DC on Heels

WE MOVED!

2011-03-05T00:10:00.000-08:00

Check out our new Website and our new Web address: www.dconheels.com!

PLEASE NOTE: All new blog posts, free movie ticket promotions and contest giveaways will now be featured exclusively at: www.dconheels.com.

In light of our facelift and new Web address, the DC on Heels blogspot blog will no longer be updated.

Click to discover your personalized style profile today!

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FREE Movie Tix: Vanessa Hudgens "Beastly" flick

2011-02-22T04:00:00.000-08:00

High School Musical star Vanessa Hudgens and former child actress turned media mogul Mary-Kate Olsen star in a new teenage love story with a BEAST at the center of it... and DC on Heels is giving away 40 FREE tickets for you to go see it!

Scroll Down to get FREE tix to this flick.

About the Movie:
Kyle (Alex Pettyfer) is 17 years old and spoiled, shallow and incredibly popular prince of his high school kingdom.

Entirely captivated and empowered by his own physical appearance, Kyle foolishly chooses Kendra (Mary-Kate Olsen) as his latest target for humiliation. Kendra, a witch masquerading as a high school student, is unfazed.

Mary-Kate Olsen plays a witch!

Instead of retreating, she decides to teach him a lesson - she transforms Kyle into someone as unattractive on the outside as he is on the inside. Now he has one year to find someone who can see past his surface and love him, or he will remain "Beastly" forever.

His only hope, a quiet classmate he never noticed named Lindy (Vanessa Hudgens), may be his best chance to prove that love is never ugly.

In theaters Friday, March 4. But YOU can see a day early by entering the DC on Heels movie code listed below:

For your complimentary tickets to a special advance screening of BEASTLY in the Washington, DC area on Thursday, February 3 log onto www.gofobo.com/rsvp and input the following code: DCHEEL11Q0 to download your tickets.

But Hurry! DC on Heels only has 40 "admit one" tickets (or 20 pairs) to give away. So go download your free flick tix and I'll see you at the movies!

xoxo,

Markette

Let's Connect!

America's Next Top Model Cycle 17--"Wanna Be On Top?"

2011-02-20T22:59:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, Feb. 20th auditions for America's Next Top Model Cylcle 17 was in full force. Yes ANTM is now in it's 17th cycle and it isn't slowing down a bit! Miss Tyra Banks brought us the "Real World" for models way back in 2003 and it's still as fierce as ever. And once again the line wrapped around the entire top floor of the Fashion Centre at Pentagon City Mall-- as hundreds of hopeful girls waited in line for hours; all vying for the opportunity to audition to be chosen as the next "Top Model." But don't take my word for it. Check out the photos here and stay tuned for my interviews with all the girls!

The line wrapped all around the top floor.

The girls this year had IPads, Ipods and Kindles to keep them company.

This stunning beauty was already chosen as one of Tyra's favorites from Cycle 14.

All the girls were telling me why they thought they should be chosen.

This candidate told me that confidence is key.

One of my absolute top picks for this year. Stay tuned for my interview with this gorgeous gal.

It's all about the hair. Jalissa had the confidence and character for sure!

Short spikey hair ala Halle Berry just may have been the theme this year.

Short, sheen and confidant again was the theme.

Like mother like daughter! Cute duo for sure. (Mom was just there for moral support.)

Sassy stripes. It was all about being bold and beautiful for these girls!

Look out for my interviews with all the girls from this year's tryouts. And stay tuned as Markette and I will narrow it down to who we think should be in the the Top 3 for the DC auditions.

Check out the previous year's competition:

Besos xoxoxo,

Vanessa

Let's Connect!

Buff Body of the Week: the Caps Red Rockers

2011-02-17T03:00:00.000-08:00

The RED ROCKERS rock!

The Capitals Red Rockers teach a class at WSC.
(Photos Courtesy: Erin Kelleher)

The Red Rockers are the official spirit squad of the Washington Capitals (that's code for NHL eye candy), and because these girls know how to do a serious workout, they are our latest Buff Body of Week (well, the collective body, anyways).

And just like their hockey playing counterparts, such as Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom, the Caps Red Rockers must be in tip-top shape before each game.

Soooo.... they've teamed up with Washington Sports Clubs to host an exclusive class to teach all the single ladies (and some married ones, too) the hottest dance moves straight from the ice rink at Kettler Arena.

DC on Heels recently got EXCLUSIVE access to one of the classes at WSC's North Bethesda location. The 50-minute, fat-burning cardio workout is definitely a calorie burner, but the booty shakin' and hair flippin' make it well worth the sweat.

The high-impact workout includes choreography
from the Red Rockers dance routine.

A Red Rocker leads the group in a pre-workout stretch.

The class covers strength training, as well as cardio.

That's me, tryin' to get my Beyonce on... NOT!

If you're nice and do all of your push ups, they'll even
sign a few autographs at the end of the class.

The Red Rockers and the brave women who dared to flip
their hair and shake their booties in the name of fitness.

This class will be held once a month throughout the spring at various Washington Sports Clubs locations, including:

MARCH: Wednesday, 3/16 @ 7:30-8:30pm, WSC Chevy Chase
APRIL: Saturday, 4/9 @ 11am-12pm, WSC Fairfax
MAY: Tuesday, 5/10, 5:30pm-6:30pm, WSC Silver Spring
JUNE: Saturday, 6/18, 11am-12pm, WSC Gallery Place

xoxo,

Markette

Let's Connect!

P.S. - Check out previous Buff Bodies of the Week:

- Buff Bodies of Super Bowl XLV

- Kris Humphries: Kim Kardashian's MAN CANDY of 2010

- Josh Duhamel: There's more than meets the eye!

- Tennis Champ Anna Kournikova

- Jason Cooper: A D.C. Original

- Fred Davis: Redskins Tight End

- The 'Old Spice' Guy

- Fola Awosika: D.C. Personal Trainer

Gala Hispanic Theatre presents: The Innocent Eréndira and her Heartless Grandmother

2011-02-16T22:02:00.000-08:00

OK ladies and gents, if you're looking for something to do in the DC area that includes drama, culture and beauty--then head over to the Gala Hispanic Theatre for an incredible night of entertainment. The Gala continues its 35th Anniversary Season with "La candida Erendira/The Innocent and Her Heartless Grandmother," based on a novel by award-winning author Gabriel Garcia Marquez.

The theatre is located on 3333 14th Street NW

Yes, you know the world famous author Gabriel Garcia Marquez. I first fell in love with his literary genius after reading "Cien Anos De Soledad" or in English translated as "100 Hundred Years of Solitude"-- so if you wish to enter a word of literary magical realism and creativity then you haven't lived until you've read the work of Marquez. (The widely acclaimed story, considered to be the author's masterpiece, was first published in Spanish in 1967, and succeeded so well that it has been translated into thirty-seven languages and sold more than 20 million copies.)

I am so thrilled to head on over to the Gala Hispanic Theatre to see "La candida Erendira/The Innocent and Her Heartless Grandmother" up on the stage.

Photo courtesy of Paulo Andres Montenegro.

ABOUT THE PLAY:

In a mysterious and poetic landscape, the young Erendira is forced to sell herself by her grandmother to pay for accidentally burning down the family home. After traveling from town to town, Erendira is wed to a young man who loves her deeply and together they plot an escape. In his innovative adaptation, Triana turns a tragic tale into black comedy revealing possibilities never imagined in the original story.

La candida Erendira is performed in Spanish with English surtitles, Thursdays through Saturday at 8pm, and Sundays at 3pm.Featured in the cast are guest artists Laura Garcia from Colombia as the grandmother, as well as Paola Baldion from New York as the young Erendira. Ms. Garcia is a well-known film and theater actress in Colombia, who appeared as Laurencia in "Fuente Ovejuna" by Lope de Vega and Ursula Iguaran in "La Casa" by Garcia Marquez. She won the ACE Best Actress Award in New York for her role in Garcia Marquez's "Diatriba de amor contra un hombre sentado" and has received acting awards from the Big Apple.

Jorge Ali Triana (Director, Adaptation) was born in Colombia and is considered one of the most distinguished Latin American film and theatre directors. He studied film and theater at the Superior Arts Academy in Prague, and later founded the Popular Theatre of the Bogota Dramatic Arts and Audiovisual Center. Triana has directed more than 50 productions.

Single tickets are Thursdays and Sundays, and $36 Fridays and Saturdays. Tickets for students, senior citizens (65+) and military are $20 (Thursdays and Sundays) and $26 (Fridays and Saturdays.) Additional discounts are available for groups of 10 or more. For tickets: Call (800) 494-8497, or (202) 234-7174, or just go to the Website at www.galatheatre.org. See you there!!!

Besos xoxoxo,

Vanessa

Let's Connect!

Steps to the Cure: Selena's Survival Story

2011-02-15T05:00:00.000-08:00

Breast cancer survivors flank designer
Afua Sam (green) at previous year'sshow.

A girl I used to know from high school used to have this saying: fashion over function.

What she meant is that if an item of clothing looks good, then wear it! No pain, no gain!

I thought of this saying when I recently learned about Steps to the Cure, an amazingly altruistic function with fashion as its center piece.

Started by Maryland-based plastic surgeon Dr. Larry Lickstein and his wife, Lori, Steps to the Cure is a runway event featuring models who are all breast cancer survivors. They have went through the pain, and now they have everything to gain.

A survivor struts her stuff down the catwalk.

Local fashion designers and fine jewelry merchants also donate their time and couture to help ensure that the models look stunning as they glide down the catwalk.

"This event aims at raising funds to support research towards breast cancer," says Afua Sam of Studio D'Maxsi. She is participating in the event as a designer.

At a recent visit to Sam's home studio, I caught up with the charming and effervescent 'Cure' model Selena Quintanilla. Diagnosed at just 28 years old, she is now in remission from stage 3 breast cancer after two years of chemotherapy treatment.

Her name may be the same as the legendary Spanish language pop star, but the Selena Quintanilla I met in Silver Spring, Md. has a triumphant ending to her tragic tale.

Selena and Afua strike a pose next to the "BRA" dress.

Off camera, the 30-year-old survivor lifted up her shirt and showed me her scars after having a double mastectomy, followed by full reconstructive surgery.

"I'm fine with it," said Selena. She told me it was actually harder for her to lose her hair (which used to be long), than it was for her to lose her breasts.

I was truly touched after meeting her and hearing her story. I know that she is here do to some great things in this world, and I really feel that it was a gift to have met her.

And this is her gift to you: As stated in the video above, the doctors told Selena that she did not have cancer the first time she went to check a lump in her breast. It was only after she went back a year later with the same lump that she was diagnosed. Now she's sharing her story in hopes that others will get checked and rechecked and checked again, if they feel like something is wrong in their bodies.

If you would like to see Selena walk down the runway at Steps to the Cure, then get mark your calendar for April 16 at Valley Mansion in Baltimore. Click here for more details.

xoxo,

Markette

Let's Connect!

P.S. - Check out this video from the other Selena Quintanilla, dedicated to all of you survivors out there!

Who is the heck is St. Valentine anyway?

2011-02-13T22:45:00.000-08:00

I'm always fascinated each time a holiday rolls around how and why we have come to celebrate it. Why do we give each other chocolates and go out to fancy dinners on February the 14th? Who the heck is St.Valentine anyways and what did he do? Well, (according to Wikipedia) Saint Valentine's Day, commonly shortened to Valentine's Day, is an annual commemoration held on February 14, celebrating love and affection between intimate companions.

The day is named after one or more early Christian martyrs*, Saint Valentine, and was established by Pope Gelasius I in 496 AD. It was deleted from the Roman calendar of saints in 1969 by Pope Paul VI, but its religious observance is still permitted. It is traditionally a day on which lovers express their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering confectionery, and sending greeting cards (known as "valentines.") The day first became associated with romantic love in the circle of Geoffrey Chaucer in the High Middle Ages, when the tradition of courtly love flourished.

* Valentine was a holy priest in Rome, who, with St. Marius and his family, assisted the martyrs in the persecution under Claudius II. He was apprehended, and sent by the emperor to the prefect of Rome, who on finding all his promises to make him renounce his faith in effectual, commended him to be beaten with clubs, and afterwards, to be beheaded, which was executed on Feb. 14th, about the year 270.

OK good to know, now at least I have a better idea of what this holiday is all about and who St. Valentine is. This truly is one of my favorite holidays because it includes lots of food, wine and tons of chocolate. And if there is one group of people that know about all of the above it would be the Italians. Italy has to be one of the most romantic places to be in the world for Valentine's Day and Italians really know how to love. Whether it's their love affair with food, wine, or each other, they are categorically a passionate and romantic group of people. I remember when Markette and I were at NIAF's 35th Anniversary Convention and Gala celebrating 35 years of the Italian American community interviewing all the Italiano's, from ESPN's Tony Reali to Mama DePandi. So much food and fun all in one room!

Here are some helpful and romantic Italian phrases you can use!

Mio amore-my love
Tesoro mio-my darling
Passerotto mio-my little bird
Mi manchi-I missy you
Ho bisogno-I need you
Ti adoro-I adore you
Sei la mia vita-you are my life
Mi vuoi sposare? -will you marry me?

Ciao bella!

Besos xoxoxo,

Vanessa

Let's Connect!

3 Ways to Relaxify Your Mind

2011-02-11T04:54:00.000-08:00

OK, I know that "relaxify" is not an actual word, but after a long, stressful, cold and snowy week, by the time FRIDAY rolls around, I tend to start making up words.

But here is something that is not made-up: there are real health benefits to finding FUN things to do on the weekends, like pampering yourself.

Relaxation Tip No. 1: When the tough gets going, some health experts say, GET A FACIAL.

Heading to the spa may actually reduce high blood pressure caused by stress, according to a study by the Mayo Clinic.

The warm steam from a facial can also increase circulation to the face and neck.

According to Pegg Hoffman, a skin care specialist at Renu Med Spa in Chevy Chase, Md., a facial massage can help to loosen up muscles in the jaw, for those who carry stress in their mouths or grind their teeth at night.

A one-hour, monthly facial can work wonders on a woman's complexion, says Hoffman. During a facial with one of Renu's skin care specialists, you will receive a specialized skin consultation, a Clarisonic facial brush cleansing, steaming, extractions, shoulder & face massage and a customized mask.

The friendly and upscale environment at Renu helps you relax.

Relaxation Tip No. 2: GO SHOPPING! Yes, girls! This really is the news we have been waiting for our entire lives.

According to Women's Health magazine, shopping will give you the same kind of high you might get from running on a treadmill by releasing a flood of endorphins - the feel-good chemicals in your brain.

The mood boosting endorphans that come from shopping not only gives your brain a boost, but your relationships, too, according to the article, "Shopping IS Good For You: How Manolos Can Save Your Life," by Dan Tynan.

After an online shopping spree, I am elated when my
Shoe Dazzle heels and purse arrive!

'Round here, we prefer $39.95 ShoeDazzle shoes over thousand dollar Manolo Blahniks, and according to Los Angeles-based psychologist Dr. Nancy Irwin, the better the deal, the bigger the boost.

"It's a peak experience to get a hell of a deal," says Irwin to Women's Health.

Relaxation Tip No. 3: DO SOMETHING NICE FOR SOMEONE ELSE. You don't have to be Oprah and give away a trip to Australia, but by doing something as simple as treating your coworker to lunch or shoveling snow from your elderly neighbor's steps, it can have profound effects on your stress levels.

Fashion icon Donna Karan is named
Humanitarian of the Year.

(In the photo above, fashion designer Donna Karan snaps a pic with Chef Art Smith after being honored as Humanitarian of the Year by ShelterBox USA. The event, honoring Karan's work in Haiti, took place at Laison Hotel on Capitol Hill earlier this week. Photo Credit: Joyce N. Boghosian)

GreaterGood.com's Jill Suttie and Jason Marsh write: A wide range of research has linked different forms of generosity to better health, even among the sick and elderly.

In his book Why Good Things Happen to Good People, Stephen Post, a professor of preventative medicine at Stony Brook University, reports that giving to others has been shown to increase health benefits in people with chronic illness... (from the article, "5 Ways Giving Is Good For You").

I think it was Maria Shriver who said it best when she quoted her mom, Eunice, as saying, "The best thing you can do for yourself is to do something for somebody else."

Let's try this weekend ladies! E-mail, Tweet or Facebook me your response to this article... and ways you relax and find happiness on the weekends.

xoxo,

Markette

Let's Connect!

Free tickets to special advance screening of "Hall Pass" starring Owen Wilson and Jason Sudeikis

2011-02-09T21:22:00.000-08:00

Would you give your guy a "HALL PASS"?

Hall Pass (hol pass), n.--A week off from marriage to do whatever you want without consequences. In this hilarious new comedy brought to you by the Farrely brothers, ("There's Something About Mary," "Kingpin" and "Dumb & Dumber") Owen Wilson and Jason Sudeikis handle the two lead roles in this tale about husbands whose wives give them a temporary "Hall Pass" to do whatever they want (i.e. bed as many women as possible and engage in any extra curricular activities) before resuming their regularly scheduled married lives. Jenna Fischer, Richard Jenkins, Christina Applegate and Alyssa Milano join this dynamic duo on the big screen.

The duo quickly learn they've been out of the single game for too long and picking up chicks isn't as easy as they thought.

DC on Heels is teaming up with Warner Bros. and giving away 40 FREE advanced screening tickets to this comedy! So if your reading this entry--get your ticket NOW. Answer this question on our Facebook Page--Would you give your significant other a free "Hall Pass" for a week? Answer Yes or No. Then, get your complimentary tickets to a special advance screening of the movie at the Regal Gallery Place Stadium 14 area on Tuesday, February 22. Log onto www.gofobo.com/rsvp and input the following code: DCHEELUY3M. You will be allowed to dowload two tickets to the screening. Seating is on a first come first serve basis. Screening tickets do not guarantee admittance. In theaters Friday, February 25.

Watch the trailer:

Get your very own HALL PASS!

Enjoy. See you at the screening!

Besos xoxoxo,

Vanessa

Let's Connect!

One Tank Trip: Snowboarding in White Tail

2011-02-08T05:30:00.000-08:00

One thing's for certain about this One Tank Trip...

Markette snowboards backwards
down a hill... don't try this at home!

You will have a blast!

Where: White Tail Ski Resort in Mercersburg, Pa.

Distance from DC: 87 miles
Time in Car: 1 hours 51 minutes
Best time to Go: The peak season is winter, but they have outdoor activities all year round. The ideal snow conditions for skiing, boarding or tubing are just after a big snow. Additionally, you can always check the Snow Report for the most up to the minute details.

Things to Do: Ski, Snowboard, SnowTube, See and Be Seen.

When I first arrive, I am frightened at the notion of riding a lift to the top of a mountain only to have to slide down with both of my feet locked into a standing sled... also known as a snowboard.

I know, I know. My hair looks a HOT mess in this video. I didn't see a reason to take it out of the pin curls since I was going to be wearing a hat all day. Anyways, enough of that! Let's get back to the trip... So at first, I really struggled to stay standing on my own two feet. I mean, I really struggled.

After a depressing first few runs on the bunny slopes, I decided to give something a try that I know I'm good at: eating! But I didn't have much luck there, either.

This chicken tender platter set me back a little over $8.

The food was not bad, but definitely more factory made, than fresh. It was also overpriced, but a ski resort can do that because they a captive audience - a bunch hungry people on a cold mountain with no other food options in sight.

Travel Tip: Eat a hearty breakfast before you go, and pack bottled water and snacks!

My guy did better with his burger selection. But it still
set him back a pretty penny... more than $8.

With food in my belly and my mental block behind me, I went back to wrestle with the mountain.

Markette versus The Mountain: slowly, but surely
there's triumph... who will win? Nature or (wo)man?

Victory over the mountain!

You know what? I think there really is something to that old addage,"If at first you don't succeed, then try, try again."

Earlier in the day, I had experienced a major mental block over failing at standing up on my snowboard and gliding down the mountain -- and I failed at it over and over again. But I kept trying and eventually I snowboarded and made it down the mountain without falling.

Sure, Picabo Street would probably laugh and throw snowballs at my performance, while maybe whipping me in the face with one of her shiny Olympic gold medals... but whatever.

I'm not an Olympic athlete, but I'm also not a quitter. And that is what I learned on this latest One Tank Trip. Thank you, White Tail Mountain, for proving that to me.

xoxo,

Markette

Let's Connect!

P.S. - Check out our previous One Tank Trip to Colonial Williamsburg.

"Red Hot" Heel of the Week and Stop Heart Disease!

2011-02-06T10:10:00.000-08:00

I love the month of February because it signifies that Spring is just around the corner. So as we finally purge ourselves of the "winter blues" we get to start seeing, thinking and living in red. The color red can mean love, fire, and passion. Red is hot and its counterpart for cold is blue and lets face it, I'd rather be red hot than cold blue any day of the week. It's all about roses, love, and passion this month, and I for one fully embrace it.

Oh and big shout out to my hubby who also just so happens to be born on Valentine's Day.

But this month is also a huge reminder, that if you have the passion, fire and desire to live--then you have to take care of yourself too. Heart disease is the # killer of women in the United States. The most common cause of heart disease is narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries, the blood vessels that supply blood to the heart itself. It's the major reason people have heart attacks. And the older a woman gets, the more likely she is to get heart disease. But it can effect women of all ages. Just like it did with Lauren and Amanda.

Click HERE to read about Amanda's story. (Scroll on right arrow)

Click H ERE to read about Lauren's story (Scroll to right arrow)

This month DC on Heels is partnering with our sponsor ShoeDazzle to help raise awareness about heart disease and its deadly effects. We will be wearing our heartfelt Lauren pumps paired with our Amanda clutch and help share these two young girls incredible stories. 10% of the proceeds from these ravishing red beauties will benefit WomenHeart. Click HERE to signup now.

The older a woman gets, the more likely she is to get heart disease. But women of all ages should be concerned about heart disease. All women can take steps to prevent it by practicing healthy lifestyle habits. So take the necessary steps to help knockout this deadly disease. Remember aging is a privilege not a birth right. We owe it to ourselves.

If you have a health story that you'd like to share please email us at dconheels@gmail.com.

Besos xoxoxo,

Vanessa

Let's Connect!

Buff Body of the Week: Super Bowl Edition!

2011-02-04T06:17:00.000-08:00

Are you ready for some football?!?!?!

Clay Matthews of the Green Bay Packers

VS.

Troy Palamalu of the Pittsburgh Steelers

This week's Buff Body award comes down to a FACE OFF between two of the hottest bods of Super Bowl XLV.

From the Midwest we have No. 52: Clay Matthews, a long-haired Thor-like demi-God linebacker for the Green Bay Packers. (Read "Beyond the Lustrous Hair" for more.)

Steelers fans, don't hate. For you we have No. 43: the island boy wonder known as Troy Polamalu. The safety for Pittsburgh's "Black & Yellow" is so hot, that his lovely locks are insured for $1 million!

So who's it gonna be? The blond hunk from the Packers...

The biceps are legit... 2 legit 2 quit!

... or the curly haired beef cake from the Steelers?

Now that's what I call the total package!

Who deserves the title of Buff Body of... SuperBowl XLV?

Post your comments below, Facebook message your choice or Tweet your pick to @dconheels! The results will be shared Monday on the MoJo show during the DC on Heels TV segment!

xoxo,

Markette

Let's Connect!

P.S. - Check out previous Buff Bodies of the Week:

- Kris Humphries: Kim Kardashian's new MAN CANDY

- Josh Duhamel: There's more than meets the eye!

- Tennis Champ Anna Kournikova

- Jason Cooper: A D.C. Original

- Fred Davis: Redskins Tight End

- The 'Old Spice' Guy

- Fola Awosika: D.C. Personal Trainer

2011-02-02T22:45:00.000-08:00

According to the Chinese Lunar New Year--It's the YEAR OF THE RABBIT! Gong hay fat choy--wishing you a healthy, prosperous and happy new year. But what does that mean?

Well if you were born in 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, then it means that you are articulate, talented, and ambitious. You are virtuous, reserved, and have excellent taste. Rabbit people are admired, trusted, and are often financially lucky. They are fond of gossip but are tactful and generally kind. Rabbit people seldom lose their temper. They are clever at business and being conscientious, never back out of a contract. They would make good gamblers for they have the uncanny gift of choosing the right thing. However, they seldom gamble, as they are conservative and wise. They are most compatible with those born in the years of the Sheep, Pig, and Dog.

Famous rabbits include actress Angelina Jolie,

Actor Geoffrey Rush,

Apparently he prefers monkeys.

and Prime Minister of Australia, John Howard.

Too bad there is no Year of the Kangaroo

According to the lunar horoscope, the rabbit is naturally happy and a homebody. So put up those feet and relax as it looks like it's going to be a good year for everybody. We just came off a pretty tough year-- The Year of the Tiger, so I think that this year will be a little more calm and relaxing. Maybe it's time to finish up those projects you started around the house and never got around to. Or maybe it's time to take that vacation to the Canary Islands that you have been planning now forever.

Oh and apparently, according to Chinese custom, to truly honor the Year of the Rabbit, we should eat what rabbits eat. Jai, also known as Buddah's Delight, is a mild meatless monk's stew that brings good health and good fortune and typically features enough vegetables to feed a rabbit warren.

All of this got me thinking what animal am I according the the calendar, I was born in '80 and it turns out I am the...wait for it...Year of the Monkey!

Apparently people born int the Year of the Monkey ( 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004) are erratic geniuses of the cycle. Clever, skillful and flexible, they are remarkably inventive and original and can solve the most difficult problems with ease. There are few fields in which Monkey people wouldn't be successful but they have a disconcerting habit of being too agreeable. They want to do things now, and if they cannot get started immediately, they become discouraged and sometimes leave their projects. Although good at making decisions, they tend to look down on others. Having common sense, Monkey people are strong willed but their anger cools quickly. Monkey people have a deep desire for knowledge and have excellent memories. They are most compatible with Dragon and Rat.

SO WHAT SIGN ARE YOU??????

I can't wait to head over to Ping Pong Dim Sum and celebrate the Year of the Rabbit! See you all there!

Besos xoxoxoxoxo,

Vanessa

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J-Stars Shine at NABJ Hall of Fame Awards

2011-02-01T07:05:00.000-08:00

J-Stars (noun): TV, print or radio journalists who are so widely known and respected that they are celebrities in their own right.

And boy did the "J-Stars" come out to shine as The National Association of Black Journalists inducted into its Hall of Fame five trailblazers and history makers in field of media.

Anchorwoman Merri Dee, also known as "The Honeybee"

was honored for her 40-year career on air in Chicago.

Markette and CNN's "Ol' Blue Eyes," Wolf Blitzer
of The Situation Room.

VIDEO: President Obama's top advisor Valerie
Jarrett reads letter from commander-in-chief.

Markette with MSNBC and The Today Show fill-in anchor
Tamron Hall, who served as mistress of ceremonies.

It was the Newseum's inaugural event honoring African-American journalists.

VIDEO: WUSA 9's JC Hayward tells
DC on Heels that its the community that has
kept her on the air for more than 40 years.

The inductees in the NABJ Hall of Fame included the late, legendary CBS newsman Ed Bradley, WUSA 9's JC Hayward (photographed above), The Washington Post's Eugene Robinson (photographed below), retired WGN anchor Merri Dee "The Honeybee" and KGO Newstalk's radio man Ray Taliaferro. Additionally, NPR's Walterene Swanston was honored with the Ida B. Wells Award for her work as a media executive to bring diversity to the newsroom.

Pulitzer prize-winning honoree Eugene Robinson's
writing has taken him everywhere from London to
Buenos Aires as a foreign editor.

NPR's Allison Keyes rocks a FAB beaded blazer, proving
that radio personalities can have both style & resonance.

Setting the Stage: the Hall of Fame awards ceremony
at the start.

Markette shares a laugh with C-Span's Robb Harlston
and CNN blogger Rebecca Stewart.

Team Merri Dee: WGN-TV's Mike D'Angelo,
Gloria Brown and Robert Jordan flew in from
Chicago to cheer on their colleague, Merri Dee.

Former NABJ President Brian Monroe.

Pretty in Pink: ABC Miami's Neki Mohan

Markette with Xavier Dominicis of
Rent-A-Center, an event co-sponsor.

The next big event for NABJ is its annual convention in Philadelphia from August 3-7. DC on Heels will see you there!

xoxo,

Markette

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Put On The Gloves: Photo Highlights

2011-01-30T23:04:00.000-08:00

Thanks to everyone who came out in full force to support Put on the Gloves!!!!!

The event was filled with hundreds of people who were ready to take a stand against bullying of the LGBT Youth. Put on the Gloves is dedicated to raising awareness of and eliminating bullying's powerful role in the lives of our youth. POTG is a double entendre that represents literally putting on your gloves for prom but also putting on your fighting gloves and standing up for yourself and our youth. The shows beneficiaries' are the Trevor Project and the Capital Queer Prom. The event was co-hosted by Emmy award winning reporter and Fox 5 news anchor Will Thomas and Anji Corley of WPGC 95.5.

Nobody made a dime off of the event--- and as show organizer Elaine Mensah said, "That says a lot in this city." But the issues and the cause were so important, that everyone came out (despite not so great weather) in full force and made sure that this event was a huge success.

Attendees at the event

Everyone came together to support this important cause.

I am pictured with french model and actor who strutted the runway taking a stance against bullying!

A certain Real Housewife was in attendance.

And this housewife says she is all too familiar with bullying!

Grammy award winning artist Mya came out to perform and support!

Stay tuned for my interview with Mya.

Mya performed her new single live on stage -- "Love is the Answer" and she also threw in a little old school "Ghetto Superstar."

I think Mya sang it best. Love is the answer. Nobody deserves to be bullied. So take a stand and Put on the Gloves!

Special thanks to Designer Betsy Garcete of Zophiaonline.com for outfitting me in my spectacular dress.

Photos by: Ashton Payne

More video to come by: Jordan Shartzer

Besos xoxoxoxoxo,
Vanessa

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TBD Recap & a DC on Heels Throwback!

2011-01-25T05:09:00.000-08:00

This week Markette tackles wines with funny names (care for a glass of "Bad Boy Red" or "Bitch")? Meanwhile, Vanessa explains the theory behind "Deals for Deeds."

Also on this week's DC on Heels TV segment: Prince George's Prince of Parkour and the ShoeDazzle.com Hot Heels of the Week!

Ah, you know the dress I wore on yesterday's show brings back memories of when Vanessa and I first started our blog and TV show on cable access back in 2009.

You see, we did this whole makeover segment with DC-based designer Aidah Fontenot where we went from "drab" to "fab" and the dress I wore yesterday on TBD TV was my makeover dress! Check out this DC on Heels BLAST from the PAST:

We've come a long way baby! This, I know for sure. Stay tuned in 2011 as we continue to give you the local hook-up on food, fashion & fun in the nation's capital!

xoxo,

Markette

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Would You Rent-A-Friend?

2011-01-23T21:39:00.000-08:00

We all need them, want them and hopefully have them in our lives. Yes I'm talking about friends. Who acts like the Joey or Rachel from your group? Or the cute, nerdy, loveable Ross?

So no one told you life was gonna be this way
Your job's a joke, you're broke, you're love life's DOA.

It's like you're always stuck in second gear,

Well, it hasn't been your day, your week, your month, or even your year.

But, I'll be there for you, when the rain starts to pour.

I'll be there for you, like I've been there before.

I'll be there for you, cause you're there for me too.

Ahhh what a great friend song, it just makes you want to pick up that phone and call your best friend.

But what if you DON'T have a circle of friends to call or to go and hang with at Central Perk over lattes and muffins?

Friends come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. But if neither of that works out for you, then just rent one. Yes that is correct, you read right, you can actually RENT A FRIEND. I was reading a magazine and came across the surprising article that gave in depth interviews of people who have used the site. Completely intrigued and borderline shocked, I checked out the Website http://www.rentafriend.com/

Here's how it works. You type in your zip code and once you choose the location of where you are looking to find a new "Friend", you will instantly see available Friends that are located in that area. You can view their photos, read their profiles and see what they are interested in for free but you do have to register to become a member of RentAFriend.com by paying a small membership fee. Once you become a registered member, you can instantly contact all of the "Friends" on the site. The site makes sure to say over and over that it is strictly for platonic friendships and with cheesy photos like the one above, it does appear as though its being used for those intended purposes.

So how much does renting a friend actually cost? Well apparently the standard rate is $10 the hour, but can be negotiated depending on the activity. So a night at the Opera could run you a little less hourly, considering the tickets are probably pretty pricy.

I know they say you shouldn't knock anything until you try it, but this is just so strange to me. I would rather just go solo before I have to pay somebody to hang out with me. What do you think? Leave me your comments below. Do you know anybody who has "rented" a buddy before?

Besos Vanessa xoxoxoxo

"Bringing you the best in food, fashion and fun in the metro area."

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DC Wine & Food Festival and Wines w. Funny Names

2011-01-22T04:15:00.000-08:00

It's time to break out the bottle opener, guys and gals...

Who's gonna share this bottle of
Little Black Black Dress Wine with me?

Because the 12th Annual International Wine & Food Festival is coming back to DC from February 10-13 at the Ronald Reagan Building.

Event highlights include the two-day Grand Tasting, which is the centerpiece of the event. More than 100 international and domestic wineries will sample some 600 wines. In addition, gourmet food vendors will sample new products, while local chefs team up with wineries to serve up tasty samples of regional cuisines (and something tells me there will be Maryland crabs somewhere in the mix!)

Tickets range from $35 to $140, so it ain't cheap. But the exquisite wine, chocolate and gourmet food samplings from the area's top chefs may just make it a guilty pleasure worth indulging in.

What's in a name? Apparently, a lot of attitude

You might also get a kick out of browsing some of the wines with funny names that may be on exhibit, including Little Black Dress Wines, Bad Boy Red (photographed below), Pinot Evil, and the infamously named "Bitch" wines (photographed above).

My, oh, my! Now, I'm no sommelier but I tend to be drawn to the 'reds' and 'whites' with fun-loving names (makes me curious), versus the $30,000 bottles of wine coveted by connoisseurs of the culinary kind.

What do you think? Are you in favor of traditional wine names or do you get down with the Two Buck Chuck and other wines with funny names?

Leave me a comment below... and I'll see you in February at the festival!

xoxo,

Markette

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Real Housewives of Beverly Hills D-R-A-M-A

2011-01-19T21:03:00.000-08:00

I can't wait for the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills reunion show/meltdown/apocalypse. Looks like some DRAMA with a capital D is going down.

Camille is still the delusional, narcissistic, catty housewife that she's been "portrayed"as (news flash Camille--you can't be painted a certain way if there's no truth behind it-- the editors aren't Picasso.) Kyle still seems to be the fan favorite but can't stop "bullying" her loopy, cooky sister Kim, who may or may not have a drinking problem--see clip below. I'm still waiting for Taylor to ditch her socially inept cowboy boot wearing husband, lets hope by next season he's completely out of the picture. It looks like Vanderpump, not Lisa but her Chihuahua holding hubby, dishes out his hatred for someone on the set that's not a housewife, we only know it's a man--again see clip below. Seems like the only calm normal one out of the clan is Adrienne, who would probably rather be working out or bickering with her goofy, lovable Dr. husband Paul, then hanging out with her prissy pre-madonna counterparts.

And in more Housewife news, DC housewife Michaele Salahi was spotted earlier this month at Alexandria hair salon Circe Salon and Day Spa with her husband...what you didn't actually think that she would be by herself at a hair salon did you?

What's up with the wearing white all the time Micahaele?! Not hatin' just sayin'

But things have been kind of quiet on both sides of the Potomac and rumor has it that there is a strong possibility that the DC Housewives franchise will NOT be picked up for another season, since lets face it, it was a real snoozefest.

Ahh I'm still yawning... But even if it is picked up for a second season, more rumors are a buzz that Bravo is seriously pissed with the Salahi's for all their drama (and not the good NeNe kind) and have fired the deviant duo. I guess we will just have to wait and see what really happens. In the meantime, I'll be gearing up for the NYC Housewives Season 4 sans Bethenny Frankel. Frankel is contractually obligated to make limited appearances--as she is still filming her successful spinoff "Bethenny Getting Married."

What city would you like to see the Housewife Franchise in? I'm thinking Texas may be next, just a hunch. Although I think Bravo should just stick to their roots and bring us some more Orange County drama. Ok happy reality t.v. watching. Leave a comment and tell me your thoughts about the Beverly Hills reunion show!

Besos Vanessa xoxoxoxo

"Bringing you the best in food, fashion and fun in the metro area."

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DC on Heels Fashion Police

2011-01-18T05:43:00.000-08:00

The Golden Globes may have come and gone, but unflattering fashion is forever!

Natalie Portman's salmon pink "moo moo" gown adorned with a red applique rose is STILL imprinted in my head! But since she's preggers, I'll go ahead and give her a pass. The DC on Heels fashion police will issue a standard warning... but we won't be so kind to some of the other celebrities who made fashion faux pas.

Yesterday, TBD TV and our good friend MoJo gave me and Vanessa cop badges and free reign to go through our list of BEST and WORST dressed at the 68th Annual Golden Globes.

Take a look at the vid below to see our choices and leave us a comment letting us know if you AGREE or DISAGREE with our choices:

Shout out to ShoeDazzle.com for hooking us up with fab shoes for this segment!
(Click here to get the deets on Vanessa's cool grey booties and my red hot wedges!)

xoxo,

Markette

Let's Connect!

STOP THE BULLYING!

2011-01-17T10:06:00.000-08:00

“PUT ON THE GLOVES FASHION SHOW”

TAKES ON BULLIES ONE PROM AT A TIME

Nobody likes a bully! And that's why on on Thursday, January 27, 2011, the first annual “Put on the Gloves” Fashion show will be filled with hundreds of people who are ready to take a stand against bullying of LGBTQ Youth. This unique fashion show promises to “take on bullies one prom at a time”, and will benefit the Trevor Project and the Capital Queer Prom.

The event will feature cutting edge designs and will be attended by hundreds of local community leaders, LGBTQ activists, and supporters of the Trevor Project and Capital Queer Prom.

“Taking a stand against bullying is not just a gay issue.Young children, teenagers and even adults of all walks of life are harassed daily, just for being different. It is ok to be different and this event sends a message that we will support teens in crises, and that things will get better,” says Eboné Bell, Founder of B.O.I. Marketing & Promotions and Executive Director of Put on the Gloves and the Capital Queer Prom. “We are now calling all friends and allies, to take on the bullies…one prom at a time.”

“Fashion is the ultimate expression of self,” says Elaine Mensah founder of Fashion BS, a premier podcast for the world of fashion, “What better way to celebrate Capital Queer Prom and the Trevor Project but with the most fashion forward formal attire and accessories.”

LISTEN TO ELAINE'S MESSAGE:

This fundraising event is dedicated to supporting LGBT youth, and supporting their expression through fashion and the fundamental “coming of age” American tradition – PROM. Guests will enjoy an evening of cutting edge designs that showcase the diversity of fashion and will highlight exceptional designers from across the country. Guests will have the opportunity to mingle with celebrity supporters, enjoy cash bar cocktails, complimentary passed hors’doeuvres, and a special performance by Mya.

I interviewed the lovely Mya back in '09

The singer, actor, dancer also known in the biz as a "triple threat" was back in her hometown of DC not too long ago, shooting a music video at hot spot Lima, for her new single titled: "Love is the Answer" with Miami producer and DJ, Cedric Gervais.

I love how she's mixing it up with this new house/dance track.

Also in attendance at the event will be celebrity stylist and author Phillip Bloch,

Fox 5 anchor Will Thomas,

and Anji Corley of WPGC 95.5.

For ticketing and event information, please visit the Put on the Gloves website at www.putonthegloves.com.

AND DON'T FORGET ABOUT THE OFFICIAL AFTERPARTY!

PLAYTIME - The album release party for DJ Neekola's debut album "Playtime"

Venue: DISTRICT

9:30pm till 2am

$15 Advance Admission ticket purchase
Additional Discount for 1st 100 POTG purchasers - Discount Code "FashionBS"

That's all from DC ON HEELS "Bringing you the best in food, fashion and fun in the metro area."

Besos xoxoxo Vanessa

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PHOTOS: BET Honors Highlights

2011-01-15T19:18:00.000-08:00

The stars come to Washington for an evening of special tributes just one day before the Golden Globes... check out DC on Heels' red carpet coverage!

When I asked honoree Iman, 56, her secret
to the fountain of youth, she said:
"I have LOTS of help!"

Legendary actress & honoree, Cicely Tyson.

Remeber the little genius guy from the sitcom
"My Wife & Kids"? Well, that's him
standing behind me, all grown up!

Honoree Linda Johnson Rice, head of the "Ebony"
and "Jet" magazine empire.

Event emcee Gabrielle Union has looks and personality.
When I asked her how she stays looking so great,
she admitted to wearing hair extensions!

Actress Anika Rose, star of the "Dreamgirls" movie.
She wore a dress by a Nigerian designer.

Acting duo: Boris Kodjoe and wife Nicole Ari Parker.

Oscar-winning actor & honoree Jamie Foxx.

Hill Harper, actor, author, Harvard grad.

"Irreplacable" superstar Ne-Yo

D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray

U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder
bringing justice to the red carpet!

NFL baller Aaron Maybin
of the Buffalo Bills.

"I Miss You" R&B crooner Aaron Hall
and brother Damian with WPGC.

Honoree Jamie Foxx gives a serious interview
on the red carpet.

Striking a pose with Ursula (left) from Washington Life.

Having a red carpet moment with Direct Access
correspondent, Katie Rost (right).

xoxo,

Markette

Let's Connect!

P.S. - Speacial thanks to designer Afua Sam of Studio D Maxsi for wardrobe and stylist DiDi Green of Networkhair for hair and make up.

BET Honors Brings the Stars to DC

2011-01-14T03:44:00.000-08:00

Hollywood might be all about the Golden Globes this Sunday, but on Saturday it's all about the 4th Annual BET Honors right here in Washington, DC.

Actress Gabrielle Union hosts the show for a third year, which will be taping at the historic Warner Theater on Pennsylvannia Avenue.

Six of the entertainment industry's best and brightest will be honored for overcoming obstacles and beating the odds in order to rise to the cream of the crop in the realms of fashion, music, media and the arts.

The honorees include Bravo TV's newest bad girl of haute couture, Iman and Oscar-winning actor/musician/comedian Jamie Foxx.

Legendary actress Cicely Tyson, publishing mogul Linda Johnson Rice of the "Ebony" and "Jet" empire, along with world renowned jazz pianist and composer Herbie Hancock and accomplished Smithsonian historian Lonnie G. Bunch, who is also a Washington Post columnist, will also be honored at the star-studded event.

The show includes performances by Trey Songz, Ne-yo, Keyshia Cole, Lalah Hathaway, Yolanda Adams, Guy, Tank, Angelique Kidjo, Naturally 7, Chick Corea Quartet and the Cicely L. Tyson Concert Choir. Presenters include Tyler Perry, Cedric the Entertainer, Anika Noni Rose, Hill Harper, Jimmie Jam and Noah Gray Cabey.

The event takes place on January 15 -- what would have been Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s 82nd birthday. In honor of Dr. King's dream, proceeds from BET Honors 2011 ticket sales will be donated to the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project Foundation.

Are you going to the show? If not, don't fret. BET Honors will air nationally on Friday, Feb. 21 at 9pm only on BET.

xoxo,

Markette

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DC ON HEELS DAZZLING SHOE PICKS

2011-01-12T18:05:00.000-08:00

It's time for my favorite blog segment because it involves one of my passions in life: S-H-O-E-S. What? Too shallow? I didn't say it was my only passion but it's certainly high up there on the list. Not to mention the fact that our name is DC ON HEELS and with a name like that; we have to step out in style. It's a good thing the name fits our obsession and favorite past time--shoe shopping. And now it's time for HEEL OF THE WEEK sponsored by Shoe Dazzle. It's so much fun getting my little pink box in the mail and knowing that I have the perfect shoe right on its way!

Shoe Dazzle makes it fun, affordable and simple. Their team of stylists pick out a shoe and showcase it in your "showroom" based off of the simple questionnaire and personalized style quiz that you took when you set up your account.

So in my showroom this month, recommended by Anya Sarre, are these fabulous faux leather ankle boots with a sculptured rosette called "York."

I love this light heather grey color that this bootie comes in, as I feel like grey is such a versatile color that you can pair up with just about anything in your closet. Here is how Shoe Dazzle says to rock them:

HOW TO WEAR

York isn't afraid of being distinctive--she stands out! Make sure your outfit is equally provocative; try a crinkly faux leather jacket over a slouchy tunic and some cropped riding pants, or echo York's feminine side in a floaty, sleeveless top.

ABOUT THE STYLE

Origin: Imported

Fit: True to size

Color: Grey

Heel Height: 3.25" heel*

Description: Faux leather ankle boot with sculptural rosette

And in Markette's showroom this week are these sassy delightful wedges called "Ciji."

HOW TO WEAR

Live on the wedge! In smooth faux suede, Ciji provides an easy way to elevate your look. Sky-high platform wedges are hot right now--and always sexy. Ciji extends the long, lean lines of skinny jeans or bare legs with a miniskirt. Shoes this high have major impact on their own, so think pared-down accessories like earrings and a cuff or just a beautiful necklace.

ABOUT THE STYLE

Heel Height: 4" heel*

Platform: 1.5" platform

Origin: Imported

Fit: True to size

OK if the shoe fits...wear it!

That's all from DC ON HEELS "Bringing you the best in food, fashion and fun in the metro area."

Besos xoxoxo Vanessa

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Prince George's "Prince" of Parkour

2011-01-11T04:31:00.000-08:00

You've heard of the Fresh Prince of Bel Air, but have you heard of the Fresh Prince of Parkour?

Prince George's County is home to Maryland's very own Prince of Parkour, better known as David Ivey, the son of former State's Attorney Glenn Ivey and current Delegate Jolene Ivey of Maryland's 47th Legislative District.

Parkour is an extreme mode of exercise and is seen in some circles as a bona fide athletic sport. "PK" as it is sometimes called is all about the art of moving around physical obstacles (like walls and railings) using only the human body.

The philosophy is centered on training individuals to physically overcome barriers, leading to a stronger body and a stronger mind.

Wired magazine recently published a feature on
the craziest Parkour tricks.

The PK movement started in France in the early 1990s (I suppose as a direct result of the late 80s breakdancing phenomenon).

Today, it is practiced all over the world, from the outskirts of Paris to the suburbs of Washington.

So how did the State's Attorney son get hooked? And what do his parents think? Watch the news report below to find out:

And next week on DC on Heels, we try Parkour in four-inch heels and mini-skirts!

Just kidding.

xoxo,

Markette

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