Handmade Hangers

These personalized wire hangers are the perfect gift for a bride-to-be or a special friend! They are available for purchase on Etsy or you can try the DIY route. If my car wasn't currently coveredby two feet of snow and it wasn't 2 am in the morning I would totally be heading over to Home Depot right now to pick up the supplies to make this!

Ugly Betty

I am so sad that my favorite television show Ugly Betty has been cancelled. It has all the elements of a fun show - - beauty, fashion, and drama. I am most drawn to it because I feel a deep connection with the main character Betty Suarez.

I am the child of immigrant parents. I eat carbs and am a midget compared to tall and thin counterparts. I have unruly brows. I am often overlooked by my prettier and more social sister. I work harder than most to take care of my family. I worry a lot. I was not raised to be an independent, strong businesswoman but a caring, connected person. I am unsure of myself but I keep on going. Shoot, I even have a poncho only mine is from Guatamala not Guadalajara.

Every week, I have watched Betty face the same tough problems that I face in my day-to-day life with family, friends, and the workplace. In the end, she always comes up on top because she stays positive and works hard.

Betty, I will miss you dearly. I can only hope that you are moving on to bigger and better things...so you can inspire other Bettyheads to do the same!

Lush - - Fresh Homemade Cosmetics

Ever since I was diagnosed with cancer five years ago** I have become more wary about what goes into my body. Besides food, I have also started using organic body washes and household cleaners. Unfortunately, the organic body washes on the market are often expensive and bland smelling. That is why I was so excited when my friend Devon introduced me to the wide, wonderful world of Lush.

Lush is a company based in Canada that is committed to creating handmade cosmetics with the fresh, organic fruits and vegetables. They have a wide array of specially formulated fragrances to suit any personality or mood.

Not only are the products good for you and the environment, they are also effective. Everytime I use one of their soaps or shampoos I leave my shower feeling squeaky clean so I do not feel like I have compromised any quality just to be "healthy".

Below are some of my favorite items:


Honey I Washed the Kids Soap - With masses of honey and aloe, this bar is perfect for people with sensitive skin. Topped with a slice of beeswax and infused with bergamot and sweet orange to sweeten up even the darkest of days. Has a rich, thick lather.



Seanik Solid Shampoo - Sea salt and seaweed are the key ingredients to this body boosting volumizing shampoo. The solid bar is easy to use and has no wasteful packaging or preservatives. One bar averages about ninety washings.

Each Peach (And Two's a Pair) Massage Bar - A solid massage bar is today's cure for messy oils. This bar is jam packed with cocoa, shea, and avocado butter so it also doubles as a moisturizer, which is a lifesaver on my back - - especially in the winter months.


Aqua Marina Cleanser - This seaweed cleanser is packed with seaweed, calamine and aloe for sensitive and dry skin. Take a pinch, mix with warm water and gently massage paste into your skin. It does not lather up like traditional cleansers. A quick rinse and you will be left with the cleanest, softest, soothed face ever. I will never go back to my old face wash again!

I definitely urge you to give their products a try! I had my doubts but I have been converted into a lifelong fan. If you need any more incentive, I'd like to share a 15% coupon code GIFTFORYOU10 to use in stores or online. If you would like to check out any of the products in-store, the two closest brick and mortars in the DC area are in Georgetown and McLean.

What other products are out there that avoids chemicals?

* I was not paid by Lush to write this review.
**I have been cancer free for four years now and will be considered fully recovered in May 2010.

Ping Pong

Not many people know this but in 2007, I was unanimously crowned the People's Choice Dumpling Champion. My homemade crab wontons managed to win the adoration and love of crowds everywhere.

Also, in 2003 I managed to drink a 200 lb. frat boy underneath a table.

Both of these accomplishments prove my abilities to know a good dumping and a good drink when I see one.

Last Tuesday, RobbyDC and I were invited to attend a Chinese New Year party at Ping Pong, a new dim sum spot in Penn Quarter. Please note, this establishment should not be confused with Ping in Shirlington and Comet Ping Pong in Chevy Chase.

When we arrived, waiters were passing out steam baskets filled with duck spring rolls, steamed pork buns and chive dumplings. The duck rolls were a little bit dry but the oddly colored green chive dumplings was orgasmic. When I popped one of these prawn filled babies in my mouth, fairy dust swirled in my stomach and angels sang.















The cocktail list was also outstanding - - RobbyDC tried the Earl Gray Julep (Bourbon infused with tea stirred vigorously with mint and sugar) and the Pear and Bubble Tea (Tequila, pear puree, apple juice and cinnamon with tapiaco pearls) and immediately gave his drinks to me. He thought they was too strong and I agreed. I on the other hand lucked out with the Lemongrass and Lime (Vodka, lemongrass, lime and lychee juice) and the Kumquat Mojito (Rum, lime, mint and kumquat). Both were light and refreshing and beautifully garnished. You can see the lemongrass and lime in my left hand in the photo below.




















Besides the food and drink, the restaurant had Chinese calligraphers and a lion dancer on hand to lend a hand to the Chinese New Year vibe. Very cool!

After all the hoopla, I have officially decided to make Ping Pong my new pre/post Wizard game snack spot. Especially since they offer a late night happy hour menu in addition to their regular happy hour times. It is a lot trendier/cleaner than the other dim sum areas in the area(cough cough China Garden) and I am proud to report that I did not see one roach in any of my drinks (true story, ask RobbyDC). I would love for you to check the place out and let me know what you think!