Oscars Viewing Night 2013 - Art Soiree Style

February 24, 2013 - The anticipation of the 85th Annual Academy Awards (Oscars) has been growing throughout the year. Preparations were made in Hollywood and viewing parties across the world were also being prepared. In Georgetown DC, Art Soiree Productions hosted a live viewing of the Oscars at The Ritz-Carlton and guests were invited to attend in black-tie attire. 

About Art Soiree: "Since 2009 Art Soiree’s goal has been to showcase emerging talent in the visual arts, short film, music, literature and performance art. Here at Art Soiree we work with emerging artists to encourage in their development of artistic skills in a variety of media."

Check out the pictures I took in covering this event.

The Convenience of Saving Time - Metrorail, Express Lanes and Parkmobile

I'm sure everyone wants to make life more convenient and save time. As a photographer, I spend a lot of time working, editing, networking and marketing. I also have to be at job sites in a timely manner and I like to do that without spending too much money and time doing so. The DC metropolitan area has incredible opportunities in employment and quality of living. The Tysons Corner area has been known as the Silicon Valley of the East for it's rich concentration of technology jobs. I used to work in the Tysons Corner area for over ten years and I'm used to the commute, and thankfully it never really got bad for me in commuting, even with the DC area being considered one of the worst, if not the worst traffic congested areas in the nation.

I don't go to the Tysons Corner area much anymore, but I was in that area a couple days in a row and marveled at the progress of the Dulles Metrorail project. I'm really excited about the expansion of Metrorail and look forward to seeing it alleviate some of the congestion and make Tysons Corner a better place to live, work and play. The Tysons Corner area has long been considered a heavily congested area and it doesn't bode very well for pedestrians. I try to use Metrorail when I can in going into and out of DC. The whole DC area Metrorail system is a good system overall and easy to use.

After doing some bank transactions and shopping, I finally went on the 495 Express Lanes around 4:30pm, which is about when traffic starts really getting congested in the Tysons Corner area. I loved using the express lane and it was costing me $1.10 at the time. That's worth it if the traffic is like a parking lot, which it can often be during rush hour. Having a E-Z pass is one of the best decisions I've made regarding transportation and avoiding some long lines of cars at tolls.

Another time-saver is using Parkmobile. I had heard things about it, but parking in DC had become a problem and I don't like only being able to park for only two hours at a time (on most parking meters). Finding parking in garages are difficult and can be costly. I wish parking garages would post their rates and times clearly before even entering the garage and include details of whether it's a self-park garage or not. I started using Parkmobile and it has been easy and great to use. I don't have to worry about spare change or the meter running out of time and getting a ticket.

Save more time and make life easier.

http://www.dullesmetro.com/

https://www.495expresslanes.com/

http://us.parkmobile.com/

The Love of Giving to Benefit Touching Heart

February 13, 2013 - I covered a Sip With Socialites event for Guest of a Guest. This was a special Valentine's Date Auction to raise funds for Touching Heart. The event was held at a new Whiskey Lounge called Penthouse Nine PH9. Many thanks to the sponsors: Arthur Christine, Cedar Seneca, Cheryl's, Jo Malone of Nordstrom at Annapolis Mall, Monumental Sports & Entertainment, Passion Food Restaurant Group, SEO Expert Dimitris Volakis, Ted's Cigars, You Successful You by Jana Sedlakova, TRI Fitness, and Rent The Runway. The event was well done and well attended, even for a rainy night in DC. Sip With Socialites is comprised of ladies who hold monthly fundraisers for selected charities and causes while raising a glass. Cheers to that.

 

 

 

 

 

Touching Heart is a nonprofit organization 501(c)(3) whose mission is to educate children to have a giving heart. We believe that children can impact the world in significant ways especially if they are taught to treat each other with compassion and gentleness Touching Heart’s programs are focused on how to enlighten, excite, and educate children and how they can experience the true joy that comes from helping disadvantaged children.

Touching Heart:
http://www.touchingheart.com/

Event Chair: Michele Hudson
http://sipwithsocialites.com/the-socialites/michele-hudson

Sip With Socialites
http://sipwithsocialites.com/

Crystal Couture - Show & Sale - 2/5/13

For it's fifth year running, a fashion event called Crystal Couture Show and Sale has been dressing up the Arlington VA and DC area scene. This February Crystal Couture has gone to new heights in bringing 360 degrees of fashion to the 12th (top) floor of 251 18th Street in Crystal City. Guests will enjoy spectacular views of DC landmarks while models choreographed by fashionista Maggy Francois walk a square runway showing the hottest styles from DC area boutiques and designers. Guests will also enjoy a huge trunk sale from up to 45 select boutiques and designers with discounts of up to 50 percent off, a cash bar, free make-up and hair makeovers, conversations with wardrobe stylists and music from DJ Neekola. Admission to this fantastic event is FREE!

On Tuesday, February 5, 2013 from 6 to 10pm, Crystal Couture embarked on it's first night in, hosted by Philippa PB Hughes of the Pinkline Project. I've shared several photos from my coverage below. Crystal Couture will run through Saturday February 9th. For more information, see their website.