I don't get it just right, I can still always just go down Pennsylvania Ave. and get my quick fix at his eatery GOOD STUFF. Try it if you haven't! Sooo goood.


Want the book to try out recipes for yourself? Go to Amazon and get your copy now! BUT one very lucky DC ON HEELS fan will get their very own autographed copy for F-R-E-E. So stay tuned on how you can get that.


With the fam--Spike and his sister Micheline

Here with  Capitol Cooking hottie Lauren DeSantis (more about her on Friday's post!!!)

The Burger/Shake cake with wedges by "Fancy Cakes"

Spike talking shop


Spike signing your book that you could win! Stay tuned for details =)


Ok segwaying from food to fashion. It's time for...

WHAT NOT TO WEAR:

For every grave mistake you are fined $100 dollars.
No daisy dukes allowed for men period. Don't match it up with a backpack and sandals either.
Fined $300

Ill fitting khakis..there should never be a front poof on your shorts! I love a man who will dare to wear pink though!
Fined $100

There are no words to describe this. I cannot even put a number value on this tragic and unfortunate mistake. Please please don't ever wear socks with sandals!!! EVER.
Fined $Infinite amounts

Thank goodness I ran into Ansoo Chang, an Internet Entrepreneur from DC. Chang looks casual polished and scored a bazillion points for his handmade German briefcase. Chang says he likes to shop at JCrew, Fields Custom Taylor, and orders online from different European countries. He mixes it up and it works!


Chang said the bag was actually a gift-- ahhh ok whoever bought that amazing custom bag for him--my birthday is in November. Thanks!!! xoxoxo

Signing off the blogosphere ---Vanessa xoxoxxoxo

What's Free in DC? Behind the Scenes with Matthew Lesko???!!

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FREE IN DC:
I don't care who you are or what you do, but at the end of the day I think most people can agree on the fact that their is something thrilling and rewarding about getting something for NOTHING. You know that four lettered word that sends a happy sensation through out your entire body F-R-E-E- There is nothing like the thrill of a bargain, and let's face it people will do or say just about anything for a free t-shirt. I know it's crazy, even if they are giving away only XXL, even the most petite convince themselves that they need this free t-shirt. Who cares that they will be drowning in cotton--hell it was free. So here's what free (or almost free in DC coming up)

FREE YOGA @ THE HOUSE OF SWEDEN
Venue Address
2900 K Street, NW
Washington, DC 20007
(On the Georgetown waterfront, next to Sequuoia restaurant at the Washington Harbour)
NOTE: All classes at 10am are FULL! Another class has been added for 8:30am! Join yoga instructor Emma Saal for one of the four yoga sessions on Saturday mornings at 10:00 am. Bring your yoga mat and enjoy a free workout that is good for your body and soul! To sign up in advance please send an email to: rsvp-hos@foreign.ministry.se (or, just come directly to the session). Emma Saal is a full time yoga and Budokon teacher. Budokon is a blend of yoga and martial arts. Saal teaches yoga to adults and children and is a certified practitioner of Thai massage. If you are interested in a private session or massage please contact the instructor Emma Saal at: emma@redsunyogaDC.com
Attend enough of these classes and maybe you can get to be as good as this guy...
OLD NAVY DOLLAR FLIP FLOPS: DID YOU NAB YOUR PAIR??

This was a great find for all the flip flop wearing frugalistas. Just a buck for a flip flop (well a pair). The sale may have ended on Saturday but Old Navy will be running promotions like this all summer long. So if you missed the first one--don't fret! There will be many more sales coming down the pipeline from this fashion giant. So keep checking back on their Web site for all the summer deals!!


DUNKIN DONUTS: FREE DONUTS ON NATIONAL DONUT DAY



Dunkin' Donuts, America's all-day, everyday stop for coffee and baked goods, is marking National Donut Day with a sweet nationwide offer to help Americans celebrate the joy and fun of donuts. On June 5, 2009, participating Dunkin' Donuts restaurants throughout the country will give every customer a free donut of their choice, with the purchase of any beverage, limit one per customer. Who knew there was actually a National Donut Day...Homer would be soo happy!!


And speaking of all this free stuff...it brings me back to when Markette and I met up with Matthew Lesko the guru of government handouts to talk about how he has made a business off of telling people where they can go and what they can do to get free stuff from Uncle Sam.


Want more of DC on Heels? Join us on FACEBOOK

Signing off the blogosphere
Vanessa xoxoxoxxo
Lobster, $410 pesos ($32.80 in U.S. Dollars)

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During my recent trip to Cancun, Mexico - also known as the "Riviera Maya" for its rich history of Mayan culture - I heard the fruits of the sea calling my name, so I ordered the lobster. But for $410 pesos -- which equals out to about $32.80 -- I can't but help to wonder if I threw my money into the sea!

What do you think? Is this a deal or no deal?

Here are some details to help you decide:

Menu Item: The Lobster

Price: $410 pesos or $32.80

Restaurant: Labná

Cuisine: not your run-of-the-mill-Mexican food; the menu boasts delights specific to the Yucatan Peninsula.

Neighborhood: Cancun Centro (where the locals live, eat and play).

What the menu tells you you'll get: "lobster with black beans, guacamole and chips"

What I actually got: a one pound juicy lobster tail with the meat already taken out by the chef. It was drenched in a red butter and garlic sauce (not sure why it was red), but it was GOOD! It also came with a palm sized portion of black beans and guacamole, each adorned with three three crispy tortilla chips.

The lobster was succulent and flavorful, but $32 bucks and some change?!?! Isn't Mexico supposed to be cheap?

What's your opinion: deal or no deal? Leave your thoughts in the comments section.

xoxo,

Markette

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P.S. - Get more "DEAL OR NO DEAL?" by clicking here.

Get that summer glow, Jersey'd out, and Celebrity Doppelganger

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SUMMER GLOW GET THE LOOK: LUMINESS AIRBRUSH

So for the past few days I have been holed up in my apt. with a nasty cold. So what do you do when your sneezing non-stop, body aches, and you can't move? NOTHING. You watch TV and sit on the couch. So that's exactly what I've been doing. Unfortunately the NyQuil hadn't quite kicked in so I was flipping through the million infomercials on every single channel ( late night style) I did come across this gem of an infomercial though for Luminess Air brush makeup kit. I haven't bought it YET and wanted to speak with a professional makeup artist that I know-- before I made any impulsive decisions. It makes sense that airbrushing would give you that perfect dewey natural glow.


Now, here is a little info about Luminess Air. It's an airbrush set that Hollywood makeup artists use on many celebriteis and actors and actresses. It comes with a single easy to use airbrush, and four colors of your chosen shade to place into the airbrush. You can get a 30 day trial for $29.99 but then after that you can pay anywher from $200 and up depending on which package you sign up for.

Real person shown before using Luminess airbrush.
Real person shown after using Luminess

And by real I mean just your everyday Joe or Jane. No celebrities, no divas, just everyday people like you and me.

Still not convinced ? Here is a video-I think I'm going to give it a go.

And while you're getting a natural airbrushed look for your face mine as well give your body that perfect tan as well. But say no to tanning beds!! Instead pop into
Glow tanning salon (located in Georgetown, between N and O ) for that perfect SPRAY tan. It will give you that natural sun-kissed look with out going overboard so you won't look like Snookie.


And speaking of well tanned people from Jersey, is it me or is it out of control how many "Jersey" shows there are out there right now. The magic first started with the kids from Jersey Shore on MTV.

Then the Style network got into the guido action with Jerseylicious

Bravo has had the Real Housewives of Jersey flipping tables for a few seasons

And now I see ads everwhere on the Oxygen network for Jersey Couture

I am offiically Jersey'd out. Enough already. Kapeesh?

CELEBRITY DOPPELGANGER:
Ok it's that time again for a DC ON HEELS fan to be chosen as our celebrity look alike and this weeks pick is Jacyln Barton. Who is this hottie a dead ringer for? How do you think the face recognition did?


Signing off the blogosphere Vanessa xoxoxoxo 

A revelation swept across the room during the recent gala for the U.S. Dream Academy: Judge Joe Brown's wife is a hottie! (She's the one standing second from the left.)

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While we were all there to support the U.S. Dream Academy's noble mission of operating after-school programs for at-risk youth, the room was a buzz at how the 63-year-old judge (who was also an honoree at the event), landed this bombshell of a beauty.

I knew something had to be up when he refused to walk the red carpet without his wife (who Idiahann_carroll.jpg presume was powdering her nose while he waited to be photographed). I naturally thought to myself, "How sweet, he must really love his wife," as I imagined a Diahann Carroll-esque woman to emerge from the ladies room.

But no! It was va-va-va-voom! A cross between an Alicia Keys look-alike and a Lauren London impersonator walked out and grabbed Judge Joe Brown's arm.

The noise level in the room dropped. There were a few murmurs... and then... one girl said aloud what everybody was thinking: "Wow! Judge Joe Brown's wife is a hottie!"

Lol! For at least one full minute, they totally drew attention away from the other honorees,
who included legendary (retired) CBS anchorman Dan Rather, actress Angela Bassett and the Honorable Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas).

I'm not mad you Judge Joe Brown, I'm just saying....

Anywho, here are a few more photos (and revelations) from the event:

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Judge Joe Brown eventually let go of his H-O-T wife to snap a pic with fellow honoree, Angela Bassett.

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Dan Rather is one cool dude. He was so friendly and took time to talk to everyone!


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In this group shot of all the honorees, Dan Rather is remarkably comfortable when surrounded by a whole bunch of Black folk. Go 'head Dan!

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ABC 7's Cynne Simpson, co-host of the event, is as graceful in person as she is on air.

miss_outstanding_teen.jpgMiss America's Outstanding Teen 2010... representin' for all the outstanding teens.

amway_sponsors.jpgMr. and Mrs. Hunter, representatives of the gala sponsor, Amway Global.

markette_lavar.jpgOn our way out of the gala, we ran into fellow CW/DC 50 talent Lavar Arrington.
 (Vanessa was gracious enough to snap the photo!)



Well, as they say in TV land... that's all folks! Until next time...

xoxo,

Markette
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Viewers Choice Awards, Back to School?! and Shoe Picks

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VIEWERS CHOICE AWARDS:
Markette and I were honored to be presented the 2010 Viewers Choice Award in the short programming category on DCTV for our work that we produced for The Traveling Talk Show. Over 14,000 people voted online, and we were so excited to have Kojo Nnamdi from WAMU 88.5 "The Kojo Nnamdi Show "present us our award for best short programming! It's been an amazing year. And yes we are changing it up and we are now DC ON HEELS, but we will still bring you the best that DC has to offer. So please become a FAN on FACEBOOK and thanks to everyone who supports us on our journey. Stay tuned. We have lot's planned for this year!!
Markette, Kojo Nnamdi and Vanessa
Big smiles for the Viewers Choice Awards
Up close and personal with our award
Stay tuned for more Washington, DC!!!

MARKETTE AND VANESSA ARE HEADED BACK TO SCHOOL:
Markette and I met at American University while we were both getting our master's degree in Interactive Journalism. And we loved school so much that we are deciding to go back. Well not that school though. It's trapeze school! (Which I have a feeling will be way more fun) Yep we're feeling adventurous and were going to give it a go. M's been on the worlds longest floorless roller coaster, and I have been skydiving.. so this is right up our alley. Has anybody tried this before? Should we be scared? I've always wanted to be in the circus so this just might be my chance.

HEEL OF THE WEEK:
I have been blogging my favorite shoe picks each week. I have an obsession with stilettos and so does Markette so it really is appropriate that we are now named DC on Heels. So without further adieu here is this weeks heel of the week. Available at ZAPPOS
    $89.00 by JESSICA SIMPSON

    PRODUCT INFORMATION:

    • Slip into these playful platform pumps for a pretty good time.
    • Leather upper with crisscrossed elasticized vamp straps.
    • Stitch detailing.
    • Man-made lining and insole.
    • Covered platform.
    • Covered stiletto heel.
    • Man-made sole.
    • Imported.
    • 4 1/2" heel.
    • 1 1/2" platform.
    • 11.00 oz.
    I didn't want to leave the guys out with my picks , because shoes are just as important for men as they are for women. In fact you can tell a lot from a man just by his shoes. So guys no Seinfield sneakers allowed. Only Jerry can pull that off and he gets points because he is hilarious. So unless you're just as funny. It's simply not acceptable.
    Here's what is:

    PUMA FUTSALA IVSKU: #7499456

    $54.95
      Available at Zappos

      PRODUCT INFORMATION:

      • A traditional futsala product designed for the performance-orientated player looking for a lightweight and stable shoe.
      • Lightweight upper constructed of leather and textile.
      • Reinforced toe cap for enhanced durability.
      • Padded insole for added comfort.
      • Durable rubber outsole with flex grooves for unmatched flexibility on the court.
      • 14.00 oz.
      • Product measurements were taken using size Men's 9, Women's 10.5. Please note that measurements may vary by size.
      Signing off
      Vanessa xoxxoxoxoxo
      So I bet many of you are wondering, "Just who are these DC on Heels girls?!"

      markette_vanessa_cw_photoshoot.jpgWell, we started out just 10 months ago as The Traveling Talk Show going all around the Washington area covering the arts & entertainment scene... but then we started getting followers on Twitter like Sri Lanka Trekking so we thought, um, we better change our name to exhibit who we really are.

      My good friend JR suggested, "Two Girls on the Loose." We strongly considered it, but then thought that maybe the "Girls Gone Wild" franchise probably already has that name on lock down... sorry JR!

      Anyways, what we're really about is:


      FOOD
      ...


      FASHION...


      & FUN!



      ...And we do it all in stillettos, hence the new name DC on HEELS!

      xoxo,

      Markette
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      Clinton Portis house tour and interview

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      Sneak Peak at House of Clinton Portis:
      Over the weekend DC on Heels attended the Fashion Delegate Launch Party held at Redskins running back Clinton Portis's house. We had so much fun on such a bright and sunny day interviewing fashion lovers, designers, and even CP himself (Well sort of... see video below) We did ask him some tough questions though... and what about the house? It's bold, complex, and stylish. 

      The house was picture perfect tucked away in the outskirts of McLean, Virginia... complete with a gorgeous marble foyer, backyard patio pool, zen garden, waterfall, pool lounge and fully stocked bar. And well lets not forget the stripper pole!!! Yes that's right... I said stripper pole.

      The stripper pole
      The day and house were picture perfect though
      Sneaking away from the party entering The House of Portis
      (don't worry we had permission though)


      We talked to Clinton and asked him what he thought of the party. He kept pretty low key and quiet though. Guess mum's the word for this guy.
      Clinton you've got the cutest little baby face!
      Wanna see the tour DC Cribs style?!! Then watch the video below.



      Signing off the blogosphere--- Vanessa xoxxoxoxo

      Fashion Delegate Exclusive Launch Party

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      FD Launch Party held at Redskin's running back house:
      We had so much fun at the Fashion Delegate launch party held right in the back yard of Redskins running back Clinton Portis. FD is a blog that infuses fashion and politics, drawing and extraordinary crowd of fashion lovers and politicos alike. FD will be highlighting the best fashion the beltway has to offer.

      Check out the pics...
      Outside Redskin CP's house where the event was held
      DC on Heels+Glamazon+ANTM Bianca+designer Tashia+models=F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S
      Interviewing fashion delegate bloggers and party hosts' Jennifer Fisher and Portia Hood
      Jennifer flanked by some fashionable men on the scene
      Hot dress from designer Tashia Senn modeled by Bianca from ANTM cycle 13
      More hot fashion
      Our favorite gal to "BS" around with Elaine Mensah
      V&M with gorgeous gal KstreetKate
      Portia's hot heels..and we love our heels!!
      M&V with the southern belle of the ball
      DC on Heels staying fierce
      The scene
      The award for hottest and most fashionable couple goes to this duo
      Designer Tashia Senn and model Bianca(lime green dress) from ANTM cycle 13
      M&V with the hot "Glamazon" Makeda
      Floral's and bright colors were the theme
      Power couple Dino and Rachael Tapper of Floriana's
      Pretty in purple Melissa Rich

      For more photos visit our FACEBOOK PAGE  (Video coming soon) So stay tuned... only here on dc50tv.com home of the CW!!!

      Breaking Name News and Top Chef Spike

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      BREAKING NAME NEWS:
      The Traveling Talk Show is changing it's name!! What's in a name? "That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet." Well I would absolutely agree with Juliet on this one, but our new name here on DC50tv.com home of the CW will now officially be drum roll please....DC ON HEELS. That's right. It's official. I think this graphic pic sums it all up. M and I are still going to be getting the latest gossip, hitting up all the great events, and of course taste-testing our way through the city..all while running around in our favorite stilettos. So yes we really are DC ON HEELS =)
      All this name change got me thinking what does my name really mean? Well turns out the name Vanessa was coined by author Jonathan Swift (you know the guy who wrote Gulliver's Travels)

      Info for Vanessa

      Categories:

      Literary Characters Names, English Names

      Used in:

      English speaking countries

      Additional info:

      This name was coined by Jonathan Swift for his friend Esther Vanhomrigh. Other famous bearers include actress Vanessa Redgrave, singer Vanessa Carlton and actress and singer Vanessa Williams. Vanessa is also the name of a genus of butterfly that includes the Red Admiral and Painted Lady. The genus was named after Jonathan Swift had coined the name. Although the name might be bestowed because of the butterfly connection, Vanessa does not "mean" butterfly. Honest.

      And what about Markette's name? Well turns out her name is so unique and original that I couldn't find out any info on it!!!
      MARKETTE

      Sorry . . .We have no information on this name.

      THE GOOD STUFF WITH SPIKE AND HIS NEW COOKBOOK:

      On Wednesday May 26th Markette and I will be hanging with our favorite Top Chef Spike Mendelsohn here in DC at his restaurant GOOD STUFF EATERY for the launch of his new cookbook The Good Stuff Cookbook. Spike's philosophy is simple: take classic American comfort foods made from local, farm-fresh ingredients, and give them the "good stuff twist". This philosophy is brought to bear in THE GOOD STUFF COOKBOOK (Wiley Paperback; $24.95; May 31st, 2010), where Spike serves up over 120 fast, fun, and fresh recipes for classic fare like burgers, fries, shakes, salads, and desserts, not to mention the all-important sauces and condiments that give his dishes a gourmet twist. Also included are menu suggestions for all types of events, from big parties to casual family dinners. Recipes are accompanied by gorgeous full-color photographs throughout.

      Bravo Spike!!! Can't wait to see the new cookbook

      Check out my interview with Spike as he talks about growing up, life after Top Chef, and what his eatery is all about.

      Signing off the blogosphere--Vanessa xoxoxxo