Save-The-Date: 2nd Annual Erica Paul Fabulous Event

SAVE-THE-DATE

One of my favorite organizations, Chris4Life Colon Cancer Foundation, is hosting the Second Annual Erica Paul Fabulous Event  on Saturday, June 23rd at the Clarendon Ballroom.

Come out and help support colon cancer patients under the age of 50. 
Tickets are on sale now for $15, but they will be $20 at the door, so make sure to get yours in advance!

Hope you can make it out for this "fabulous" event!  To learn more about Chris4Life and this event, visit http://www.chris4life.org.

Tickets and sponsorship opportunities can be found here.

Clarendon Ballroom
3185 Wilson Boulevard
Arlington, VA 22201
703.469.2244
http://www.clarendonballroom.com

Things to Do: Celebrity Date Auction - 5/10

Join DC celebs and athletes for an evening of charity at the "Share Love, Spread Hope" Celebrity Date Auction to benefit The Autism Society of America on Thursday, May 10, 2012 at Shadowroom in Washington, DC.

Doors Open at 7:30pm, admission is FREE and complimentary Remy Martin cocktails will be served.

Register Today www.sharelovespreadhope.eventbrite.com

Shadowroom
2131 K Street NW
Washington, DC

PALME D'OR ROOFTOP SOIREE - Cannes Film Festival Kick-off

PALME D'OR ROOFTOP SOIREE

Friday, May 18, 2012 

7:00PM - Midnight

Join us as we bring the glamorous sunset of the French Riviera to Beacon Sky Bar, one of the best hidden treasures in DC.  Celebrate with us the 65th Annual Cannes Film Festival and watch exclusive video footage of the opening night.  The ambiance, views, delicious cocktails, complimentary savory appetizers and latest French House beats from DJ TiNiN, DJ Choukry and DJ FoTiFo will make for an unforgettable night. 

 

Proceeds from the event will benefit Art Soiree's programming.  Art Soiree is a low-profit limited liability company that uses its for-profit efficiencies to achieve socially beneficial goals and support local arts and charitable organizations.  The organization operates primarily on the energy of volunteers, artists and the generosity of those who come to the show. Art Soiree received profit is used directly to run its events, web site and other arts-related activities. Every donation received, whether from individual contributors, registration fees or sponsors, is vital to the organization. 

 

Come and enjoy the evening of great ambiance in the company of internationally minded, socially established, and artistically inclined strata of Washingtonians. 

For more information or to purchase tickets, click here

TICKETS: $15 online only 

Dress code: Fashionable cocktail attire 

 

See Photos from 2011 - PALME D'OR ROOFTOP SOIREE

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150181037856700.304666.138673616699&type=3

Beacon Sky Bar
1615 Rhode Island Ave NW
Washington DC

Things to Do: DC International Human Rights Film Festival 2012

May 14-17, 2012
6:00PM
West End Cinema

All Screenings Free

Free Snacks and Beverages
(FYI, West End has the best popcorn!!!)

To RSVP contact pnevents@aicongress.org or register for individual films.

More information about the film festival...
Since its inception in 2008, the D.C. International Human Rights Film Festival (DCIHRFF) has grown into an annual event that offers free film screenings on human rights topics from around the world, from Senegal to South Africa to Argentina and beyond. Pressing social and civic issues – including terrorism, women’s rights, censorship, political repression, and multiculturalism – come into focus through screenings, panel discussions, and artistic performances.The festival aims to highlight international human rights issues and build understanding between cultures, exposing audiences to under-reported human rights challenges and underscore the universality of individual rights. Our films fulfill a unique, untapped segment where we cover not only the Arab world but the entirety of the Muslim world and our audience is not only the Muslim Diaspora. This year features films such as Incendies and Circumstance.

To find out more and to view a listing of films,  click here

West End Cinema
2301 M St. NW 
Washington D.C. 20037
http://www.westendcinema.com

Things to Do: Patriotic Arts Fête

Join the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative for a Patriotic Arts Fête

Wednesday, April 25, 2012
6:30 to 9:00 PM

Enjoy a night celebrating arts education with music, wine and Lincoln’s signature hors d’oeuvres. The DC Collaborative is committed to providing all DC public and charter public school students with equal access to the region’s rich artistic and cultural opportunities. Working with their members, they provide free arts and humanities events for 30,000 DC students at no cost to schools each year.

Featuring:
Music soundscapes by DJ Jahsonic
Live student performances
Guest Raffle with Gift Certificates, Fine Art, Wine and Travel Excursions

To purchase tickets, visit: http://bitly.com/Aq8HiB
$25 in advance ($30 at the door)
Includes: 1 raffle ticket, beverages and passed hors d'oeuvres.

Lincoln
1110 Vermont Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20005
202.386.9200
www.lincolnrestaurant-dc.com

Things to Do: Chris 4 Life Charity Happy Hour

Anyone who knows me knows that I love a good happy hour, especially those that benefit a worthy cause.

Recently, I was privileged to join the Young Professionals Board of Chris 4 Life, a colon cancer foundation. The first fundraising event I will be participating in (since joining the board) will be a happy hour to kick off Colon Cancer Awareness Month.

It will be hosted in partnership with the Pamela's Punch team for Chris4Life's Seventh Annual Scope It Out 5K Run/Walk.

The happy hour will be held on Thursday, March 8, 2012 at 901 Restaurant & Bar from 6:00-8:00PM. There will be a live auction and raffle. Plus, if you haven't been to 901 before they have great happy hour specials!

Also, I invite you to join Team 'She's Savvy'. You can register for this event here. The password required to join is: "savvyindc"

To learn more about Scope It Out, please visit: http://www.scopeitout5k.com

Things to Do: AT&T's 28 Days for Black History Month 2012 - Hosted by Common

AT&T's 28 Days for Black History Month 2012
Wednesday, February 15, 2012

7:00PM

Host: Common
Featured Speaker: Mario Armstrong

AT&T 28 Days takes a forward looking approach to Black History Month by spotlighting African Americans making history today. Learn more: http://att.com/28days

Mario Armstrong is a digital lifestyle expert, radio and award-winning TV tech-show host, commentator, small biz tech advocate and youth tech motivator. Read more

To learn more about this FREE program and to register for the DC event, click here.

By the way, this event will be held in various cities througout the country through the month of February. Vist http://att.com/28days for more information.

Cramton Auditorium
2455 6th Street Northwest
Washington, DC 20059

Things to Do: 1K Wine Walk

Just came across a weekend event called the 1K Wine & Beer Walk and had to share. Unfortunately, I'll be away on a ski trip for the wine walk, so please have a glass, or two, in my honor. Cheers! See below for more information.

1K Wine & Beer Walk

January 14 & 15 (Wine) - $40
January 21 & 22 (Beer) - $35

Calling all athletes and couch-potatoes alike! Cross the start line into the shops of Crystal City and rest your weary legs periodically at our hydration stations along the race course- but you won’t find any sports drinks or bananas here- just beer and wine! With 30 + beers & wines to choose from before the finish line, spend your Saturday or Sunday walking with friends along the indoor, shops of Crystal City.

Choose heats starting every half hour from 2:00 to 5:30 PM and make your way through the race course in the Shops at Crystal City with your 20 tasting tickets while snacking on cheese, bread and more to keep those muscles working. Best part, each racer receives a1K Race Tee Shirt! Remember...no running please

To learn more about this event and to purchase your tickets, click here.
***Note several of the times are already sold out so if you're interested, you should act fast.

Crystal City Shops
http://thecrystalcityshops.com/

Things to Do: Pray the Devil Back to Hell Screening

Recently, I came across the movie screening/ fundraiser for the film Pray The Devil Back to Hell. I'd actually heard of it a few years ago as my previous job held a screening of it along with commentary from the writer Abigail Disney, yes she's related to Walt. Unfortunately, I was too busy working the event I didn't have the opportunity to see it. To learn more about the film, click here

Join Refugees International Young Humanitarian Circle for this film screening on Tuesday, November 29, 2011 from 6:30-8:30 PM at Napoleon Bistro and Lounge. The cost of admission is $30 and 100% of the proceeds will benefit Refugees International, and includes complimentary champagne, hors d’oeuvres and popcorn.

For more information, contact Ashley Wright at 202.828.0110 ext. 209 or by email at Ashley@refugeesinternational.org.

Seating is limited so reserve your space today!

Napoleon Bistro and Lounge

1847 Columbia Road, NW

Washington, DC 20009

RSVP: Register at refugeesinternational.org/YHC by 5PM on November 25

Things to Do: Africa Underground "No Boundaries"

Just came across this and had to share. Looks interesting...

National Museum of African Art Launches Third Installment of Africa Underground- "No Boundaries"

Africa Underground is back with an evening of delights at the National Museum of African Art, Friday, September 30, from 7 to 11 p.m. Coming on the heels of a hugely successful second installment of African Underground in May, this edition will also see the museum's doors held open after hours, giving revelers the chance to enjoy refreshments, dance, and experience the museum's exhibitions, ambiance and performances from around the continent.

The first and second Africa Undergrounds sold out in days, and this installment will include several exciting new elements including entertainment by the bands 'Sahel' and 'Eme & Heteru', fashions by world renowned designer Korto Momolou, with 'Afrobeat' face painting by lunchbox theory and music spun by DJ Underdog throughout the night.

The Sahel, a stretch of land between African desert and rainforest, is an ancient symbol of trade and travel where people from various continents have throughout time exchanged goods, ideas and cultures. Like the Sahel much of the worlds contemporary dance music is a product of distinct African roots with middle eastern and European influences; blended colors of culture on the canvas of African rhythms. SAHEL are a band of musicians from diverse backgrounds who believe in honoring multicultural evolution by performing currently relevant music like Zouk, Mbalax, Saba Reggae and Salsa. SAHEL is inspired by tradition and dedication to the progress of music that moves the world.

Eme & Heteru are a band lead by singer/songwriter, Eme Awa who have been part of the Washington, D.C. live music scene for the past ten years. They combine the rich styles, melodies and rhythms from East, South and West Africa in addition to Reggae to create their unique sound, a combination of Afrobeat and reggae music Eme Awa calls "AfroRoots Music." He has had four Wammie nominations and will also play music from Central Nigeria to compliment the museum's exhibition Central Nigeria Unmasked."

Cost: $25
Advance online purchase only, one free drink with ticket purchase
Must be 21 to be admitted (IDs will be checked at the door).

For more information:
visit: http://africa.si.edu/underground/
email: africanartevents@si.edu
phone: 202.633.4651

Things to Do: FELA! at the Shakespeare Theatre

Last week I had the privilege of attending the opening week of FELA! in DC. It had been nearly two years since I'd first heard of the Broadway musical surrounding the life and music of Nigerian artist Fela Kuti. I'd planned on seeing it with some friends but we somehow never got around to making the short trek to NYC to see it.

Fast forward to earlier in the spring, I saw an announcement that FELA! would be traveling to DC and I knew I couldn't pass up the opportunity. FELA! will be running through October 9 at the Shakespeare Theatre Company's Sidney Harman Hall.

We arrived about 15 minutes before the show and were immediately seated in the first row of the mezzanine. I typically prefer orchestra seating but that was all that was left at the time plus I got the seats at a significant discount, and they offered an amazing view of the vibrant set so I was pleased.

The show started slightly after 8:00 at which time we were greeted by a group of performers walking through the theatre. It was their intention to give the impression we had been teleported back in time to the Shrine nightclub in Nigeria when Fela was a musical icon.

From that moment on, everyone was captivated by the actor who portrayed Fela Kuti as well as the entire cast, from the band to the signing and dancing performers. My friend and I were amazed at some of their dances and how they remained energetic throughout the entire 2.5 hour performance. I don't want to give up too much about the lively performance but I'll say there was quite a bit of audience participation and everyone had a chance interact with the performers.

I highly recommend that everyone, over the age of 18 (there were some mature parts) go see FELA!. It was such an amazing experience! Honestly, I can't remember the last time I felt so energized after seeing a theatrical performance. Make sure you go out and see it and let me know what you think!

Special Offer: Purchase tickets online or by phone and use code 'FELATHANKS' to save 10%. For more information, visit: http://www.shakespearetheatre.org

Things to Do: Puccini's Tosca - Kennedy Center Opera

Do you like opera and are you between the ages of 18-35?  If so, you should check out Puccini's Tosca at the Kennedy Center, it runs from September 10-24 in the Opera House. See below for more information as well as a special deal I came across.

A little about the performance...Floria Tosca, a beautiful opera diva, tries to save her lover's life by giving herself to the dreaded chief of police, Baron Scarpia. The situation turns deadly, and even Scarpia's murder may not stop his diabolical plan. One of the most popular operas in the repertoire, Puccini's Tosca has attracted thousands of new fans with its timeless and thrilling arias, including "Vissi d'arte," "E lucevan le stelle," and "Recondita armonia." The touching emotion of Puccini's music goes straight to the heart and pulls the listener into its world. Listen to an audio preview of Tosca that highlights the sheer beauty of Puccini's lyrical gift.

Tosca's irresistible combination of passion, tenderness, pathos, and despair is brought to life on stage by Patricia Racette, Alan Held, and Frank Porretta, with Plácido Domingo conducting.**

**DEAL ALERT**
Save up to 68% on Orchestra Seats. 

A limited number of $35, $50, and $75 Generation O tickets are now available for performances on September 12, 14, and 23. Tickets regularly up to $300. Purchase now— GenO seats will sell out quickly! (If you're not familiar with Generation O, it's Washington National Opera's program for students and young professionals between the ages of 18 and 35!)

Purchase tickets online or mention code "132176" when calling the Box Office @ 202.467.4600.

FREE tickets to The Kennedy Center

The Kennedy Center to give away free tickets!!! In celebration of its 40th birthday, the Kennedy Center in Washington is giving away free tickets to every performance taking place in the 2011-2012 season and is starting an effort to reach more young people (18-30), military families and community organizations.

Beginning Thursday, September 1st at 10AM., people can enter online to win a pair of tickets to a performance. In total, more than 1,200 free tickets will be distributed from a random drawing after the entry period closes on September 19th.

The ticket giveaway serves as the beginning of the center's MyTix program. It will offer discounted, complimentary and last-minute tickets to select performances. MyTix members also will receive ticket alerts and discounts on food and drinks. Kennedy Center Chairman David Rubenstein funded the program to broaden the center's audience.

To learn more and for your chance to win free tickets visit: http://www.kennedy-center.org/kc40

Things to Do: Fashion Night Out Saks & March of Dimes

Just received an email about an event being held during the national event Fashion's Night Out on September 8. This event is a little different from many of the others being held in that it's promoting a charitable organization, the March of Dimes. See below for the press release.

SAKS FIFTH AVENUE TYSONS GALLERIA CELEBRATES FASHION’S NIGHT OUT…IN GOOD TASTE AND HEALTH @SAKS FOR FASHION’S NIGHT OUT

Once a year, the entire fashion world goes out for a nationwide late night of style, makeovers, music and more. On Thursday, September 8, from 4 to 7 PM, Saks Fifth Avenue Tysons Galleria celebrates Fashion’s Night Out with DC Magazine, the March of Dimes, the Office of Minority Health and A Healthy Baby Begins With You celebrity spokeswoman Tonya Lewis Lee to celebrate the beauty of healthy living at a celebration dubbed “In Good Taste and Health.”

Party-goers will shop the newest fall collections, bid on unique experiences and rare items, sample gourmet goodies as top chefs prepare folate-filled food live. Saks Fifth Avenue is proud to donate 10% of the evening sales and all auction proceeds to March of Dimes.

From 5 to 6 pm, Laurent Amzallag, former trainer for Oprah Winfrey's Live Your Best Life tour and Dr. Jen Faber, owner of Kinetic Health Alternatives who has served as chiropractor to Lady Gaga's dancers, deliver fitness tips that everyone can incorporate into daily life, on the first floor of the store.

Throughout the evening on the second floor, attendees will enjoy mini makeovers while student health ambassadors give you tips on healthy living. Sample gourmet goodies from top area restaurants, including Chima Brazilian Steakhouse, Bar Manager Jo-Jo Valenzuela from Jack Rose Dining and Vegan Chef Levita Mondie. Saks will also unveil the newly launched collection from B By Brian Atwood. Party-goers can immortalize themselves trying out the new and much anticipated shoe line, tag themselves on Facebook and take home pictures of themselves from the B by Brian Atwood Photo Booth.

Beginning at 6 PM, the finale of the party will take place on the third floor, where attendees will learn how to prepare healthy gourmet foods filled with folic acid. Tonya Lewis Lee will partner with: Former Top Chef Contestants Tamesha Warren of The Oval Room; Timothy Dean of Prime Steak House and T.D. Burger, LLC; and Vegan Chef Levita Mondie.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Minority Health created A Healthy Baby Begins with You to educate men and women about the high rates of infant mortality especially among African Americans and to raise awareness about the importance of healthy choices for good reproductive health. African American women, across the socioeconomic spectrum, fare worse in birth outcomes and the problem of infant mortality in the black community transcends education, income and class.

“Professional and wealthy black women may not realize that infant mortality can affect them too, and that the risks can be reduced,” says OMH’s A Healthy Baby Begins with You celebrity spokeswoman, Tonya Lewis Lee, who is also an author, producer, and wife of filmmaker Spike Lee. “We know that preconception health and care, including good nutrition and fitness, are fundamental to reducing this health disparity and the benefits of wellness last a life time. To be healthy is to be beautiful.”

Interested attendees can RSVP to rsvptysons@s5a.com or call 703.269.1206 for more information.

Things to Do: The Phillips Collection August 2011

I went to the Phillips Collection for Phillips After 5 for the first time last month, see my post on it here. Usually, it only occurs the first Thursday of every month but during the month of August they are doing it, and doing it big, every Thursday all month long. See below for a listing of the upcoming Phillips After 5 events, all equally exciting.

Migrations
August 18, 2011
5:00 – 8:30PM
Critically acclaimed D.C.-based dance company Step Afrika! reprises two 15-minute excerpts from its performance series The Migration: Reflection on Jacob Lawrence. Find your own inspiration in Lawrence's The Migration Series during gallery talks about his artistic process. All evening enjoy global jazz by Project Natale and a rum tasting by Dan Searing.

Food Truck Fiesta
August 25, 2011
5:00 – 8:30PM
The Phillips, FoodTruckFiesta.com, and Hillyer Art Space team up to bring you a delicious and unforgettable evening. D.C. food truck favorites, including Red Hook Lobster Pound and DC Empanadas, line the streets around the museum. Go on an art scavenger hunt to be eligible for a drawing with great prizes and food truck coupons. A tequila tasting, jazz by Mark Marella, and gallery talks on Left Behind: Selected Gifts from the Heather and Tony Podesta Collection round out the evening.

Evening in Moscow
September 1, 2011
5:00 – 8:30PM
Celebrate Kandinsky’s native Russia with Eastern European music from the Alexandria Kleztet, gallery talks on Moscow's influence on Kandinsky, and Russian-inspired food and cash bar. Take a break in the auditorium, where oscar-nominated short films in animation will be screened throughout the evening. Enter the raffle for a chance to win tickets and all-access passes to the DC Shorts Film Festival.

Admission: $12; free for members. Cash bar.
RSVPs are required: http://tinyurl.com/savvypaf

The Phillips Collection
1600 21st St NW
Washington, DC 20009
202.387.2151
http://www.phillipscollection.org

Things to Do: Riot Act Comedy Theater

Last week, I was scrolling through my timeline and came across a contest for free tickets for a new comedy club called Riot Act that was opening up in DC. I entered to win and was notified a few days later that I'd gotten tickets for their pre-opening night on Wednesday, August 10. Unfortunately, I already had plans by then so I couldn't make it.

Fast forward to the next day, one of my new favorite websites, Venga, had a promotion where they were giving out 50 tickets per day for Riot Act's opening weekend. So I decided to try my luck again. Since I also shared the promotion via Facebook and Twitter I ended up receiving a second tickets for the Saturday 10:30pm performance.

We got there early because you never know what the parking situation is going to look like in the Chinatown/Penn Quarter area, but fortunately we lucked out. The Riot Act Comedy Theater is located at the corner of 8th and E Streets NW.

When we walked in we were warmly greeted by all of the staff and were handed our tickets. They had a bustling bar on the main level with plenty of hi-tops and stools for seating but we decided to head downstairs to check out the showroom to stake our claim to some seats.

There was another bar downstairs that was way less crowded but since we could order in the showroom we decided to just take a seat while they were so plentiful. A host showed us to our table which was on the second row in front of the stage. There was one to the left of the stage but I know how comedians are, so I didn't want to take a chance at getting dragged into the act.

As soon as we were seated our waitress came over, introduced herself and was there to serve us. Our drinks came within 5 minutes and the pulled pork sliders I ordered arrives within 10. How's that for speedy service!

By 10:25 all of the seats were filled, even the other 2 seats at our table. I didn't mind sharing a table because it was a comedy show not some intimate, romantic dinner.

The show began around 10:35 and there were 3 performances, each one equally inappropriate but I love that kind of humor so I laughed the entire time. It started with an MC, Jimmy Meritt, who was absolutely hilarious. Up next was John Betz, Jr who was equally as funny. He even took time out at the end to hawk his comedy DVD that he happily proclaimed "I made myself."

The headliner, Charles Fleischer, came on around 11:30. We he first walked out I didn't know what to expect. He was older and kind of strange looking but after 5 minutes I caught onto his style. During his 45 minute performance, he picked on the 12 people who were seated in the front row, just as I suspected would happen. By the end of the performance he made his way to a keyboard that was on stage and effortlessly made a song out of what each of his "victims" did for a living. He rounded out the performance by also playing the harmonica. I truly was not ready!

Something worth noting, unlike other comedy clubs in the area they didn't require a minimum purchase, so there weren't any people there harassing you throughout the entire show to buy something. So glad they don't operate like that.

Overall, I was impressed with Riot Act. The venue is centrally located, the staff was warm and inviting, the food and drinks were tasty. Usually opening weekends are a little shaky but not at Riot Act. Everyone was professional and on-point. What more could you ask for?

Promotion Alert: When you buy a Riot Act t-shirt, you will get in free for their Tuesday night, Open Mic performances. Not bad!

Some of their upcoming acts include: Todd Rex, Dick Gregory (yes the Dick Gregory), Michael Brooks, and Paul Mooney. For a complete listing and more information, check out their website http://www.riotactcomedy.com/.

I'll definitely be back. Hope to see you there!

Riot Act Comedy
801 E. Street NW
Washington, DC 20004
202.697.4900
Twitter: @riotactcomedy
Facebook: http://facebook.com/riotactdc

Things to Do: Eat•Drink•Go LOCAL

Today, I was looking at LivingSocial's deal for an event called Eat•Drink•Go LOCAL. I'd never heard of it so I decided to take a moment to familiarize myself with it. It's an event held in three locations in Maryland that combines two of my loves, wine and food. The first event will be held in Frederick, MD on July 9.

Today's LivingSocial deal offers over 50% off of the cost of the wine tasting, it's only $7. Get your deal before it expires here.

Below is more information from the Eat•Drink•Go LOCAL website...

Eat•Drink•Go LOCAL Frederick

Join us for a pairing of the best of what the Frederick region has to offer. Browse local produce from regional farmers and enjoy cooking demonstrations -- all the while learning which local wines to pair with local fare.

Ticket Options

Entry into the Eat•Drink•Go LOCAL events is free; attendees can shop the market and enjoy chef cooking demonstrations throughout the day.

For $15, attendees can purchase a TASTING PASS and receive a stemless sampling glass and samples of Maryland Wine. (<-- this is today's LivingSocial deal)

For $25, attendees can purchase a FOOD & WINE PAIRING PASS and receive a stemless sampling glass, samples of Maryland wine, a six bottle carrier (for wine & produce!) and pairings of local ingredients and local wines.

Learn more

Cheers!

Things to Do: Helen Hayes & Ristorante I Ricchi

Just passing this on...

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 7:00-10:00PM
Ristorante I Ricchi, 1220 19th Street, NW

A beautiful summer night on the outdoor piazza at I Ricchi - one of DC's premiere restaurants serving authentic Tuscan and regional Italian cuisine. A sophisticated selection of delicious wines and complimentary hors d'oeuvres to be savored.

A special summer menu in signature I Ricchi style (available for purchase).

Pianist Glenn Pearson setting the scene with his sensational song stylings. All in support of the year round audience building programs and services of the Helen Hayes Awards.

Complimentary Valet service will be provided.
Wine will be sold by the glass at the outdoor wine bar.

Free glass of prosecco! Sign up at I Ricchi to receive a free glass of prosecco upon arrival, as well as other special offers and discounts as part of I Ricchi's VIP Customer Rewards Club.

20% of the proceeds will be donated to the Helen Hayes Awards.

http://www.helenhayes.org

Things to Do: Jack's Boathouse - Kayaking in DC

About a year ago, I came across a deal on Groupon for a twilight kayaking tour at Jack's Boathouse. Since, I'm all about doing random things and trying out all that DC has to offer I bought it.

Last Friday, I grabbed a friend and we headed to Jack's Boathouse. It's literally a shed on the waterfront of Georgetown right under the Key Bridge (the bridge that connects DC to Arlington, VA). But don't let the size of Jack's fool you. They had tons of 1 and 2 person kayaks and canoes available. As suggested on their website, we arrived by 6:30 for the 7:00PM Twilight Tour. We walked up, signed a waiver, were handed our life jackets and were on our way.

We walked to the pier and were given our oars and got into a 2 person kayak instantly, and were pushed off without any type of instruction. I'm not really a scaredy cat and my friend had been kayaking before (or so he said) so next thing I know we were in the middle of the Potomac River. I'll admit the first time I got splashed with the water from the river, I was a little disgusted by I quickly got over it and got used to rowing.

Right at 7, we all met back near the pier and started our tour. The tour went up toward the Watergate Building and The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Next, we had an amazing view of The Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monuments as we took a short break. We made a circle around Roosevelt island where we saw large birds swooping down and even people fishing. Who really fishes in the Potomac River? Yuck!

With about 20 minutes to spare, they gave the group an option of rowing back to shore or continuing on for another 30 minutes. By that time, my hands and arms were sore so we headed back. It was definitely a great work out but with our earlier start plus another 70 minutes of the tour, I was wiped out. All in all it was a great time.

My advice:
* Get there early, to have a chance to get used to rowing, especially if you've never been before
* Bring water, a snack, bug repellent and sun block if you tan/burn easily
* If you bring electronics make sure you keep it in a Ziploc or plastic bag because you and your things will get wet. (I won't not bring your phone, self explanatory)
* Wear a tank top, shorts, and flip flops because you will get wet!

Also, they have a small parking lot (can accommodate maybe 8 or 9 cars) and there's parking on K Street after 6PM, right in front of the Jack's.

Jack's Boathouse
3500 Water St NW
Washington D.C., DC 20007
202.337.9642
http://www.jacksboathouse.com/

Things to Do: Hawthorne Premiere Party

Recently, I was invited to a series of events celebrating the premiere of the third season of TNT's hit show, Hawthorne, featuring Jada Pinkett-Smith. The next event is scheduled for Tuesday, June 14, and of course I had to share it with you. See below for the details and to RSVP.

You are cordially invited to the Washington, DC Metropolitan area HAWTHORNE Watch Party!

Hosted by: April Watts, http://www.whwrocks.com/

This exciting and casual evening will be featuring a showing of the Season 3 premiere episode of TNT's hit drama series, HAWTHORNE. Guest will also enjoy free cocktails, wine, light tapas and giveaways! A videographer and photographer will be present to capture this fun and engaging event!

To RSVP, contact Alisa Reese at reesehomes@gmail.com. Please let her know you found out about the premiere party through "She's Savvy". Hope to see you there!