Momtastrophe or Momtastic

Sunday, June 28, 2009

DIVAs Night Out

In 2006 Maimah Karmo was diagnosed with Breast Cancer at 32 years old. She had no history of breast cancer in her family and when she told her doctor she felt a lump, she was told not to worry. Six months later the lump doubled in size and she began her journey to fight her breast cancer. "If you are under 40, you are your own best advocate against breast cancer. You need to be aware of self examination and integrate prevention into your lifestyle" said Maimah.

During her second round of chemotherapy, with her then three year old daughter Noel at her bedside, Maimah decided to start the Tigerlilly Foundation. She says "as hard as it was, I decided I could live during and after breast cancer and I wanted to use this challenge as a positive catalyst."

Noel, now 6, is her mom's biggest cheerleader and says "sometimes people can't find anyone to listen and my mommy is there to listen."

The Tigerlilly Foundation held its First Annual DIVAs night out at the Fairfax Marriott on June 25, 2009. Guests were greeted by Maimah (pictured above) and an overflowing swag bag. The swag bags included discounts on spa services, delicious smelling soaps and lip glosses, jewelry, pink knit scarfs and so much more. The most important piece of the swag bag was a pamphlet on how to do a self breast examination.


Located in the atrium was every DIVAs favorite... shopping! Vendors included Tomboy tools (pictured above) Cookie Lee Jewelery and KuraDesign Handbags to name a few. Guests also enjoyed pampering with manicures and massages.
After the shopping, guests enjoyed a mother and daughter runway show. The moms wore designs by Ellen Dunbar Designs, Studio Demaxsi by Afua Sam and MNG. The daughters wore MNG by Mango. (shown above by Noel and a friend)
One of the highlights of the evening was a speech by Vernice Armour. (photo above) Vernice is the first African-American Female Fighter Pilot!!! She was a an entertaining and inspirational speaker, teaching the crowd that "a break through mentality leads to a break through life."
The evening concluded with several raffle items including a KuraDesign handbag commissioned especially for this event. (The lucky winner is pictured above with the handbag).

Upcoming Events to benefit Cats, K9s and Kids

Join the Washington Humane Society on Wednesday July 1st for a Purrfectly Patriotic Cat Adoption Event at their New York Avenue Shelter.


Dogtopia of Alexandria is hosting a K9 dog wash to support police dogs on Sunday July 19th. A few years ago tragedy struck in Prince William County when a working K9 was accidentally shot by a fellow police officer who did not realize that it was a police K9. To help prevent this from happening in Alexandria, this fund raiser will go towards the purchase of tracking harnesses for all of the Alexandria Police K-9's. These harnesses clearly identify the canines as police K9's and are complete with police badges. The harness also have an infra-red light that can be tracked by a helicopter. The harnesses will let everyone know they are police K9's and will hopefully ensure that a tragic accident will not happen in Alexandria.


On Wednesday, July 29 the city's VIP will be seen at the W hotel for the Wednesday Warm-up for KEENfest. KEEN is a national, nonprofit volunteer-led organization that provides one-to-one exercise and recreational opportunities for children & young adults with developmental and physical disabilities. There are a limited number of tickets, so be sure to buy yours now.

Monday, June 22, 2009

The New Dining Hot Spot is Zentan

Located in the Donovan House, a Thompson Hotel, is the ultra hip Asian eatery Zentan. Located at 1115 14th St in NW DC, this is the place to see and be seen. Zentan offers a cozy dining room where it is likely "everyone knows your name".

Renowned Chef Susar Lee has created a menu that tempts the eyes and tickles the taste buds. When you arrive, ask the bartender for a Spicy Thai Martini. The pink drink complete with crystallized ginger is a delicious blend of Belevedere vodka, Thai spices and cranberry juice leave your palate sweet, warm and prepared for an amazing meal.

The sushi selection is unique and full of flavor, I recommend trying the Fire Dragon which consists of spicy tuna, barbecue eel avocado and tobiko.

If you follow my recommendation and have started your evening with the Spicy Thai Martini followed by the Fire Dragon sushi roll, you may want to cool things down with the Singapore Slaw. This salad has over 20 ingredients which compliment each other perfectly.

For an appetizer you have to try the Almond Crusted Lobster and Shrimp Dumpling Lettuce Wrap followed by the Sauteed Scallops as an entree.

After you are full, adjourn with a nightcap (perhaps the Absinthe Sangria, complete with sugar cube) to the roof top pool. If they filmed The Hills in DC this would surely be a favorite!

Calling all DIVAs


On Thursday, June 25th from 7 – 11 pm for the Tigerlily Foundation’s 1st Annual DIVA (Divine Inspiring Vivacious Aware) Night Out Event to be held at the Fairfax Marriott at Fair Oaks, 11787 Lee Jackson Memorial Highway, Fairfax, VA 22033.

The event itself will feature a fashion show, food, shopping, swag bags, dancing, motivational speakers, raffles, and a lot of networking, mingling, and fun. Special guests or speakers include Julie Parker from WJLA Channel 7, Michael Wright, from WPGC 95.5, Breyuna Williams, Ms. Black DC 2009, and Jasmine Alexis, Ms. Teen DC (among others).

The Tigerlily Foundation helps to educate and empower women and their family members who are fighting breast cancer.

Founder, Maimah Karmo, is a woman who has exemplified strength, courage and faith in order to overcome the devastation of breast cancer, and she has reached beyond the depths of fear to encourage others. Through her advocacy, Maimah has been able to touch women and men around the world. She speaks nationwide, and has been featured in various magazines, including Essence, Ladies Home Journal, Cure Magazine, Women and Cancer, Washington’s Finest and in numerous web-based and regional print publications. She has also been featured on Fox 5, WJLA 7, News Channel 8, the Oprah Winfrey Show, Good Morning America, and many local and national radio shows, including on XM and Sirius stations.

For more information or tickets to the event, please visit http://www.tigerlilyfoundation.org/diva.html.

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

A Day in DC

Living in DC it is easy to forget all of the wonderful and most of the time free things we have to do right in our own backyard. On a recent Sunday, my husband and I had an inexpensive and fun adventure.

We started our day stopping by the Italian Store for a Baguette and some cheese. We spent less than $10 and we got to enjoy our picnic on the lawn of the Iwo Jima Memorial.

We then went next door to stroll around Arlington Cemetery.

Finally we hopped across the river to spend the afternoon at the National Zoo.

I really enjoyed being able to spend a beautiful day outdoors with my husband and my Canon SLR










Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Summer Swing Under the Stars

Not only is Andrea Rodgers of AskMissA.com a marketing and PR guru she is a philanthropist who started the non-profit The Courage Cup to benefit at-risk urban youth.

Annually The Courage Cup organization hosts the Meadow Matches a Polo match held in Virginia. This year due to the strain on the economy the Meadow Match event is being put on hold. This event brings together the Washington Polo community, The Corporate Sector and the Philanthropic Community to support Work to Ride, the First African-American polo program designed to help at-risk urban youth. The Work to Ride program provides disadvantaged urban youth with constructive activities centered around horsemanship, equine sports, and education.

"Especially in this time of economic insecurity, many may question why the children are taught to ride horses and play polo. They do not understand that the children in the Work to Ride program enjoy riding and working with horses, and benefit from being a part of a program which supports them, encourages them, and teaches the skills they need to succeed in life. Through the program they learn teamwork, a strong work ethic, passion, goal setting, and they are required to keep their grades up in school. As with many other sports, polo gives these children lessons in life," said Andrea Rodgers, CEO and Chairwoman of The Courage Cup.

In an effort to continue raising funds and bring awareness to programs like Work to Ride, The Courage Cup Leadership Committee will host Summer Swing Under the Stars at AKA White House, 1710 H Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20006.

Tickets cost $30 per person, and benefit The Courage Cup, an IRS designated 501(c) (3) non-profit corporation which was established to help at-risk urban youth. We support programs in the mid-Atlantic region which give disadvantaged children individualized attention and a positive alternative activity to keep them in school and off the streets.

For more tickets go to http://www.couragecup.org/tickets or visit www.couragecup.org.

Monday, June 8, 2009

Bark Ball 2009 Coverage


The "Pupperazzi" was out in full force Saturday night, enjoying the area's premier Black Tie event in honor of those with four paws on the floor. About 900 dog-lovers showed up in their tuxes at the Capitol Hilton for The Bark Ball, the highly-woofed-about annual benefit for the Washington Humane Society. The event raised about $250,000. Read more


Check out some other coverage from the event:

Washingtonian: Lacy and I are photographed on page 4

Metromix DC: Lacy and I are photo 6

On Tap

Vithaya Photography

The Scene Bisnow

Thursday, June 4, 2009


If you are looking for something fun to do on Sunday June 14th, stop by Fresh Boutique in Georgetown from 2-4pm. They are having an event to support the Capitol Women's Polo Challenge Campaign for Breast Cancer Charities.

If you are looking to find great summer dresses be sure to stop in and enjoy some great deals as well as Mimosas and Munchies.