Hello Everyone,

Spring is here and not a moment too soon. Washington DC is a great place to be in the Springtime. So venture out and forget this last Winter on Steroids that we’ve had. Here once again is the Small Friendly Planet list of things to do this month in our city.

LUPUS DC WALK 2010
Please come and support those with Lupus on Saturday, April 17, 2010 In Washington DC. For more info visit http://lupusgw.kintera.org/dcwalk2010/tricia?faf=1&e=3292946855
For more information on this devastating disease here is a link http://miraclesnutrients.com/2010/01/08/the-4-11-on-lupus/

1. FEATURED EVENT: Earth Day Film and Reception – IMPACT MAN
2. DOING GOOD: Rotary Tango Gala
3. Member in Focus: Brian Uher, Amicus Consulting Services
4. Textile Museum Hapi Hapi Hour
5. Caetano Veloso – Pre Concert Happy Hour
6. Filmfest DC Opening Night
7. Washington Wine Academy (WWA) 1-Hour Wine School
8. Journey to the Center of Artomatic
9. Silent Weekend Meditation Retreat with Hugh Byrne
10. Green Rush Scavenger Hunt
11. Festival Imagé short film screenings
12. Woolly’s 2010 Gala

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Cherry Blossom Festival
The National Cherry Blossom Festival is an annual two-week event that celebrates springtime in Washington, DC as well as the 1912 gift of the cherry blossom trees and the enduring friendship between the people of the United States and Japan. The National Cherry Blossom Festival, Inc. is the not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization that coordinates, produces, and supports creative and diverse activities promoting traditional and contemporary arts and culture, natural beauty and the environment, and community spirit and youth education. http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/cms/index.php?id=408

1. FEATURED EVENT: Earth Day Film and Reception – IMPACT MAN
When: Thursday April 22, 6:30pm
Where: AED Globe Theatre, 1927 Florida Avenue NW , Washington DC
Cost: $15
More Info: http://dcfilminstitute.org/INVITE/main.php

Join the Washington Film Institute for the screening of Impact Man followed by a reception. Author Colin Beavan, in research for his next book, began the No Impact Project. A newly self-proclaimed environmentalist who could no long avoid pointing the finger at himself, Colin leaves behind his liberal complacency for a vow to make as little environmental impact as possible for one year. No more automated transportation, no more electricity, no more non-local food, no more material consumption…no problem. That is, until his espresso guzzling, retail-worshipping wife Michelle and their two year-old daughter are dragged into the fray. Laura Gabbert and Justin Schein’s film provides a front row seat into the experiment that became a national fascination and media sensation as well as an intriguing inside look at the familial strains and strengthened bonds that result from Colin’s and Michelle’s struggle with their radical lifestyle change.

2. DOING GOOD: Rotary Tango Gala
When: Saturday, April 3, 6pm – midnight
Where: Hyatt Regency Hotel, Reston Town Center
1800 Presidents St, Reston VA
Cost: $100
More Info: http://www.herndonrotary.org/

Dance to the seductive sounds of the Pan-American Symphony Orchestra conducted by Sergio Buslje. Professional tango dancers and tango dance instructors will demonstrate the art of tango dancing at 2-floor dance areas. Take a break from dancing by enjoying a 3-course gourmet dinner with Argentine complementary wine and cash bar. Dust off your tux and best evening gown optional. The Tango Gala is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Herndon, one of the largest service club, where, since 1939, business and professional men and women have partnered to support scholarship, opportunity and community service in the greater Herndon area. This year Tango Gala will also provide support to build the roof of a new Argentinean school for low income students, located in Mar del Plata, Argentina.

3. MEMBER IN FOCUS
Read online interview with SFP Member in Focus Brian Uher, Amicus Consulting Services. A Very Cool Person – Find Out Why! Access interview at www.smallfriendlyplanet.org

SFP Editor: What has been the most rewarding about consulting on environmentally safe building?

Brian Uher: Seeing a solution work, actually solving the challenge and seeing the client actually experience the relief and happiness they were looking for…you can’t buy that, you have to earn it.

4. Textile Museum Hapi Hapi Hour
When: Friday, April 9, 6-9pm
Where: 2320 S Street, NW, Washington, DC
Cost: $10
More Info: http://www.textilemuseum.org/

Enjoy a special “hapi” hour at The Textile Museum, Japanese style, just in time for the closing weekend of Contemporary Japanese Fashion: The Mary Baskett Collection. Unwind in lantern-lit gardens with a live band, The Four Horsemen, and enjoy music in the galleries by DJ Robin Bell. Purchase Japanese treats at a sushi/sake bar by FoodArts, and take gallery tours led by WE ARE SCIENCE. Play Harajuku Bingo to win fabulous prizes! Don your best fashionably casual look and join us for an unforgettable evening. Registration fee includes two drink tickets/members; one drink ticket/non-members.

5. Caetano Veloso – Pre Concert Happy Hour
When: Saturday, April 10, 6pm
Where: Old Quigley’s Pharmacy, 2036 G Street NW, Washington, DC
Cost: $75 (performance)

Join DC-Brasilia Partners for a spectacular evening with legendary Brazilian performer Caetano Veloso on at GW’s Lisner Auditorium. Tickets can be purchased at Lisner web site (http://www.lisner.org/). Caetano’s music has evolved greatly over the years, incorporating elements of rock, reggae, fado, tango, samba canao, baiao and rap— Caetano’s music is sometimes traditional, sometimes contemporary, often hybrid. Before the show, join DC Brasilia Partners for a quick or leisurely bite at TONIC Restaurant. Choose from an array of sandwiches, salads, pizzas, burgers and appetizers to help give you the necessary boost of energy to ensure you’ll enjoy the rest of the evening!

6. Filmfest DC Opening Night
When: Thursday, April 15, 7pm
Where: AMC Mazza Gallerie
5300 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Washington, DC
Cost: $40
More Info: http://www.filmfestdc.org/

The Filmfest DC Opening Night Gala will take place with a party immediately following a screening at the Gallerie Atrium. There will be live music, dancing, food and Champagne. Plans are underway for a festive, entertaining and memorable evening! Our opening night film premiere will be Hipsters, a vibrant musical from Russia, which takes place in the 50s. Hipsters has been described as Swing Kids meets Hairspray, bursting with razzle, dazzle and rhythm. The music and the dancing in the film is spectacular, beautifully and intricately choreographed, and bursting with color. Hipsters has been collecting prizes at film festivals worldwide, including the prize for best film at the Russian Nika Awards (equivalent to our Academy Awards).

7. Washington Wine Academy (WWA) 1-Hour Wine School
When: Thursday, April 15, 6:30 – 7:30pm
Where: Washington Wine Academy Education Center
1201 South Eads, Suite 400, Crystal City/Arlington, VA
Cost: $20.50
More Info: http://www.washingtonwineacademy.org

WWA’s 1-Hour Wine School” is a great way to learn about a wine region, grape varietal, or specialty subject…in just one short hour! This is an easy approach to “pick and choose” and target specific topics of interest…and convenient for your busy lifestyle! You will learn from a Washington Wine Academy educator using video display presentations, and you will taste six wines.

8. Journey to the Center of Artomatic
When: Friday, April 16, 7pm
Where: George Washington University’s Media and Public Affairs
Building Lower Level Auditorium (B-07)
805 21st Street, NW (corner of 21st and H Streets
Washington, DC
More Info: http://www.artomaticvoyage.com/about.html

“Journey to the Center of Artomatic” tells the story of how Artomatic began and why it’s important that cities from San Diego, to Denver to Tampa start their own Artomatic events. In 1999 a group of artists began their own journey. Much like the 10-year voyage of Ulysses, this journey brought these artists both challenges and uncertainty. Their quest? Show their art to the public. The artists’ work created Artomatic, a free art festival in Washington, D.C. The first Aromatic, held in an abandoned Laundromat housed about 350 artists. In 2009 over 1,500 artists at Artomatic showed their art under the roof of a nine-story skyscraper.

9. Silent Weekend Meditation Retreat with Hugh Byrne
When: Friday, April 16-Sunday, April 18
Where: Am Kolel Sanctuary Retreat & Renewal Center
19520 Darnestown Road, Beallsville, MD 20839- 3308
Cost: Sliding Scale: Room & Meals: $300 – $245 Camping
or Commuting (Meals included): $230 – $185
More Info: http://www.facebook.com/l/48287;www.sanctuaryretreatcenter.com

The practice of mindfulness—bringing a conscious, non-judging awareness to our own present experience—is at the heart of the Buddha’s teachings of liberation. During this weekend retreat, participants will cultivate mindfulness and loving-kindness as a path to joy, inner peace and connection to our natural wisdom and compassion. Silence will be maintained, except during question/answer periods and interviews, to help participants discover a sense of stillness and deep listening.

10. Green Rush Scavenger Hunt
When: Saturday, April 17, 2pm
Where: The kick-off at the Green in the Circle Festival
Dupont Circle, Washington, DC
Cost: Live Green members – $20 / Non-members can – $25
More Info: http://livegreen.net/?access=events

In commemoration of the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day, Live Green invites you to an action-packed, fun-filled scavenger hunt where you will race against the clock to explore DC’s most eco-friendly spots. Teams of 2 – 5 people will have 3 hours to explore hidden treasures, solve puzzles, complete challenges, collect clues and sample food to earn as many points as possible. The team with the most points wins the grand prize of $1,000! What are you waiting for? Gather up your team and GO FOR THE GREEN!

11. Festival Imagé short film screenings
When: Thursday, April 22, 7pm – 9pm
Where: Letelier Theater
3251 Prospect Street, NW Washington, DC
Cost: $100
More Info: http://www.francedc.org

Festival Imagé is a new comics and animation festival, presented by the Alliance Française de Washington and the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA). Animated films from SUPINFOCOM (one of the most famous French animation schools) and students of MICA will be presented together in a celebration of short animated film.

12. Woolly’s 2010 Gala
When: Saturday, April 24, 6pm
Where: Mandarin Oriental, 1330 Maryland Ave, SW, Washington, DC
Cost: $100
More Info: http://www.woollymammoth.net/

Best of Live is a unique raffle opportunity—100 tickets sold at $100 each—with the lucky winner receiving their choice of prize from the Live Auction offerings at the 2010 Woolly Mammoth Spring Benefit Bash. Raffle prizes include a European Getaway (round-trip American Airlines business-class tickets and accomondations for two at the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park); A Year of Washington Sports, including pairs of tickets to see the Redskins, Nationals, Wizards, Capitals, Kastles, and DC United in action, plus the Legg Mason Tennis Classic; and Time After Time, a Tag Heuer watch for her and a Laco Abacus rollerball watch for him. Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company was founded in Washington DC in 1980 and serves an essential `Research and Development’ role within the American theatre and plays premiered here have gone on to productions at more than 200 theatres in 39 states and 12 countries.

Do make an effort to visit the Textile Museum it is truly amazing, and do not forget to have your hair done at Miracles this Spring. Here is the link to our Specials page.

“If winning isn’t everything, why do they keep score?”
VINCE LOMBARDI

Hello Everyone,

I had a blast watching the Golden Globes the other day; always curious to see the celebrity hairstyles on the red carpet. It is SO much fun predicting the winners and listening to their acceptance speech once they DO win. Winning and being #1 is a favorite subject with me. You see, my passion in life is to coach and motivate.  I do it all day long…with my children; my staff; my clients;  friends. With the Super Bowl coming up next month, I thought to share with you what Vince Lombardi (the greatest coach)  said it took to be #1:

-A formula for a great team is simplicity and execution
-Truth in character
-Excellence, challenge your self to endure and excel
-To have results you need : EFFORT
-Passion, give it all you got
-Habit
-Mental toughness
-Discipline
-Humility

As I watched the artists win their awards, paying  careful attention to the clothing and hair, I could not help but LAUGH at how our society thinks.

Mo'Nique and her natural goddess legs!

Mo”Nique was accepting an award for Precious, and as she was raising awareness about sexually abused victims, the commentators were making fun of her HAIRY LEGS. How shallow can we get? I don’t care if she has hairy legs, that woman is my hero. You go girl! I also loved the Crazy Heart movie and the song by Ryan Bingham.
The hairstyles were fantastic, I call it : Classic with Retro thrown in the mix. The men seemed to have a bit of a five o clock shadow, which I think is  SO  sexy. Here are my favorite hairstyle looks from the Globes;  Simple, Classic, Elegant.

I can go on and on about what is a winner. In the end, what really matters is what YOU think a winner is. To each one  of us , the definition changes. Sometimes, as we mature, it even takes a lesser place . We can judge a movie, a hairstyle, a dress, a song, a man . I tend to agree with Coach Lombardi : A WINNER  is some one with a lot of HEAD and a lot of HEART….

Go…. COLTS !

Her new cut....ROCKS!

This is a fall attached to a high ponytail...a winner!

Retro simple headband in black satin

Classic loose curls...Timeless

Can 5 o clock shadow get any sexier?

-curls

-body waves

-finger waves

-big barrel curling irons

-ceramic flat irons

-ionic blow dryers

-sulfate free hair products

-brown hair colors

-hair razor short hairstyles

-brown hair with highlights

-Brazilian Keratin Treatments

-eyebrow threading

-short bob with bangs

-messy updo’s

-long hair with loose curls

-hair vitamins

-hair gloss

Hello Everyone,

I wish you a New year filled with

Love,  heath and success.

2010 will be a year that will bring  us together.  Put aside concerns about the economy, the war, the Salahi’s, and even Joe Biden’s bad hair.  I say you get a trendy stylish new haircut;  buy one of those curling irons; look at yourself in the mirror;

SMILE….and say out loud ……..BRING ON 2010!

The Photograph in my post is the work of an artist in Paris that I hold in high esteem. His name is Kamel Lahmadi and he has one of the best sites in the entire world called Style and The City. The site is about Paris street fashion and it is DIVINE. Thank you Kamel, and I wish you continued success mon ami.

” Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence.”
ARISTOTLE

Hello Everyone,
I hope that you all had a wonderful holiday and I wish you joy for the coming new year. My Christmas was nice, peaceful and blessed.

Happiness, and the pursuit of happiness, is what I want to write about today.I went ahead and answered what happiness means to Aristotle, but, alas, we are not all great philosophers, just regular ordinary folks trying to have the best life that we can.The idea for this article came to me yesterday as I was dragged out of my warm, cozy home, by my daughter Voula, to go shopping in Georgetown. “Come on mom, lets hit the Sales.” OH BOY…I should have said:” No,I want to work on my blog,” but…..off we went on the pursuit of happiness… by credit card.

What can I tell you? It was a zoo, frantic people trying to purchase last season jackets for half the price. I lasted about an hour and then excused myself to go get a sandwich and a glass of wine at The Daily Grill next door. Jimmy, my favorite bartender, was there and I settled in at the bar to read the Post. I happened upon an article by Kevin Huffman in the editorial section that was quite interesting to me. It was about happiness and a poll in Science Magazine on how to correctly assess and rate of our happiness level. Supposedly, people that live in states with low crime rates, access to green spaces, nice weather and low cost of living….are much happier people. It also stated how we rate our own happiness…..here it is:

“When people say they are happy, they probably are.”

I asked Jimmy, the bartender, what his idea of happiness was, and, as always, if you want great advice:ask a bartender OR a hairdresser! Jimmy said that it’s EXPECTATIONS or NO EXPECTATIONS that makes his life happy. “No use in setting yourself up to fail or be upset,” he said. “I take everything in stride.” I smiled and told him that I agree. Eventually, my daughter came with loads of shopping bags….looking very happy. Then it hit me…the expectations idea. My daughter did not want to go shopping EXPECTING to get happy….she… WAS HAPPY! My kid knew it all along that her life is meant to be lived and not dissected by me or society. We are reminded every day of life’s hardships and downfalls……I say we go shopping.

2010 promises to be a good year, I can feel it. Call me a dreamer if you want………I plan on celebrating this New Year.

My new dress from Arden B – Sale

My new makeup NARS Cosmetics

My fave hair products Large selection of Bumble and Bumble Hair Care at Folica.com. Free Shipping & Free Gift Today!
Happy and Joyous New Year to all.
UPDATE: If you are looking for Valentines day gift ideas, please visit our Miracles specials page HERE

Hello Everyone,

It has been a Wild Spring in the salon, clients have been coming in and the long hair cuts just dont work any more. I hear it all day long “what should I do with my hair ? ” That is not an easy one to answer, not because we hair stylists do not have ideas, trust me we do, its because the new look should be easy for you to do at home AND make you look good . So I have compiled a list of the most popular hair cuts and styles for this season. If you are thinking of a new spring makeover , I do hope this list will help:

HOT HAIR TRENDS

1. SHORT HAIR CUTS as in a crop with simple lines, tons of texture, and a long side fringe to add interest and spunk. Keep in mind that a short crop can be changed from tom boy straight to curly and wavy by just using a bit of gel or pomade. A few well placed foils around the fringe to add dimension to the new cut should do the trick. A good haircut should’nt break the bank, and at Miracles Salon we strive for value AND style.

2. SHORT LAYERED BOBS Think of a page boy bob but with tons of razor cutting in the back/sides and a bit of a soft wave around the face. Clean fundamental lines infused with the fluid razor strokes. A pastel or ice brown color gloss makes this hair cut free spirited and perfect for warm weather. We have also been doing a rich dark red color base with cinnamon and honey high and low lights that is out of this world delicious. What is also DELICIOUS is the price for womens haircuts….$30. The price DOES include the blowdry ladies.

3. MULTIDIMENTIONAL COLOR The Colorista’s in the salon have been going crazy with this seasons latest trends:The Spring Collection haircolor is multidimentional, richer, based on the colors of nature herself-chestnuts ,auburns, caramels, brandys,and cool blondes to awaken the senses. We have developed a process to do everything at once: color the base, lowlights and highlights which not only saves time but saves the hair from dryness and double processing. Miracles is having a Spring Special Coupon which you can access from www.miraclesinthecity.com/beauty-product-coupon.html

4. NATURAL TEXTURES As in lovable mop tops, are huge with men’s haircuts this season, especially the well groomed kind. The inspiration comes from the urban music scene AND the techno savy hipsters in our town. Our men haircuts start at $20…..cutting edge WITHOUT the attitude.

5. CHIC CHIGNONS As an attempt to escape todays abysmal economy, Stylista’s are going back in time and creating chic chignons from the 1920’s and 1930’s era. The updos are classic and yet with shades of the extreme: Boxy, rolls, embellished and a little bit of “I have a hangover from last night” . We…at the salon call it :mixed media updo. A Very fresh look for Proms.

Well thats about it for Spring Hair: Cut it short, add a fringe, enhance the color and dont be afraid to evolve and change. Remember that beauty is skin deep and hair DOES GROW BACK ! Visit us at Miracles Salon soon. We are located at 1501 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, Virginia, 22209. Or call to schedule your appointment 703-516-9800 www.miraclesinthecity.com You can also read our awesome reviews at www.yelp.com

Hi, Voula Here:

This seasons clothing styles for women are sophisticated and come in elegant jewel tones. Shades of gray are also popular and of course, black is always fashionable. The trends of today are a nod toward yesterday, inspired by classic feminine looks. It’s all about the waist this season. Think about belts and ways to elongate the torso (a better bra, lower cut pants, separates).

Our high-tech information culture is reflected in the smart, efficient look of the clothes. Women of today are busy and powerful but not willing to give up their identity as women. No longer do they have to imitate men to be taken seriously.

In the past few years, power-suits for women have been popular. The suits, worn with a man shirt, have been tailored to the woman’s body, but mimicked men. These suits said “don’t mind me, “I’m just like the boys.” Times have changed. Office wear for women dares to be feminine now. A soft, lacy blouse with a pencil skirt is the new ‘power-wear,’ a style that says “No, I am definitely a woman, but what difference does that make?”

Women’s suits are still here, probably for good, but they have become more feminine. Suits pair lace with pinstripe and tweed with ruffles. The waists have been cinched in on these as well and this is important for any body type because every woman needs a shape.

Dresses have become popular once again. They are comfortable, loose-fitting and feature the classic a-line. A dress with a bag, belt and tights is all there is to it. The beauty of this look is simplicity. Pull the dress over your head, add an accessory or two and go about your business.

The boot cut jean is always in style. Invest in a designer pair that you can have tailored to fit your body. Since denim is durable and versatile, it is worth the expense. If you have generous hips, you will want to avoid the a-lines and flared jeans, opting for straight lines instead.

Totes are still in, but so is the clutch purse. The clutch is not just an evening thing; it has gone casual, accompanying women to lunch with the girls, church, a date and other social occasions. The slightly over-sized purse still works though, and you can ditch the bag lady look by letting it play the role of briefcase and handbag.

Tights have returned this year, in solid black or pattern, but you want to be careful. Stick with subtle patterns or solids, since you don’t want to look gaudy. Shop Our Huge Selection Of Hosiery and Stockings Today! StockingDepot.Com Shoes with a pointed toe elongate the legs. What would fashion be without boots? Check out Chinese Laundry for their cute over the knee boots! They can work with a skirt, whether they are ankle length or even knee boots. Pendants are still in, and they are getting bigger by the minute. Cuff bracelets and bangles dress up and down. Discover Your Signature Style! Shop Our Oriental Accessories Now at GoodOrient.com!

Shop now for a wardrobe so you can look great for less. Remember that the well- stocked wardrobe is just basics. It’s better to spend your whole budget on a little black dress and a good coat than to make it stretch for a bunch of cheap things. Think of spots you want to accentuate and let your body type dictate which fashions you wear. Experience everything mod at Ben Sherman -Start Shopping Now!

Hi, Voula Here:

They always look so polished and perfect as they prance down the catwalk. Of course, they have the best makeup artists, photographers and beauty consultants in the world. We’re not all privy to such expertise but there are still some beauty tips we can glean from the fashion models of the world. Here’s a few beauty tips fashion models use to maintain their competitive edge:

Eliminate bags under the eyes.

Bags under your eyes can make you look tired and can age you by ten years. One fashion model beauty tip for eliminating these bags is to apply a bit of hemorrhoid cream such as Preparation H under the eyes. Hemorrhoid cream helps to draw some of the fluid out from beneath the eyes, reducing the appearance of under eye bags. Be aware that the company that manufactures Preparation H doesn’t recommend using their product under the eyes, although they couldn’t give a reason why it would be harmful. Many models swear by this product.

Give your skin a fresh glow.

Give your skin a fresh, youthful glow by exfoliating gently with a facial buffing pad. This is a beauty tip used by many fashion models before they go onto the runway. Makeup goes on much smoother when the dead skin cells have been removed and new, fresh skin has been exposed. Just be sure to use gentle buffing action, otherwise you could abrade the skin surface. Avoid exfoliating around the eye region. Mario Badescu’s line of products are the Best skin care products in the market, melasma remover, hyperpigmentation, whitening skin, skin renovation, sun damages repair are some of the items he makes.

Make your eyes look bigger.

Tyra Banks reveals that one of the best ways to make your eyes appear larger is to use white eyeliner to open up the eyes. Another supermodel beauty tip for making your eyes appear larger is to curl your eyelashes using an eyelash curler. Heidi Klum is a big proponent of this technique.

Keep your skin moist and glowing naturally.

Cindy Crawford uses an equal part mixture of milk and water in a spritzer bottle to keep her skin moisturized and glowing throughout the day.

What to do with a pimple.

Here are two fashion model beauty tips for dealing with pimples. One trick used by fashion models is to apply a dab of toothpaste to the pimple to help them heal more quickly. If you don’t have time to wait for healing, some fashion models actually use an eye pencil or liner to darken the blemish and transform it into a beauty mark in the fashion of Cindy Crawford.

As you can see, the fashion models who can afford the best often use very simple beauty tips and remedies to bring their best face forward. Why not give some of fashion model beauty tips a try?

Hi, Voula Here:

I sat at my desk at work, took a sip of my latté and opened up the Washington Post a couple of days ago. I think I may have shrieked and got some stares. There was an article about one of my friends, Rusi, aka Ruslan Kogan to the world.

Saying goodbye to Ruslan was very hard for me. We had grown so close and now it was time to say goodbye. He was off to Australia, where he would complete the rest of his degree. That was the last hug I gave Rusi, and haven’t seen him since. I hear stories from friends, check out his facebook page ever so often and when I’m lucky, we send correspondance back and forth. Unfortunately, we have always been bad at keeping in constant contact.

I always recognized his natural entrepreneurial talents, it was easy to spot. At the time, he was working for GE, his position escapes my mind. So, it was by no shock or surprise to read about him in the Washington Post, even though he was thousands of miles away in Melbourne, Australia. Congratulations Rusi!

The T-Mobile G1 is the first phone in the market to use the Android platform, released in October. The second Android phone is to be release the end of January by Kogan. The Agora and Agora Pro are more favorable, in my opinion. A contract with a particular provider is not necessary. Just purchase, plug in your SIM card, and your good to go. It also helps that Kogan’s phones are significantly cheaper than the G1.

WASHINGTON POST ARTICLE:

Daniel Ionescu

Friday, December 5, 2008

The world’s second Google phone, based on the Android mobile operating system, is set to launch at the end of January. Manufactured under the Australian Kogan brand, the phone will come in two flavors, for $225 or $295.

The Agora and Agora Pro models are both available for pre-sale now on Kogan’s website http://www.kogan.com.au and are sold SIM-free – that is without a contract or network locking. If your wireless carrier is AT&T or T-Mobile, then you can snap the Kogan Android up January 29 when the units officially go on sale. Check with your carrier first, but migrating to the Agora should be as easy as swapping out the SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card in your existing handset with the Agora – no need to renew your contract or pay any extra fees.

The Agora Pro is the more powerful out of the two models available and features a 2.5″ touch screen and an integrated QWERTY keyboard. On the Agora Pro you can browse the Internet and check your email via the phone’s 3G connection or via Wi-Fi. The phone also has GPS navigation and features a 2-megapixel camera on the back.

Kogan Agora is the less powerful brother and lacks Agora Pro’s extras such as GPS, Wi-Fi and the camera, but comes in cheaper at $225 (including US delivery) in comparison to $295 for the Agora Pro. Both models come with only 256MB of on board memory, but this can be extended via the phone’s microSD card slots.

Weighing at 130 grams, both models also bring Bluetooth connectivity and FM radio. Kogan also says that the phone’s talk time is up to 400 minutes while the standby time is of 300 hours. MiniUSB is used for charging and connecting to PCs.

Kogan Technologies is an Australian based, online-only enterprise, and was founded two years ago by Ruslan Kogan. Kogan manufacturers all its products in China and aims at selling online high-quality electronics cheaply. Kogan also sells LCD TVs, Blu-Ray players, video cameras and now – mobile phone.

Hi, Voula here:

December has finally arrived! The crisp days and cold, cold nights of hot chocolate and red wine by the fire are here; And those visions of sugarplums dance in my head. Road rage, shopping madness and holiday parties have are here ladies and gentlemen!

As promised, here is a list of some fun events to do around the city with your partner and/or loved ones this holiday season. This great list of events (compiled by www.smallfriendlyplanet.org) are sure to put you in that great holiday spirit we sometimes forget.

1. FEATURED EVENT: 30th Annual Logan Circle Holiday House Tour
2. DOING GOOD: OAR Project Christmas Angel
3. Member In Focus: Drew Potterfield, Long View Gallery Manager
4. Yoga for Good
5. Mount Vernon by Candlelight
6. Parade of Lighted Boats
7. Date Night at ZooLights
8. Washington Area Bicyclist Association Holiday Party
9. Holiday Embassy Series Event: Denmark
10. Let’s Dance! Movie Screening
11. Grands Vins: ChampagneBlanc de Blancs
12. National Symphony Orchestra: Handel’s Messiah
13. A Special “It’s A Wonderful Life” Screening
14. 3rd Annual Rock for Kids Benefit
15. Washington Symphonic Brass Holiday Celebration

1. FEATURED EVENT: 30th Annual Logan Circle Holiday House Tour
When: Sunday, December 7, 1-5pm
Where: Logan Circle neighborhood in Washington, DC
Cost: $15 in advance through LCCA’s website
More Info: www.LoganCircle.org

The Logan Circle Community Association (LCCA)invites DC area
residents and visitors to attend the 30th Annual Logan Circle Holiday
House Tour, a self-guided tour of Logan Circle homes which concludes
with a Wassail reception hosted at the Long View Gallery, 1302 9th
Street, NW from 3 – 5:30pm the day of the tour, featuring raffle
prizes from local merchants. This year the tour will include eleven
properties in the Logan Circle neighborhood with an emphasis on East
Logan. As always, the properties offer a variety of architectural
styles ranging from contemporary to Victorian. Seven stops on the
tour are located within or lead to the alleyways of the Blagden
Alley/Naylor Court Historic District. The alleys were once a
labyrinth of dwellings, stables, and trades workshops and were once
considered the city’s underbelly. View last year’s tour: http://tinyurl.com/LoganCircleHouseTour2008

2. DOING GOOD: OAR Project Christmas Angel
When: Thursday, December 18, 6:30-8pm
Where: St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church
4000 Lorcom Lane, Arlington, VA
More Info: www.arlingtonredcross.org/clubred/calendar.html

Club Red will help OAR (Offender Aid and Restoration) with Project
Christmas Angel, an event to provide holiday gifts to children of
incarcerated parents. During the event, members will select and wrap
presents for the kids. Volunteers are encouraged to bring donations
of toys or gift cards. Club Red is a group of volunteers in their 20s
and 30s benefiting the American Red Cross by assisting in fundraising
for local, national, and international causes, providing volunteer
services to the community, and facilitating social networking and
educational advancement.

3. MEMBER IN FOCUS
Read online interview with SFP Member in Focus Drew Potterfield,
manager of the Long View Gallery. A Very Cool Person – Find Out Why!
Access interview at www.smallfriendlyplanet.org

SFP Editor: What about the Long View Gallery is unique to the DC
gallery scene?

Drew Potterfield: I think our commitment to supporting the local art
scene is one of Long View Gallery’s most unique qualities. By
focusing on supporting artists living in and around DC, we feel we
are investing in our community. Additionally, we feel the subject
matter of the majority of our artists is different from the usual DC
gallery scene. We work almost exclusively with figurative artists,
steering clear of the ever popular abstract pieces that
hang on many DC gallery walls.

4. Yoga for Good
When: Friday, December 5, 6-7:15pm
Where: Sun & Moon Yoga Studio
3811 Lee Highway Arlington, VA
More Info: www.yogasetfree.com/seva.html

On the first Friday of each month at Yoga for Good, you can
practice yoga, promote awareness, and raise funds for a variety of
very important causes. Each month experience an all-levels, donations-
only class taught by a different teacher. All donations will go to
the charity selected by the teacher for that month. Sun & Moon Yoga
Studio is generously donating the space to hold these classes. On the
first Friday of December, donations — in the form of money or
nonperishable food items — will go directly to AFAC, which supplies
supplemental groceries to Arlingtonians who cannot afford to purchase
all the food they need.

5. Mount Vernon by Candlelight
When: December 5-7 and 12-14, 5-8pm
Where: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon, VA
Cost: $18 for adults, $12 for youth.
More Info: http://visit.mountvernon.org/special_events.cfm

Join “Mrs. Washington” and other figures from the 18th century as
they host an enchanting evening with a newly formatted candlelight
tour of the first and second floors! Experience a traditional
Christmas evening as lantern-lit lanes, hot cider, and ginger cookies
recall the charm of days gone by, while caroling around a roaring
fire and early-American music bring merry melody to the holiday
season. Mount Vernon’s modern buildings include events like live
music, themed Christmas trees, a Mount Vernon gingerbread house, and
the opportunity for holiday shopping.

6. Parade of Lighted Boats
When: Saturday, December 6
Where: Alexandria Harbor in Virginia
More Info: http://visitalexandriava.com/

The Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights is a weekend of holiday
fun in Old Town Alexandria where dozens of festively decorated
pleasure boats will light up the sky along the Potomac River during
the Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights. The parade begins at
Alexandria’s waterfront and culminates at Washington Harbour in
Georgetown. 4-6pm: Festivities on the docks at the Alexandria
Waterfront (music and entertainment), 5pm: Parade starts at the
Washington Channel, Water St. off of Maine Avenue, Washington, DC,
6-7pm: Parade at Alexandria Waterfront.

7. Date Night at ZooLights
When: Saturday, December 6, 5:30-8:30pm
Where: The National Zoo, 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW
Cost: FONZ members: $30 per couple, Nonmembers: $40 per couple
More Info: http://nationalzoo.si.edu/

The Zoo and Rosenthal Jaguar/Land Rover introduce Date Night during
ZooLights, the National Zoo’s annual winter celebration. Bring your
sweetheart to ZooLights for a fun and romantic evening! Your tickets
include two passes to ZooLights, delicious treats including hot
chocolate and gingerbread cookies, and a cuddly plush animal gift.
Plus, you can enter to win a weekend lease of a Jaguar, courtesy of
Rosenthal Jaguar/Land Rover. Don’t miss your chance to meander
through the Zoo when it is covered with thousands of sparkling
lights, attend special keeper talks, and enjoy live entertainment.

8. Washington Area Bicyclist Association Holiday Party
When: Wednesday, December 10, 5-8pm
Where: 1803 Connecticut Ave. NW 3rd Floor, Washington, DC
More Info: http://www.waba.org/index.php

Bring yourself and a friend to WABA’s Holiday Party and get to know
the DC area cycling community a little better, make new friends, and
meet the WABA staff. Light hors d’oeuvres will be served, but feel
free to contribute to the celebration and bring other holiday treats.
The mission of the Washington Area Bicyclist Association is to create
a healthy, more livable region by promoting bicycling for fun,
fitness, and affordable transportation; advocating for better
bicycling conditions and transportation choices for a healthier
environment, and educating children, adults, and motorists about safe
bicycling.

9. Holiday Embassy Series Event: Denmark
When: Thursday, December 11, 6:30-8:30pm
Where: Embassy of Denmark, 3200 Whitehaven St., NW, Washington, DC
More Info: https://www.worldaffairsdc.org/wac/events/upcoming

The World Affairs Council’s Embassy Series continues with a very
special evening for member’s only hosted by the Ambassador of
Denmark, H.E. Fries Arne Petersen at the Ambassadorial Residence of
Denmark. The World Affairs Council hosts monthly events for its
diverse membership, which consists of professionals in business,
academia, government, diplomacy, and other non-governmental
organizations, as well as young professionals, educators, students,
and all those interested in the issues facing the international
community. Events – including the Embassy Series, Distinguished
Speaker Series, Meet the Ambassadors Series, Town Hall Meetings,
Author Series, Young Professional Events, and Foreign Policy forums-
feature prominent international experts, diplomats, authors, and
other distinguished speakers. Non-members are welcome to attend most
events.

10. Let’s Dance! Movie Screening & Closing Party
When: Sunday, December 14, 7pm
Where: Aaron & Cecile Goldman Theater, 1529 16th Street, NW
Cost: $10
More Info: http://www.wjff.org/

As part of the 19th Annual Washington Jewish Film Festival, Let’s
Dance was nominated for 2008 Cesar Awards of France for Best Actor,
Best Supporting Actress and Best Music Written for Film. Eighty-year-
old Salomon Blinks (Jean-Pierre Murielle) lost his family in the
Holocaust, but has worked throughout his life to maintain his joie de
vivre. He refuses to surrender to his age and spends his days dodging
funeral obligations of friends, taking tap dancing lessons inspired
by his favorite actor Fred Astaire and dating a much younger woman,
the charming but insecure Violate (Sabine Abeam). He also visits
Genevieve (Bulled Osier), his ex-wife of 25 years who is disappearing
into the final stages of dementia, attended to by her devoted
caregiver Mr. Mootoosamy (Bakary Sangare). Genevieve has developed
the bad habit of giving away all her money to strangers. Through all
of these emotional intersections, Salomon and Genevieves’s 40-
something daughter Sarah (Valeria Bruni-Tedeschi) is still trying to
figure out her parents, her marriage and her own life. The
captivating characters refuse to surrender to self-pity as the jam-
packed script moves along with insight, compassion and humor to a
musical score by jazz great Artie Shepp. Closing night party to
follow the screening.

11. Grands Vins: Champagne Blanc de Blancs
When: Tuesday, December 16, 6:30-8pm
Where: 806 15th St. NW Washington, DC
Cost: $85 members, $99 non-members
More Info: http://www.frenchwinesociety.org

Discover through this “Grands Vins Series” tasting seminar 10+ great
expressions of Champagne Blanc de Blancs and learn how to understand
and describe their identity. This tasting seminar will be led by
Hugues Mialhe, Oenologist and Education Programs Coordinator for the
French Wine Society. It will include a tasting of 10 Blanc de Blancs
champagnes, ranging from non vintage to vintage and prestige cuvees.
For more than 270 years, Champagne have been the precious sparkling
guests of the good tables all over the world. Do you know that almost
15 000 owners grow around 74 000 acres of noble grapes aimed to
create these fine nectars. The varietals used in Champagne, either
single vinified or blended, are essentially red-skinned Pinot Noir
and Pinot Meunier, and famous white Chardonnay, plus rare white Pinot
Blanc, Arbane and Petit Meslier. The wines of Champagne can be as
diverse as white and rosé, brut nature to sweet, years-blended or
vintage.

12. National Symphony Orchestra: Handel’s Messiah
When: December, 18-21
Where: 2700 F Street, NW Washington, DC
Cost: $20 – $80
More Info: http://www.kennedy-center.org/

Get in the holiday spirit with Handel’s epic masterpiece, performed
each year with a fresh perspective by the NSO and acclaimed guest
artists. Born in Halle, Germany, in 1685, George Handel was one of
the greatest composers of the late baroque period (1700-1750).
In 1742, Messiah was first performed in Dublin. Since then Messiah,
which did more than any other single work to establish the great
English oratorio tradition, has been the most widely beloved specimen
of its genre throughout the world, and it has been loved in various
sizes and shapes.

13. A Special “It’s A Wonderful Life” Screening
When: Thursday December 18, 8:30pm
Where: Montgomery Cinema & Drafthouse
11006 Veirs Mill Road, Silver Spring, MD
Cost: $6
More Info: http://www.arlingtondrafthouse.com/?page=event&eid=542

Join in a Drafthouse Holiday Social and a special screening of It’s A
Wonderful Life – A Christmas Classic! All gate proceeds go to
Children’s Hospital and attendees will have a chance to win prizes
from a special raffle. The theme for the social is “wear your ugly
sweater” so don’t miss out on the fun or fashion! Donations and toys
will be accepted at the door.

14. 3rd Annual Rock for Kids Benefit
When: Saturday, December 20, 7pm
Where: State Theatre, 220 N. Washington, Falls Church, VA
Cost: $12 advance / $15 day of show
More Info: http://www.thestatetheatre.com/

The 3rd annual Rock for Kids event benefits the Children’s National
Medical Center’s Dr. Bear’s Closet which provides toys for children
in the hospital over the holidays. In the spirit of the holidays,
come out and help make a difference for these children, even a small
contribution will go a long way. Gifts for Dr. Bear’s Closet will be
collected the night of the show.

15. Washington Symphonic Brass Holiday Celebration
When: Monday, December 22, 7:30pm
Where: Music Center at Strathmore
5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, MD
Cost: $29-$40
More Info: http://www.strathmore.org

National Philharmonic Music Director & Conductor Piotr Gajewski
conducts the critically-acclaimed 17-member Washington Symphonic
Brass as they ring in the holidays with majestic arrangements of your
holiday favorites, including Greensleeves, Twelve Days of Christmas,
selections from Bach’s Christmas Oratorio, and a very special
Hanukkah Medley.

From the Runway, To the Red Carpet, To You!

Hi, Voula here:

Okay, the gluttonous Thanksgiving holiday is over, and the parties are about to begin: Christmas, New Years and all the holiday parties in between, either for work, pleasure or both! Everyone always wonders what to do with their hair: silky smooth, goddess curls or all swept up? Ladies, HAIR IS IMPORTANT! You can have a killer dress, but if you don’t have the hair to match, the outfit isn’t complete. With that said, let me help you look your best.

Hair is a chameleon; you are constantly changing its’ look. The days of French twists and buns are over. For the holidays, do something unique to stand out. Fake a short style by teasing your hair and securing it with bobby pins. Or, for a Prima Dona look, amplify your hair to epic proportions by curling it with a 1″ barrel curling iron, a medium hold hairspray and fluff it out; the fuller the better. Give your hair a look that is “beautifully undone” for the holidays. Your hair should look festive, but not uptight.

Here are some detailed guidelines to start your holiday hair. You either are going to have to start with silky straight or curly for your “do.”

SMOOTH

When you are blow-drying your hair, the most important tip is that you are starting with the right tools. You need to start with a volumizing spray like Nexxus Root Exxtend Volumizing Root Lifter Hair Spray – 8.5 Oz if you are blow-drying for lift. A little goes a long way, don’t over use product, your silky straight hair will last longer with less.

For best results, your hair should be about 80% dry before you start to blow-dry with a round brush. First, blow-dry your hair just with the dryer, to get most of the water out. Then, use either a large boar bristle Bio Ionic Boar Bristle Round Brush or thermal brush like Paul Mitchell ProTools Express Ion Round L – Large to blow-dry. Pin half of your hair up and start with the bottom section and slowly work your way up by taking small sections. Start with small sections and work from the bottom up. The best dryer to use is one with at least 1,800 watts and tourmaline, ceramic, and ionic features: FHI Heat Nano Professional Light Weight Tourmaline 1800 watt Hair Dryer with Nano-Fuzeion Technology. Note: The reason your hair looks so great when you leave the salon is that your stylist takes their time! The best kept secret to frizz-free, silky hair is patience.

Ok, for the flat-iron addicts: make sure you use a heat-protective spray like CHI 44 Iron Guard Thermal Protection Spray 8.5 oz to avoid damage. It is like a buffer between your hair and that ridiculously hot iron. Invest in a high-temperature iron with actual ceramic plates (not just coated ones). Brush and divide your hair into one inch sections. Slowly slide the iron starting from the roots to the ends. You should not be going over the same section more than twice. If your small sections don’t look good after going over them twice, you need a new iron.

CURLY

The most important thing when curling your hair, is to make it last. Many women complain about their curls falling out. Ladies, follow these fool-proof directions to ensure that your curls last. First, you need to ensure your hair is clean. So, jump in the shower and shampoo and condition your hair. Towel-dry and add a small amount of curl enhancing product like AVEDA Be Curly Curl Enhancing Lotion 6.7 fl oz/200 ml. Then, attach a T3 Diffuser to your blow-dryer and continue to dry your hair completely while scrunching with your fingers to create body.

After your hair is completely dry, plug in your high-heat tourmaline-barrel iron: HOT TOOLS Tourmaline Ceramic Curling Iron 1 inch (Model:3181) by Hot Tools. Take medium sections, always starting from the back of the head first. After you have curled your whole head, spritz with a finishing spray Redken Headset 25 Extra Strength Finishing Spray (8.5 oz) and separate your curls with your fingers. Make sure curls are not warm or wet when running your fingers through them to separate. Leave the curls loose for a Grecian goddess look, pin them half up with bobby pins away from your face or just sweep it all to one side and add a beautiful hair Brooche – brooch0065Now with all these great insider tips under your belt, let’s get started. Happy styling!!<

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