Do Good, Look Good: Sunday's Proper Topper Clothes Swap Benefitting Martha's Outfitters

UPDATE: Rain delay (our location was totally outside with no cover). We'll now be doing the swap on 10/10/10, same time, same place. More time to clean out your closet!

What do you get when the fabulous Anna of Proper Topper meets two food bloggers obsessed with fashion and accessories? Well, Sunday [October 10th] from noon til 4pm you get the first-ever Proper Swap!

Here's the deal. We cull our closets for those things that are in good condition, but we just don't wear. It's time to downsize that closet so that you can acquire new fall fashion. So get rid of those one-size-up/one-size down clothes and swap them Sunday [October 10th] on the Proper Topper patio for new things from your fellow swappers!

Alejandra from One Bite at a Time and I will be baking sweets and Anna from Proper Topper's giving all swappers a great discount on accessories to go with their newly acquired outfits.

Alejandra & Tammy (me) on a previous cooking adventure at 1789

All clothes that are not swapped will be donated to Martha's Outfitters, a community thrift store and clothing distribution center providing free and low cost supplies to those in need.  We'll be accepting a modest $5 donation (or more if you're feeling give-y) to Martha's as an entry fee for the swap. Where else can you get a totally new outfit for FIVE DOLLARS??? Plus, did we mention our lovely company, sweets and discounts!

So, do good, look good... and come on down to Proper Topper Georgetown and have a fabulous time hanging out with us!  Proper Topper is located on P Street NW, near Wisconsin Avenue.

DC Central Kitchen Vans Vandalized - And How YOU Can Help!

What kind of jerk vandalizes an organization that helps the homeless and is working to provide healthy meals to DC's school kids?  I hope the police find the jerk, but it's more important to me that we band together as a community to stand with DC Central Kitchen and help them repair their fleet.  Every day, those vans recover over one ton of food, deliver 4,500 meals, make catering deliveries and pick up fresh produce from local farms.

Throughout the day, I've watched as bloggers and people I follow on Twitter or Facebook have opened their own wallets and given. I know there are those that call us "social media types" slacktivists and say that our contributions don't make a real difference. But, I believe differently.

I read the story first on TBD. My friend Adam shared the link to contribute on Twitter and asked his friends to match his $25.00 contribution. I saw my friend Sara donate and tweet. I decided to match them and asked my Twitter followers to keep the chain of giving going. Within one hour, four more $25.00 donations rolled in. (Thanks Elizabeth, Jeff, Mich & Doug!)

We *can* band together and show these loser vandals that they are wasting their time. We will always overcome them with our collective positive action.

If you'd like to donate to DC Central Kitchen to help repair their vans and keep pursuing their mission, click here. You can also step up your commitment by volunteering when it works for you. If you're out of time and money, help spread the word to your friends. Like the organization on Facebook and follow them @DCCK on Twitter.

9/23/10 10:26am UPDATE: As of this morning, we've collectively raised $2,400 to getting the vans fixed. Great work, let's keep it up!

Home Sweet Home: Five Things I Learned Along The Way

I wanted to do a quick post to thank all of you for cheering me on during the crazy first home buying process. I closed last Friday -- and moved in the same day -- with a cold. So, that was fun... Now I'm focused on slowly unpacking and plotting how to make it more "me."

A year ago, I never would have thought I would have been able to buy a place. I was a serial renter based on convenience and lack of savings (To say I am a slacker at saving would be putting it mildly.)  But, now that I've done it, I've become a home-ownevangelist and want everyone who is on the fence to consider taking the plunge.  Here five things I learned along the way:

1) Wait for the one that you love. Yes, my experience was filled with twists and turns, crazy negotiations, appraisals that were way out of whack and one very bitchy agent (hint: not mine). Once I saw my condo, I knew it was the one I wanted. I had to be prepared to walk away. But if I hadn't doggedly pursued it, the deal could have died about eight different times along the way.

2) Use all of your connections and resources. Tell everyone you know that you're looking. You never know which person will refer you to your real estate agent, your mortgage broker or your new home. Some of mine came through personal connections, some via Twitter and some via web tools. Two of my favorite iPhone apps are Trulia & Zillow that allow you to search easily by location. They allowed me to get a sense of prices in neighborhoods that I was interested in. And alerted me when new homes in those areas popped up.

3) No one really knows what they are doing. I wish I could say that along the way, I felt like I was in control or that my agent or broker was in control. But, the home buying experience is more like white water rafting. Here's hoping one day the home buying experience will be able to be done with less than 50 signatures (often of the same documents) and written in layman's terms.

4) It takes less upfront money that you think. I went with an FHA loan, which meant, I put 3.5% down. I don't know why, but I had always been scared off by 10-20% off down. I was able to save over about 6 months and make it happen. So figure out your budget, save 3.5% down, and get to looking!

5) It's a great time to buy.  All of the madness aside, I locked in a 30 year interest rate of 4.5%. People that need to sell their homes are definitely in a box where they need to negotiate.

So what are your tips? Or what questions do you have that I can answer based on my experience?

Lunching in Eco-Friendly Fabulosity: The Hearst Building in NYC

In between real estate drama and getting a nasty change-of-season-cold, I had been scheduled to give a talk about social media at an event in New York. Not one to let a hacking cough and a shaky closing stand in my way, I dragged myself out of bed at 5am to catch the Shuttle.

I love emerging in Manhattan. Much as I think of DC as a city - and compared to Tampa it *is* a big city! - New York has an energy all it's own and it gets infused in me.  Here are a few snaps I took in and around the Hearst Building (where my meeting was.) It's a LEED-certified, eco-friendly skyscraper - and it's GORGEOUS. The lobby has a rainwater fountain and the third floor cafe is bathed in light.

Our lunch was set on the 44th floor of the Hearst Building. I had a lemon couscous, eggplant & mozzarella sliders and mini macaroons for lunch. But, I was too gobsmacked by the view and the gorgeous day to take food photos (don't worry, there's a foodie post coming too!)

After I finished work, I met up with my college pal and Florida Girl in Manhattan (yessss... my sorority sister) Candi for drinks and food. And it was gooood. Bear with me as I pack for the move tomorrow. I'll get the pics up soon.

Why You Should Vote in Tuesday's DC Election?

I'm a political addict. That's why I'm here. I wouldn't dream of missing an election. They're like my Superbowl. But why should YOU vote?

#1: Voting allows you to have an opinion one way or another. All of you who were complaining up a storm during snOMG and think someone else could do better... see ya at the polls. Think that was a snow of biblical proportions and we did what we could? See ya there.

#2: The sticker. In this world of web everything and apps, I hope the "I Voted" sticker never goes away. Going with my parents to vote and getting the sticker made me look forward to election days for as long as I can remember. I love the sticker. It is social communications at it's finest. It shows all of your friends that you voted and is a great conversation starter.

#3: If that's not good enough for ya, voting will get you stuff! Chinatown Coffee is giving all customers wearing an "I Voted" sticker 15% all day on election day. Heard of any other businesses offering voter deals? Leave em in the comments or tweet me at @floridagirlindc and I'll add them in here.

Happy voting!

PS. If you still need to learn more about the candidates, here are their websites: Adrien Fenty vs. Vince Gray 2010

Things I'm Gonna Miss About Virginia

When I moved to Virginia from DC three years ago, I was an unapologetic suburb hater. Sure my Metro commute to work was faster. Sure my rent was cheaper for a bigger place. But, it was Virginia. (My ex, upon hearing I was moving near Clarendon even uttered: "That's great, you've basically moved back to Tampa." Touche.)

Now that I'm moving back to the District, I've started having a little nostalgia for my 'hood. Here are a few things I'm gonna miss about my sojourn across the river:

• Yes, it's bereft of any charm whatsoever, but my apartment building has free coffee in the lobby every day and a pool on the roof.
• Two words: Rebel Heroes. Get the tofu banh mi.

Rebel Heroes: Tofu Banh Mi Sandwich

• Two words, again: District Taco. Breakfast tacos or veggie tacos are my choices. And, it's District only in name... for now.
• The Arlington Farmers Market. It has pretty much the same vendors as the Dupont Circle Farmers Market, plus an antiques and craft fair. Every Saturday.
• Spider Kelly's. I love your burgers, your cardiac mac-n-cheese, and your giant chopped salad. I'll even come back and visit, if you promise to bring back the banana pudding.
• South Moon Under. I visited you many times for an outfit that night and you rarely disappointed. Many friends of mine also benefitted from your huge section of cute, affordable gifts. 
• Bake Shop. It's well documented that I'm slightly smitten with this joint. And I promise, it has a lot to do with the oatmeal creme pies, cupcakes and salted oatmeal cookies. Not just, ya know, the other thing.
• Sisters 3 Epilation & Lingerie Boutique. Leave it to three Greek sisters to know a lil' something about hair removal. Yes, TMI, but girl's they are GOOD. I wouldn't trust this task to just anyone. And they carry really cute gifts for bachelorette parties... or your lingerie drawers.
• Screwtop Wine Bar & Cheese Shop. Especially in the fall, I love cozying up to the bar with a nice flight of reds and the grilled cheese sliders (shaped like hearts).

Maybe I'll be back one day. But not until I have the requisite adorable child and cottage in Lyon Park. Xo.

What I've Been Eating: Potenza

Unless you follow me on Twitter, only the most epic meals I stumble upon make the blog. But, I've been up to a whole lot of good eating that maybe wasn't a trend story or a farm-to-table experience. One of my favorite meals recently was a lunch at Potenza.

I eat a lot at Chef Bryan Moscatello's Zola Wine & Kitchen because it's near my office, fairly affordable, freshly made and let's face it, the guys that work there are cute. Potenza is Chef Bryan's Italian joint just up the road and over by The White House.  I can't believe it took me so long to try it - it's part restaurant, part wine store and part bakery.  What part of that wouldn't I be into?

Here's what I ate:

 Arancini! Adorable fried risotto balls... on a bed of risotto and topped with fresh grated Parmesan.

Special of the Day: Vegetable Ravioli with Market-Fresh Squash

Chef Bryan has a commitment to serving fresh, local sourced food at all of his restaurants, so when something is the Chef's Special of the Day, it's a good choice. This ravioli had all of the latest vegetables I'd seen at the market blended inside soft pillowy raviolis. It was topped with Parmesan cheese as well, but the chunkier nature of the cheese contrasted well with the soft pasta.

It was worth a walk from Penn Quarter... and frankly, it felt great to walk back after a fantastic meal. Follow Chef Bryan on Twitter or make a reservation on OpenTable to experience Potenza.

Potenza is located at the corner of 15th & H Streets NW in Washington, DC and is super close to McPherson Square Metro.

Miriam's Kitchen: Part Volunteering, Part Free Cooking Class

Last week I had lunch with the inspiring chicas behind Miriam's Kitchen social media communities. I've been following them for quite a while, especially on Twitter, and I love that they really tell a complete story line and engage with their community of advocates and volunteers.

I told them I wanted to get more involved, but had this little problem about waking up and getting out of my house on time. Not going to let me get off the hook, they replied, "You'll be perfect for dinner shift then. Plus, you'll love Chef John... he's very farm to table!"

Hook. Line. Sinker... and a few days later I was on my way to Miriam's Kitchen (located in the basement of the church at 24th & G) along with my friends Lisa & Alison.

Me, Lisa, Sous Chef Chris & Ali modeling our Miriam's Kitchen finest

From the start it was very organized and we were put to work in the kitchen. Lisa and I chopped two watermelons and two buckets of apples (precisely as Chef John demonstrated).

Chef John Tip: Cut the ends off the watermelon first so you can set it flat on the board, then cut down middle, remove rind, cube.

Next up, I cut sweet potato and chocolate chip bars into serving sizes.  From there, we donned serving gloves and started manning our stations. Four of us volunteers were armed with serving spoons for the exact amounts to serve 190 people a creative, well balanced, healthy and delicious meal.

The Menu

Crispy Tofu with Sweet & Sour Sauce

Bison Fried Rice

Ginger-Sesame Eggplant

Watermelon & Apple Salad

Sweet Potato-Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

I have to tell you, there were some nerves and a rush when that window went up and guests started heading our way.  They filed through in groups of 10 as we asked them what they would like on their plates. I was impressed that all but about five tried the tofu *and* bison! I mean, I know these folks are going through tough times, but that's pretty adventurous.

It was a whirlwind of smiles and compliments on our cooking. (And one request for corned beef hash for breakfast in the future.) After we finished, the volunteer team and chefs started breaking down service and cleaning. The kitchen was spotless and well organized.

We chatted up Chef John a bit and found out he's a contender in the Sears Chef Challenge. Sears is looking for the next best chef in America AND trying to help food banks. I'd say Chef John is a two-fer.   He's an amazing guy and a talented chef, so we hope everyone in the DC area and beyond will support him.

As my friends and I left, what struck us the most was that so many of the people looked "normal"... That may seem obvious, but almost all of us are just a few paychecks from having the be on the other side of that serving station. Volunteering at Miriam's Kitchen was a fantastic experience. I felt like I got to practice my knife skills in the kitchen, consider how to plan a menu with speciality donations (liked bison!) and really make a difference to some people in our city. [BONUS: Foggy Bottom Metro accessible or garage parking for volunteers.]

Follow Miriam's Kitchen on Twitter, like em on Facebook and sign up for a shift to start helping today.