Photos with Vithaya Photography

Last week Steve, Remy and I met up with friend and photographer Vithaya for a photo session in Old Town Alexandria. We were helping him with a top secret mission to be revealed at a later time.

My dress is actually the dress my mom wore on her first date with my dad :)

To see a few of the photos and Vithaya's recap visit his website.

Washington Life

Thought I would share some photos of Lacy and I in Washington Life from earlier this year :)

Bark Ball

Fashion for Paws and after the show

Join the Furternity!

Karing by Kristina is holding Fall Rush!

Become a VIP Client during the month of September and your dog becomes a member of DOG. Delta Omega Gamma is Karing by Kristina’s exclusive Furternity!

Furternity member’s will receive:

A Welcome to the DOG House Sweatshirt (Shown above on members Remy and Lacy)

3 Free Nail Clips

A Free Birthday Cake on their Birthday

10% off at Barkley Square

Invitations to the DC area’s hottest Dog events

Sign up today by calling 703-329-1043!

Or learn more this Thursday September 3rd during Pawgaritaville our official Fall Rush Party!

It is time for a Pawgarita

Join Barkley Square and Karing by Kristina for a Pawgarita! Pawgaritaville will be held Sept 3 from 6-9pm!

Adventures with PAL

Remy posing at Pohick Library

I have recently become involved with a wonderful organization called PAL. People Animals Love is an organization where volunteer dogs and their volunteer owners are out and about bringing the superhuman power of animals to nursing homes and treatment programs, to the lonely and the sick, and to others who need the amazingly therapeutic, miraculously curative and positively uplifting powers of a cold wet nose.

On the first Saturday of every month at Pohick Library children have the opportunity to read to some of the PAL dogs. This month Remy joined the group, met some wonderful children and had a great time hearing stories like Bad Kitty and the Diary of a Wimpy Kid!

Below are two photos of Remy and his new friends!



PAL recently held a canine cruise as a thank you to all of their volunteers. Lacy and I joined the group for a fun cruise on the Potomac River. Lacy helped by acting as captain!




Several times each year PAL will hold Yappy Hours as fundraisers. Below are photos from the last Yappy Hour at Chef Geoff. The next Yappy Hour will be held on Wednesday August 26th at Chef Geoff.

The Results are in

Tammy Johns-Brown
Mrs. United States 2009

Congrats to all of the wonderful women who competed in the Mrs. United States pageant this week in Las Vegas.

A special congrats to my friend Rachel Naugle-McCarville, Mrs. Virginia, for placing in the top 12!!!

The results are as follows:
Mrs. United States- Tammy Johns-Brown (SC)
1st Runner Up: Janet McCulloh (WY)
2nd Runner Up: Lindsay Clark (TX)
3rd Runner Up: Kellie Lightbourn (FL)

Alexandria's Newest PAL

Remy at Hotel Monaco
Photo Courtesy of Cascades Photography

It is official! Remy is PAL's newest representative!

People Animals Love is a nonprofit, tax-exempt 501(c)3 organization that brings people and animals together, brightening the lives of the lonely, easing the pain of the sick and enriching the world of at-risk children.

Remy at Hotel Monaco

Photo Courtesy of Cascades Photography

PAL volunteer dogs and their volunteer owners go out and about bringing the superhuman power of animals to nursing homes and treatment programs, to the lonely and the sick, and to others who need the amazingly therapeutic, miraculously curative and positively uplifting powers of a cold wet nose!

Remy at Market Square
Photo Courtesy of Cascades Photography

PAL is currently expanding into the Alexandria area. They are looking for a few good dogs to join Remy in bringing a little joy to those who need it. Be sure to visit the PAL Website to learn more.

The hottest VIP tickets in town are almost sold out...

Wednesday-Warmup for KEENFest at the W Hotel

Honorary Chairwoman Lindsay Czarniak of NBC News4 Sports and Chairwoman Amanda Polk invite you to join them as they walk the red carpet at Warm-up for KEENFest at DC's newest hot spot, W Washington D.C.

On Wednesday night July 29th from 7 to 9pm, Warm-up Party for KEENFest will be at DC’s newest hot spot, the W Hotel. There will be exciting raffle items including $500 at the Darlington House, a 2 Night stay at the W-DC- includes breakfast,a signed basketball by Michael Jordan and more. You won't want to miss this event with DC's who's- who crowd..

Proceeds from this event support KEEN’s exercise and recreation programs for young people with significant disabilities.

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.

What is unique about KEEN?
1. We accept every child regardless of his/her ability or disability
2. All KEEN programs are run and managed by committed volunteers
3. Our programs are completely free of charge to the athletes and their families


This is a VIP event and tickets are limited.
Tickets are $125 and can be purchased here:

https://secure.groundspring.org/dn/index.php?aid=25200

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Paws, Purrs and Exotics Animal Hospital holds a Grand Opening

On Saturday July 18th, 2009 Paws, Purrs and Exotics Animal Hospital will be holding its Grand Opening. The event will benefit the Washington Humane Society, which will have adoptable animals at the event.

Local dog friendly vendors including Hotel Monaco, Baskin Robbins, Karing by Kristina and Barkley Square Bakery have partnered with the Animal Hospital for a day full of fun, education, and free giveaways!


“We are bringing those whose businesses serve animals in our community together to celebrate our opening and to raise funds for the Washington Humane Society”, said owner Dr. Elton Vyfhuis. I have supported the WHS for years by volunteering performing surgeries for them at their National Capital Area Spay & Neuter Center, and am excited that the first event at our new hospital will support the great work that the Washington Humane Society does in our community."

Paws, Purrs and Exotics Animal Hospital is the first African American owned Animal Hospital in the Alexandria area and is one of very few in the DC metro area that specializes in Exotics.

"We want to establish a long-term relationship with our clients, their families and their pets. We will host an open house to showcase our new clinic and look forward to serving the Alexandria community, as well as surrounding area. ” Dr. Nia Perkins said. Paws, Purrs & Exotics Animal Hospital will offer high-quality, affordable veterinary care for dogs, cats, small mammals and exotics. Their services include general medicine, surgery, digital radiography, grooming, day boarding and daycare services, and professional training. For details, call the hospital at 703-549-PAWS (7297)

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.

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 25^th 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.

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

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.

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

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.

Mrs. Maryland and Mrs. Pennsylvania Pageant

On Sunday May 24th I attended the Mrs. Maryland and Mrs. Pennsylvania Pageant in Harrsiburg, PA. This pageant is directed by Moore Pageant Productions which is the same company that puts on the Mrs. Virginia and Mrs. Delaware United States Pageants. The always lovely Siouxzan Nalley Moore did another amazing job and is photographed above with the winners.

Congrats to all of the lovely ladies, the new Queens and their court!

Mrs. PA United States 2009 - Kate Cohen
1st runner up: Kimberly Meehan
2nd runner up: Erin Bailey

Mrs. MD United States 2009: Ginny Meerman
1st Runner Up: Melissa Sayles
2nd Runner Up: Cynthia Wood