Upcoming DMV Events for Thanksgiving Weekend -- November 28 - November 30

The list for this week is a little light but I have to mention that Small Business Saturday will occur on Saturday, November 29.  As you may know, this is a national campaign to bring recognition and to garner support for the small businesses across the country.  American Express is a Founding Partner for Small Business Saturday.  They are offering an incentive to cardholders that support small businesses, please consult your account online.  To find the participating small businesses in your area, please consult this link.  If you do, don't forget to tweet, instagram and share on other social media outlets with the hashtag #shopsmall


November 28 - 29, December 6, 13, & 20, 2014
24th Annual BZB Shop til ya Drop! -- Shiloh Family Life Center, DC
This annual shopping event features vendors various unique and cultural items including designer clothes, Black Angel Tree Toppers, Africa Artifacts, Unique Home Decor and Black Memorabilia.

November 28 - December 23, 2014
Downtown Holiday Market --  DC
Bringing a unique and festive shopping “village” to the heart of Downtown DC, the market features more than 150 regional artisans, crafters and boutique businesses of ethnically produced goods.

November 28, 2014 - January 1, 2015
ZooLights -- DC
Light up your holidays at the Smithsonian National Zoological Park's biggest and brightest event, ZooLights.  You can marvel at the Zoo's transformation into a winter wonderland with more than 500,000 environmentally friendly lights.  Event will have a laser light show, live music performances, eat up tasty winter treats, snap holiday photos with Panda Claws, and check out the park's creatures at night. Take a spin on the Conservation Carousel, snow tube down the 150-foot track, board the National Zoo Choo-Choo Train, and get into the holiday spirit.


November 30, 2014
Gift & Gather -- Washington DC
MAKE TRIBE, DomiCile Magazine and The Gathering Project are teaming up for a Small Business Sunday partnership event! This highly curated winter market event will feature makers from around the region who will showcase home and design products, artisanal foods, handmade goods and local fashion. Ticket price includes market admission, cocktail and a tote.  In addition to shopping local, starting at 5pm, guests can enjoy a locally sourced family-style supper, where they’ll meet makers and local small-business owners alike. Supper tickets on sale here.


Future Planning... 
December 06, 2014
Holiday Bazaar-- MD
Shopping, Shopping, and More Shopping at Days Inn Hotel on Annapolis Road in Lanham MD from 1 to 5pm!

Saturday December 6
Holiday Baking Class for Kids -- District Commons, DC
Special items for the kids to bake at the holidays!  Best for kids aged 9-12.  A full luncheon buffet will be served.  You will may bake:  Chocolate Mint Whoopie Pies, Gingerbread Men, and Magic Bars.

Parade of Lights -- Alexandria VA Marina
Alexandria's harbor lights up as more than 50 illuminated boats cruise the Potomac River at the historic waterfront, led by Alexandria's fireboat Vigilant and Washington, DC's fireboat John Glenn. New this year, DC media personality Tommy McFly of 94.7 Fresh FM will be the parade announcer. At the marina before and after the parade, stop in to the Torpedo Factory Art Center's Holiday Open House between 4 and 9 p.m. to enjoy performances by the Alexandria Choral Society plus gift shopping in open artist studios.


December 14, 2014
Grump Holiday Arts & Crafts Show --  Arlington VA
75 vendors, make and take, gift wrapping, music, snacks, fun!

That's all for this week!  Hope you are able to attend at least one event!


Keep it Resourceful!

The ResourceNista

Upcoming Events for November 20 - 23, 2014

It was the week before Thanksgiving and all about the town, people were preparing for the meal that would abound.  Events were trailing and trickling to this page, I must proclaim.  But never fear, the ResourceNista is here and she's always on top of her game!  Lame, I know, but you get the point...

Enjoy!

November 20, 2014

Pop-Up Beauty Lounge 3 -- Release the Dry Bar -- DC  GET YOUR TICKETS NOW 

An evening of fashion & beauty Benefiting the Red Sprinkle Fashion Boot camp educational program for area youngsters interested in fashion careers.  Get pampered:  complimentary lash extensions, polish changes by Sassy Nail Spa, makeup applications, nail decals, hair consultation, bites from Sushiko and &pizza, treats from Cake Love & more!

Washington DC in the 80's -- WETA -- Check Your TV Guide for Channel
A look at the 80s, including Mayor Barry and President Reagan, the local music and theater scenes, drugs and violence, and the AIDS epidemic.

November 21, 2014
#AnnieSloanLate @OnthePurpleCouch -- Kensington MD
Come and Spend the late night with us.  Pop-up Shops, Demos, and furniture painting to support A Wider Circle.  Also door prizes and raffle.

City Market at O Holiday Tree Lighting Event -- O Street DC
The first annual Shaw Holiday Tree Lighting from 6:30 to 8:30pm.  The community program will feature live performances, free family activities and crafts, performances by local artists, and the tree lighting ceremony.  The event includes a toy drive to benefit the Children’s National Medical Center Holiday Toy Store and donations for the Goodwill at The Grill, an annual community Thanksgiving breakfast, hosted by the Florida Avenue Grill.

November 21- 23, 2014
Stylish Patina's Rough Luxe Market --  Falls Church VA
Hosting a Holiday Market & Thanksgiving Inspiration in 2,500 square feet of space chock full of re-imagined vintage furniture, modern accents and fabulous salvage.

November 22, 2014 
Natural Hair 101 Class -- Silver Spring, MD --GET YOUR TICKETS
The Natural 101 class will be geared to those newly natural as well as those that feel lost or overwhelmed when it comes to their natural hair.  Class topics will range from how to properly wash and condition naturally curly hair to how to select the best products that promote healthy hair. Locally based N Natural Hair Salon will be hosting the class.

Nontraditional Wreath Making with Topaz + Arrow -- DC

Mixing traditional greenery with unexpected materials, guests will create customized, seasonal hanging decor.  Enjoy an afternoon of crafting while indulging in light foods and sipping on complimentary drinks provided by Honest Tea and Boulevard Brewing Company, with snacks provided by KIND Snacks and Teeny Pies.

Pies and Tarts Cooking Class -- Hill's Kitchen --  DC
Cool weather means pie season! During this demonstration class, Chef Marta will discuss equipment, rolling techniques, glazes, and dough variations. Recipes demonstrated will include the following: Savory Vegetable and Cheese Tart, Classic Apple Pie, Hand Pies, and Tarte Tatin (subject to change).

November 23, 2014
Dessert Making Class  -- Hill's Kitchen --  DC
Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake & Hawaiian Pineapple with Sabionne and Chocolate Drizzle
Looking for some desserts to wow over even the most professional chef? Join Master Chef Gino Martens-Salardi in this demonstration class for a course on cheesecake with a fun, seasonal twist – pumpkin! He will also cover Hawaiian pineapple with a warm Italian sabionne and a dark chocolate drizzle. Desserts fit for royalty! Vegetarian

Future Planning...

November 28 - December 23, 2014
Downtown Holiday Market --  DC
Bringing a unique and festive shopping “village” to the heart of Downtown DC, the market features more than 150 regional artisans, crafters and boutique businesses of ethnically produced goods.

November 28, 2014 - January 1, 2015
ZooLights -- DC
Light up your holidays at the Smithsonian National Zoological Park's biggest and brightest event, ZooLights.  You can marvel at the Zoo's transformation into a winter wonderland with more than 500,000 environmentally friendly lights.  Event will have a laser light show, live music performances, eat up tasty winter treats, snap holiday photos with Panda Claws, and check out the park's creatures at night. Take a spin on the Conservation Carousel, snow tube down the 150-foot track, board the National Zoo Choo-Choo Train, and get into the holiday spirit.

December 06, 2014
Holiday Bazaar-- MD
Shopping, Shopping, and More Shopping at Days Inn Hotel on Annapolis Road in Lanham MD from 1 to 5pm!

Parade of Lights -- Alexandria VA Marina
Alexandria's harbor lights up as more than 50 illuminated boats cruise the Potomac River at the historic waterfront, led by Alexandria's fireboat Vigilant and Washington, DC's fireboat John Glenn. New this year, DC media personality Tommy McFly of 94.7 Fresh FM will be the parade announcer. At the marina before and after the parade, stop in to the Torpedo Factory Art Center's Holiday Open House between 4 and 9 p.m. to enjoy performances by the Alexandria Choral Society plus gift shopping in open artist studios.


December 14, 2014
Grump Holiday Arts & Crafts Show --  Arlington VA
75 vendors, make and take, gift wrapping, music, snacks, fun!

That's all for this week!  Hope you are able to attend at least one event!


Keep it Resourceful!

The ResourceNista

What I WOULD Have Done This Past Weekend

This past weekend I felt terrible.   I didn't want to do anything so I didn't.  I stayed in the house and purged by closets.  However, if I would have been in my usual "energizer bunny" mode, this is what I would have done.

On Friday, I would have stopped by the new MOM's Organic Market on NY Avenue in the old Hecht's warehouse.  I would have sampled every treat they had available, grabbed one of those swag bags and purchased a few snacks before heading to...

The Gilt Warehouse Sale that was held just down the street at Union Market.  I would have done a little shopping and lots of people watching as other attempted to #raidthewarehouse.  But before I left the neighborhood, I would have stopped by...

Dolcezza to grab a pint of their Heirloom Apple Cider Sorbetto.  The original and seasonal flavors keep me running to make sure I can catch them before they are gone for the season!

On Saturday morning, I would have breakfast at home...no brunch for me this weekend because I have a full day planned!  My first stop would be the Grand Opening of the Habitat for Humanity Restore in Silver Spring.  As you may already know, proceeds from the sell of donated items goes to building affordable housing the areas where the stores are located.  One of my favorite people, Bahia of  On the Purple Couch, was doing a demo using chalk paint sold in her Kensington store.  You know I had to check it out and support her. 

(Note:  I was actually feeling a little inquisitive on Sunday after church so I dropped by ReStore.  But you never know what you might see in these stores...)

I would have a couple of hours before the Women's Fellowship at my church but I have two more stops to make.  First, I would run by the Grand Opening of the The WaterHole for a delicious juice to get me through the rest of the day.  I am really excited that they are open.  Then I would scurry over to Dupont Treading (Penn Avenue location) for a little brow maintenance. This location always does a excellent job on my brows!

I would then remember that we were having a little dessert fellowship for our First Lady after the teaching.  With Sweet Lobby just down the street, I would grab some cupcakes and possibly some macaroons as my donation to the event.  My favorite cupcakes are the Salted Chocolate Caramel and the S'more.  I've only had their green tea macaroons but they were really good so the ladies might like them, too.  Off to church I go...

After the blessing of fellowship, I would then find my way over to National Harbor for their Annual Tree Lighting Celebration.  I would catch the last few moments of the Harbor Holiday Market and grab a hot apple cider from Goodies Frozen Custard & Treats before the tree lighting begins.  I would hope that hot cider would last through the fireworks show and holiday music that happen after the tree lighting.  This is definitely a great way to start the holiday season and end my night.
_________________________

As you can see, I would have had a fun-filled day!

I'm still a little off schedule but hope to have this week's DMV Events posted later tonight....

Until then,

Keep it Resourceful!

The ResourceNista

Upcoming DMV Events 11/14- 16/14 -- Sorry for the Hiatus

I would like to officially apologize to every blogger that has taken a brief but unexpected hiatus from their blog due to life.  I really did not know or understand how hard it is to maintain this blogger lifestyle!  I had to travel last week to CHICAGO!  Sidebar:  I love Chicago!  The food, the architecture, the...everything!  Chicago is a real cool city and I hope to visit again soon!

 Me in the Cloud Gate (aka the Bean)...I'm under the smaller yellow flag!

Okay back to where I left off...

Here are your events for this weekend and beyond!

November 14 & 15, 2014
Gilt DC Warehouse Sale -- DC--GET YOUR TICKETS NOW
This designer warehouse sale will also feature an exclusive Spring/Summer 2015 Trend presentation.


November 15 - 23, 2014
MM. LaFleur Pop-Up Shop -- AIA District Architecture Center -- ADDED 11/12/14
Fashionistas covet New York City-based design house MM. LaFleur for its sleek silhouettes and tailored work wear pieces.  Expect to find dresses, separates and accessories that make perfect wardrobe staples for the D.C. power woman. Also, preview their latest collection.

Luxury Hair Affair Workshop--SOLD OUT
Hair demos, brunch bites, gift bags, shopping and more!

November 15 & 16 2014
The EmporiYUM -- Union Market DC -- GET YOUR TICKETS NOW
The Emporiyum, a one-of-a-kind food marketplace that introduces in-the-know Washingtonians to the tastiest treats from around the country

November 16, 2014

LEGO® Build!-- National Building Museum DC

Join the National Building Museum and staff from Play-Well Teknologies for an exciting LEGO® Build, where you'll discover how to design buildings that can withstand even the toughest challenges.
From earthquakes to hurricanes, architects and engineers must plan for all kinds of disasters. Learn how real buildings are designed to stand up to nature, and then create a LEGO® building of your own that's built to last!


Future Planning...
November 20, 2014

Pop-Up Beauty Lounge 3 -- DC Area -- GET YOUR TICKETS NOW 

An evening of fashion & beauty Benefiting the Red Sprinkle Fashion Boot camp educational program for area youngsters interested in fashion careers.  Get pampered:  complimentary lash extensions, polish changes by Sassy Nail Spa, makeup applications, nail decals, hair consultation, bites from Sushiko and &pizza, treats from Cake Love & more!

November 20, 2014
Sip + Sew Class--Union Market DC -- GET YOUR TICKETS NOW
Sip & Sew is a hands-on Mini Sewing Class (no sewing experience required). Join us and learn how to make (and take) a holiday stocking using fabric and sewing machine. All supplies and materials provided.

November 21, 2014
#AnnieSloanLate @OnthePurpleCouch -- Kensington MD
Come and Spend the late night with us.  Pop-up Shops, Demos, and furniture painting to support A Wider Circle.  Also door prizes and raffle.

November 21- 23, 2014
Stylish Patina's Rough Luxe Market --  Falls Church VA--ADDED 11/12/14
Hosting a Holiday Market & Thanksgiving Inspiration in 2,500 square feet of space chock full of re-imagined vintage furniture, modern accents and fabulous salvage.

November 28 - December 23, 2014
Downtown Holiday Market --  DC
Bringing a unique and festive shopping “village” to the heart of Downtown DC, the market features more than 150 regional artisans, crafters and boutique businesses of ethnically produced goods.

December 13, 2014--ADDED 11/12/14
MODAGE Style Holiday "Mystery" Goodwill Shopping Bus Tour -- DC--ONLY VIP TIX Available
Attention ecologically conscious and savvy shoppers, join MODAGE in celebrating their final shopping bus tour of the year.  This guided shopping bus tour guarantees vintage holiday inspired fun.  Conserve gas and enjoy a day of eco-chic shopping!  Lots of surprise along the way!

December 14, 2014
Grump Holiday Arts & Crafts Show --  Arlington VA
75 vendors, make and take, gift wrapping, music, snacks, fun!



Keeping it Resourceful,

The ResourceNista

Whatever You Do, Don't Call Him Cheap!

As a young girl, I remember asking my father for money to purchase something--God only knows -- and he started to question me about the item and why I wanted/felt I needed to have it.  Before I knew it, "Dad, you are cheap!" slipped right out of my mouth.  To which he quickly responded in a sarcastically corrective tone, "I'm not cheap, I'm thrifty, I'm frugal and I like nice things." All I knew was that I wasn't going to get the item I wanted because this man was cheap!

I decided to investigate the real meaning of those words up and immediately smiled because the old man was teaching me about money management.  I reflected over the tangible gifts he gave me and the things he placed value upon to understand his mindset.  Being "frugal and thrifty" can lead you to make better decisions that have positive impacts on your financial future.  Simple but necessary.

On November 3, 2010, Dad passed away debt-free and financial able to cover his medical and burial expenses.  His frugal and thrifty lifestyle is the legacy that he left for me. 

On the anniversary of his passing, I ask myself,

• Have I made the wise financial decisions over the past year?  Did I need another designer bag?
• If I am diagnosed with an ailment or disease that requires medical care, am I prepared?
• Am I prepared to retired?  Am I on target with my financial plan and goals?  And to retire to a lifestyle that is filled with joy and provision verses a life that is moments away from poverty?  

These and other questions have been the motivators for my "ResourceNista" lifestyle and all credit goes to my Dad!

If you do not already have one, please considering developing your own Financial Fitness Check-Up.  Select an important day in your life for that annual visit and then move forward making any necessary adjustments to stay in alignment with your plan and to meet your financial goals.


I Love and Miss you, Dad!,

Signed Your Baby (aka The ResourceNista)

The Blogs I Love and the New Ones on the Block

As a new blogger, I want to start my blogging journey with giving a shout out to the "Blogs I Love" aka "Oh, The Places I Go."  Why? Because these bloggers are the ones who inadvertantly inspired me to want to blog. They do what they do so well, they made me believe this was easy and that I could do it! While I've really just begun this journey, I think it is never too early to say, Thank You!

Look left--------------->

Until Next Time,

Keeping it Resourceful!

The ResourceNista