Top 3 holiday NO NO's, Ugly Sweater Contest, trendy coats and UGGS

The December month is full of  joyous celebrations filled with holiday laughter, food, parties, and presents. But please  remember that you still have to follow some basic holiday etiquette. Here is my top 3 list for some major holiday NO NO's.

#1 Don't wear holiday sweaters.  I'm sorry they're just not cute. I give you exhibit A B and C.

I don't care if your'e the hottest person on the planet. Nothing good can come out of wearing these holiday threads. 

  Just ask this guy...

Do you have a loved one who has a bad case of the Ugly Holiday Sweater Syndrome also known in medical terms at UHSS? Then e-mail us! This month DC on HEELS will be running a contest for the ugliest holiday sweater in D.C.!!! Send us the proof and you will win a prize!!! E-mail us a photo and a little information about the sweater. Where did you get it? Was it a present?  Did you ever wear it?  Or did  you shamefully buy it yourself? Or perhaps you are nominating somebody else? Send us the details about the sweater along with a photo to dconheels@gmail.com and voila you will be entered to win an awesome prize!  The ugliest sweater wins, it's that simple. More details about the prize to come! 

BUT

If you do want to keep warm for the upcoming chilly weather then wear  any of these trendy coats. They will keep you warm and looking hot!  Bold and bright are so in this year!

You can always keep it classic in camel too. 

And I will say that even though these sheep skinned boot (yes I'm talking about UGGS) are not the prettiest things in the world, they are sooooo comfortable and will keep your feet nice and toasty this winter that really who cares?!! This is when comfort and warmth actually prevails over style. There is always an exception to the rule and UGGS are the exception.  Love em' or hate em' there is something about these Aussie boots. Oprah thinks so too, though I'm not sure about the sparkly bedazzled ones she picked this year for her "Ultimate Favorite Things of 2010." 

I'm going to stick to the classic ones...

Ok moving forward with the HOLIDAY  DONT'S...

#2 DON'T re-wrap a present that was yours, give it to somebody else and pass it off like you bought it. Karma is a b**** and that's probably one of the least thoughtful things you can do. Plus you very well may get busted and is it really worth looking like a fool? 

moving on...

 #3. DON'T get trashed at the Christmas party. Remember you still have to work with these people on Monday. Nothing says awkward like having to face your boss and colleagues in the conference room for a meeting and having to pretend like nothing ever happened. 

This could be you. But lay off  the egg nogg and whiskey at the  X-mas work party...and you'll be just fine.

That's it from DC ON HEELS. "Bringing you the best in food, fashion, and fun, in the metro area."

Besos xoxxoxo Vanessa

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Cyber Monday: Too Little, Too Late?

The sales this year have been deeper than ever! 

A shopoholics paradise, mall stores like New York & Company posted Black Friday signs in their window dressings that read "50% Off Entire Store!"

Meanwhile, outlet malls like Potomac Mills opened up at midnight the day after Thanksgiving, while online retailers got a head start by offering deals way in advance of Cyber Monday.

With deals like the ones mentioned above... and the online super sales listed below (some of which debuted a week or more before Black Friday)...

Do you think that Cyber Monday is becoming obsolete?

Just a few of the pre-CM deals that posted early:

• Bebe.com: 70% off all sale items and 40% off select new items if you click here.
• Grouponicus: Daily 50% off holiday deals sent to a subscriber's inbox or by going to Today's Deal.
• New York & Company: 50% off everything through the end of Cyber Monday if you click here.
• SteveMadden.com: 35% off any online order through the end of Cyber Monday with code:CM35
• Travelocity: $40 off 3+ nights flight and hotel through 02/28/11 with code:GL40
• Orbitz: 10% off hotels through the end of Cyber Monday with code:HOLIDAY10

And even more so-called Cyber Monday deals, that started early and last well after the Thanksgiving holiday weekend can be found on Promo-2010.com.

Meanwhile, Back  at the Christmas Tree Ranch...

Bull Run Festival of Lights in Virginia.

If you are looking for a holiday rush that doesn't put a dent in your bedazzled pocketbook... then look no further than these low-key Christmas events... events that don't require you to enter a national lottery in order to gain entry (think National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony)!

DC:

Georgetown: Merriment in Georgetown Festival and Lighting. Sunday, Dec. 5

Capitol Hill: Norwegian Christmas at Union Station. Thursday, Dec. 2 

Maryland:

National Harbor: Christmas on the Potomac. Lights nightly now-Sunday, Jan. 9

Prince George's County: Festival of Lights. Lights nightly now-Sunday, Jan. 2

Virginia: 

Centreville: Bull Run Festival of Lights. Lights nightly now-Sunday, Jan. 9

That's all for now, but there's more to come from DC on Heels in terms of Christmas Splendor, holiday style and party shoes... so stay tuned tuned!

xoxo,

Markette

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TBD recap, Turkey tutorials and Test your Thanksgiving IQ

If you missed out on any of last weeks spectacular events then don't worry, you can catch up right here! Check out the segment on TBDTV with Morris Jones. This week Markette and Vanessa choose their HEEL OF THE WEEK from Shoe Dazzle. Markette rocks out "The Beverly" while Vanessa dazzles in moulin rouge colored heels called "The London." The dynamic duo were also at WTT Smash Hits charity tennis tournament captained by Elton John and Billie Jean King. The two hosts were then off to ArtJamz in Crystal City,Va. where they "unleashed their inner artist" and painted the night away.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING! 
DC ON HEELS is wishing everyone a  Happy Thanksgiving. This year we  have soooo many things to be thankful for. THANK YOU  to all of our fans, viewers, colleagues, friends and family. Without all of YOU-- DCOH would not be the success that it is! So many thanks. This is my favorite holiday of the year. It's all about family, reflecting and helping others in need and having a good meal.  And speaking of food.. how the butterball am I going to get my turkey from THIS...

to THIS...

Thanks to technology and the good ol' World Wide Web, the pressure is off. OK well not completely since I still have to pull off a fabulous feast, but there are so many online tutorials, blogs, and forums to help ease the process and discounts that you can find online! I found this easy tutorial all about thawing your bird from Butterball's Website.

OK that looks pretty simple, now on to the basting, stuffing and cooking tutorials.

And remember, nobody's perfect, you have to march to the beat of your own drum and set your own holiday traditions. I won't be  complaining though if a little beginner's luck is thrown my way. And yeah mom's stuffing may still  be the best, or nobody can top Nana's pumpkin pie but at the end of the day it's still all about reflecting on what you are most thankful for whilst being surrounded by friends, family and FOOTBALL of course. And the BEST part of it all... falling asleep on the couch thanks to all that tryptophan.

And while there will always be mishaps and things that don't  exactly go as planned. (Just ask Paula Dean, remember when she got smacked in the face with a giant Butterball that was tossed directly to her noggin'!!! That wasn't exactly part of the plan, but even the queen of cooking had to roll with the punches (no pun intended.)



And remember if it doesn't quite go as planned..then there's always next year!


GOOGLE TRENDS AND TURKEY DAY QUIZ: FACT OR FICTION?

According to Google Trends the most searched topics for today are:

1. christy martin 2. how long to cook a turkey 3. iowa road conditions 4. thanksgiving quotes 5. happy thanksgiving wishes

6. turkey cooking times per pound 7. iowa dot 8. butterball turkey 9. deviled eggs 10. green bean casserole recipe

11. apple pie recipe 12. sweet potato casserole 13. macy s thanksgiving day parade 2010 14. sarah palin north korea 15. turkey gravy recipe from drippings

16. marcus jordan 17. cranberry orange relish recipe 18. candied yams 19. sweet potato pie recipe 20. newegg black friday

And now it's time for our Thanksgiving Quiz. I went to History.com to learn some important facts about this special holiday. Test your knowledge with a little quiz titled FACT OR FICTION?

Fact or Fiction: Thanksgiving is held on the final Thursday of November each year.

Fiction. In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln designated the last Thursday in November as a national day of thanksgiving. However, in 1939, after a request from the National Dry Goods Association, President Franklin Roosevelt decreed that the holiday should always be celebrated on the fourth Thursday of the month (and never the occasional fifth, as occurred in 1939) in order to extend the holiday shopping season by a week.

Fact or Fiction: One of America's Founding Fathers thought the turkey should be the national bird of the United States?

Fact. In a letter to his daughter in 1784 Benjamin Franklin suggested that the wild turkey would be more a more appropriate national symbol for the newly independent United States than the bald eagle. He argued that the turkey was a "much more respectable Bird," a true original Native of America," and "though a little vain and silly, a Bird of Courage."

Fact or Fiction. Native Americans used cranberries, now a staple of many Thanksgiving dinners, for cooking as well as medicinal purposes.

Fact. According to the Cape Cod Cranberry Growers' Association, one of the country's oldest farmers' organizations, Native Americans used cranberries in a variety of foods and also as a medicine to treat arrow punctures and other wounds and as a dye for fabric.

Fact or Fiction: In 1863, Abraham Lincoln became the first American president to proclaim a national day of thanksgiving.

Fiction. George Washington, John Adams and James Madison all issued proclamations urging Americans to observe days of thanksgiving, both for general good fortune and for particularly momentous events (the adoption of the U.S. Constitution, in Washington's case; the end of the War of 1812.)

And did you know?

John F. Kennedy was the first president to pardon a Thanksgiving turkey? President George H. W. Bush was the first to officially pardon one? And remember when Obama pardoned the Thanksgiving turkey  "Courage" in 2009? 

 Happy Thanksgiving everyone! 

That's it from DC ON HEELS. "Bringing you the best in food, fashion, and fun, in the metro area."

Besos xoxxoxo Vanessa

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Holiday Hair: Tips, Tricks, B-4s & Afters

This holiday season, GLAM is BACK! Flip through the magazines, check out the TV and you'll see that everyone from Hollywood to the Potomac is polished with pincurls and sparkling with beauty.

But how do you get that classic Hollywood look? Armed with a few hair how-to questions, DC on Heels caught up with stylist, DiDi Green of Networkhair and Eyma Salon in Bethesda, Md. to get a few tricks of the trade:

Harry Potter star
Emma Watson's Pixie

Jill from Falls Church, Va.: I have short hair. What can I do to make it special for the holiday parties?
Didi Green: If you have short straight or curly hair, then consider 1920s -1930s inspired styles and looks. Smoothing shampoos and conditioners will help with a sleek transition. Style with gels, shine serums, gloss or sprays. Moisturizing shampoo and conditioners help support and smooth curls. Style with cream-based products and a touch of gloss for ultimate shine.

Natalie from Virginia: I would like to try extensions for the holiday season. Where do I start? What is the average cost ? Help!
Green: Extensions for the holidays or any special occasion are a great alternative for trying something new, without a great commitment.

First do your research. Ask friends, read online reviews or do a Google search of the extension/hair distributors. They often have links to certified stylists on the hair extension company’s website.

Housewife Adrienne Maloof
is an extension wearer

Next set up, schedule a CONSULTATION first. Meet the stylist. This is the time to ask all your questions and/or concerns. Ask to see pics. BRING your pics, and be realistic about what you are willing to spend and/or can afford.

There are several options and you do not have to go for the full head service. A few additions for fullness and length is just fine to start.

Make sure you fully understand what is included in your service price before your actual service. This should be detailed in writing if you are required to submit a deposit.

Finally, relax and enjoy your new look!

Beyonce's sister, Solange Knowles
is au naturale.

Amani from Columbia, Md.: I am African American with natural hair. I would like to do more with my “S Curl” patterned hair for the holidays... Help me!
Green: And you can ! Two-strand twists set on rods or rollers will, depending on hair length (if shorter, set twists in pin curls), is a great textured style!

Voluminous curls and twirls makes for fun, festive hair! Updos and sidesweeps galore! Add a festive headpiece and you are on your way!

Got Locs? Set them on rollers or roll with pipe cleaners (Yes! Pipe cleaners!) to make pin curls... to add volume… and added texture! Make a ponytail, then twirl and add a few hairpins for a runway inspired chignon!

With all of this talk about glamming it up, DC on Heels decides to jump into the stylist's chair for a little makeover of our own...

MARKETTE'S INSPIRATION:

The timeless updos of actresses Leslie Uggams (left)
and Kerry Washington (right)

DiDi works her magic!

This finished product 

Markette, ready for her close up!

Classic Hollywood meets modern DC

VANESSA'S INSPIRATION:

Megan Fox's glamorous waves.

Didi perfecting the look. 

Ready for the red carpet!

Special thanks to our photo shoot glam squad:

Denise Sharpe... Hair accessories

Mario Martinez... Wardrobe Stylist, Second Chance Boutique (www.secondchanceboutiques.com)

Didi Green... Hair & Make Up, Networkhair, 202.321.6754

Eyma Salon and Spa... 301.986.6996 (www.eymasalonandspa.com)

xoxo, 

Markette

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Art Jamz Photos and Video And Now in Crystal City!

ArtJamz now in Crystal City! 

On Wednesday night, Markette, myself and fellow Artjammers took over the entire floor of a building in Arlington,Va., unleashing our inner artist while painting the night away. And while, I'm certainly no Piacsso, it really didn't matter, because the night was all about letting loose, having fun and getting creative.

The space was a masterpiece by itself. 

ArtJamz is  an interactive, artistic and creative environment. Go with a group or go by yourself-- it doesn't matter. Between your fellow art -goers, the music, foobations (that's food and libations haha new word), and all that creativity in one room-you are bound to have an incredible time. Forget going out to dinner and a movie, where you can spend well over $100 bucks per person, spice it up, spend $60 and get creative! This is the perfect "date" outing as well. No awkward silences, or "interview talk" here, you can just focus on the art! Your'e relaxed and  in the moment, and even if there's absolutely no chemistry between you and your date, at least the night will be fun and you can always go home with your art work!

Art comes in all sizes, shapes, and forms. Creativity at its best!

Here's how it works: 

Each participant receives a canvas on an easel, paint and materials and gets four hours to create an  original work of art, which is yours to take home. Wine, beer, and hors d'oeuvres, a dj spinning tunes, and your fellow Artjammers will help inspire you and get those creative juices flowing.  For me personally, the more I drank, the better my art! 

Vanessa paints the night away.

And mark my words you guys,  ArtJamz is and will become so HUGE that I believe it will  expand and go nationwide. Oh and ArtJamz is available on Groupon, so now you can get a ticket for even cheaper. 

And the pioneer behind this creative concept is Michael M. Clements--artist, painter, musician, director and producer.

Clements founded ArtJamz as a production of Genki Media LLC, a company dedicated to the incubation, consultation for and management of creative enterprises in the Washington DC metro area.

"The goal of Genki Media is to help foster the creative economy of the DC Metro Area on an independent and entrepreneurial small business level. Artjamz is one of the first projects we've undertaken, and it speaks directly to what Genki Media stands for-getting DMV residents creatively engaged," says Clements. 

See what else founder Michael Clements had to say...

 What ArtJamz is all about! 

Pamela Kahn of wwwiloveballston.com creates her masterpiece

Liquid courage and inspiration! 

And food! 

The lounge.

Artists at serious work and play. 

DJ and the bongo drums didn't miss a beat! 

This Arlington resident was inspired to paint her sister

I love the use of colors and textures in this art piece. 

Vanessa's final art piece

Markette in action almost done with her piece

An incredible goldfish painted by my neighbor. 

Love the geometry and colors in this piece. 

One word-Jealous. OK two. AMAZING! 


The 360 degree cam

Check out what Vanessa was working on...

See what inspired Markette...

And now go see for yourself!

That's it from DC ON HEELS. "Bringing you the best in food, fashion, and fun, in the metro area."

Besos xoxxoxo Vanessa

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