Happy Hour Spotlight: Laporta's

Do you love going to happy hour? If you answered yes, then you need to check out Laporta's on Duke in Alexandria. It's a semi-hobby of mine to seek out the best places for happy hour. Laporta's has one of the best happy hours for a couple reasons - the drinks and food. What's more - Laporta's has live jazz every night! I have been here on a date once and many times for happy hour, my bill was $15.00 for 5 drinks and a meal. You might not gorge yourself like I did, but hey it's awesome.


Happy Hour Specials: 300pm - 700pm
$2.00 Rail Drinks, $2.00 House Red/White Wine
$2.00 Pints: Stella Artois, Flying Dog Pale Ale, Widmer Brothers Hefeweizen, Starr Hill Amber Ale
$2.00 off all other drinks and wines by the glass


And they haven't forgotten your appetite - so it's half off the Classics Menu, please click on the link to see what they have to offer.


Laporta's soothing ambiance and understated energy is what keeps me coming back.

If you don't go - you are doing yourself an injustice!

Party Gift: Wine Accessory

As a wine lover - perhaps aficionado - I seek out the latest fashion accessories for wine bottles as well so... behold

Toast it!

At $3.99 a pop + free shipping, this is the perfect gift for someone when you are trying to be a little unique and save money.

What is a Toast-it?

'Greeting cards that wrap around wine bottles, for a smart alternative to traditional wine bags and boxes'

'Toast-its have a smart design that includes  an area for personalized greeting that stays with the bottle even when the rest of the wrap is removed-so your host will remember your thoughtfulness whenever they pop the cork'

To find out more about this wonderful gift idea, please check out the website here.

Thursday Local Music Spotlight: The Reverie Jazz Trio

The Reverie Jazz Trio will be performing at the Torpedo Factory Art Center in Alexandria, Virginia on Thursday night. The Torpedo Art Factory is located near the water port in Old Town Alexandria. If you enjoy 'early jazz standards' and 'forgotten favorites' this is the jazz ensemble for you!

Address:
105 N. Union Street Alexandria, VA 22314

When: Thursday, January 28

Time: 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Phone: 703-838-4565

This is a FREE event!

If you miss their performance, The Reverie Jazz Trio performs from 7-10pm every Friday at the Westin Hotel Alexandria at Trademark Bar & Grill. Click here then go to dining section.

Thursday Local Music Spotlight: Reggae Night at O'Shaughnessy's

If reggae/go-go is your flavor, DJ's Ras Lidj and Deep will be mixing on the 1's and 2's at O'Shaughnessy's (formerly the Laughing Lizard Lounge) in Aelexandria, VA. 


There will be food and drink specials all night.


Address: 
1324 King Street
Alexandria, VA 22314

When: Thursday, January 28
Time: 8:00 pm - 1:00 am
Phone: 703-548-2582


This is a FREE event!


O'Shaughnessy's isn't much to look at in terms of decor, but the crowd is chill and laid back most nights. There is a small upstairs with pool tables and a more open downstairs where the live bands perform. It's on the corner and across the street from the infamous 'Rock it Grill'.

Budget: Local Consignment Shops

If you are on a budget, try shopping at some of these local consignment shops (also known as thrift shops) for one of kind clothing items:

Second Chance Boutique - Bethesda, MD

This upscale boutique been in business for 37 years and is a local Bethesda favorite. Second Chance Boutique has been featured in Fox Business News and The Washington Business Journal.  

Mustard Seed - Bethesda, MD

New, Used and Vintage Clothing. A friend of mine stands by this place and always finds the greatest jeans and tops here.

Electric Thread - Arlington, VA

A great vintage consignment shop, you can also purchase directly from their website here. 

New to You - Falls Church, VA

Another local favorite in the area. New to You has been featured in The Washington Post and W Magazine.You can purchase online and also follow their blog.

Monkey's Unlce - Washington, D.C.

Recycled children's clothing at low prices!

I will be adding to the list as I discover more consignment shops - but if you have a favorite please post in the comments section.

Updated 5.03.10
Mint Condition - Alexandria, VA
Consigned items are in like-new (Mint!) condition, in style and in demand. Join the Recessionista movement at Mint Condition today. I purchased a gorgeous Banana Republic dress with pockets from here which was on sale for 50% off and had an additional 30% off sticker, my total $15.00 (original price $45.00). I don't know about you, but a consignment shop with super sales is a win win!

SAG Awards Red Carpet: Toni Collette

Toni Collette - Almost unrecognizable as blond and tan, but she is pulling it off. She is an Aussie actress and I really enjoy her movies, 'The Sixth Sense' and 'In Her Shoes'. The dress she is wearing is something I would personally wear - does that translate on the red carpet...maybe? It seems too young for her, but the dress is fabulous.

SAG Awards Red Carpet: Michael C. Hall & Jennifer Carpenter

Michael C. Hall & Jennifer Carpenter - Dexter is one of my favorite shows, I can only watch through Netflix, but nonetheless I LOVE THE SHOW! Michael C. Hall is currently getting treated for cancer - so my heart flows to him. His wife pictured here, Jennifer Carpenter, also works on the show. You may remember her from 'The Exorcism of Emily Rose' and 'Quarantine'. Her hair/make up combo is perfection and his suit is edgy and elegant. The white dress, with the slightly exaggerated shoulders is fashion forward and modern with a sexy twist.

SAG Awards Red Carpet: Mariah Carey

Mariah Carey - On one hand she insn't wearing a mini-dress and bearing her cleavage, on the other hand, the dress is just "meh" and isn't doing too much for her by the way of fit. I am over all not impressed by it.

SAG Awards Red Carpet: Streep

No red carpet is complete without the Streep (Balenciaga). She looks ravishing in this multi-colored print and it doesn't overwhelm her. The leather belt is the glue that ties everything together. 

SAG Awards Red Carpet:Drew Barrymore

Drew Barrymore (Monique Lhuillier) - She looked fabulous in this cerulean blue color. I love the unique layers and Grecian detail in the bodice. I would have preferred a root touch up and conditioner and she is suffering from lack of lip stick syndrome; but overall I love her dress.

SAG Awards Red Carpet: Christina Hendricks

Christina Hendricks (Carolina Herrera) - Love her on 'Mad Men'. Ahhh the spokeswomen for the definition of "va va voom" and this is how you do a red dress! Simple, cut close to the body, but hugging her in the right manner. Simple hair and classic make-up complete her fabulous look.

SAG Awards Red Carpet: Diane Krugar

Diane Kruger (Jason Wu) - Yellow is a tough color to pull off if you have pale skin, but the mustard/gold colored yellow can be pulled off by virtually everyone. I really like the vintage look of this dress combined with the modern one shouldered interpretation.

SAG Awards Red Carpet: Patricia Arquette

I love her on 'Medium' and enjoyed her in the movie 'Stigmata', but she is petite and curvy and chose to wear a busy dated sequined dress, it flares at the widest point of her body. Had this dress been cut closer instead flaring away from the body, it would have worked.

SAG Awards Red Carpet: Kate Hudson

Kate Hudson (Emilio Pucci)- This is glamorous and chic, but not overly done. I love a low back (too see back click here), because it gives a surprisingly sexy alternative to cleavage.The hair is a little crisp, but great look.

Deal Buster: Clarisonic Mia versus Pretika Sonic Dermbrasion

I often research and try out different products in various price ranges to see how effective they are. Skin care is an important routine that varies from person to person.

Recently, I was discussing facial cleansing tools and my friend mentioned that she was considering purchasing the Clarisonic Mia. I informed her that there were comparable products that can be found in Target for much less. I also recommended that she purchase the high rated Pretika Facial Brush from Target. The facial brushes are both automatic, water proof and comparable in size. She kissed me on both cheeks and graciously thanked me. 

Click on the images below to check out/purchase the products:

The Clarisonic Mia is $149.00  

                               

The Pretika Facial Brush is $49.99

Before investing $150.00 in the Clarisonic Mia, try the $50.00 Pretika.