Valentine’s Day 2015 in DC – Specials and Gift Ideas

Treat that special someone to a Valentine’s Day they won’t forget. Up the ante this year by indulging in specials from Mari Vanna DC, Shinola, Union MarketDCanter and The Still Point. Whether it’s a relaxing spa day at The Still Point, decadent Russian caviar at Mari Vanna, luxurious leather goods from Shinola, delicious wines at DCanter or a heart-opening yoga session at Union Market, there’s something for every loved one this season.

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Mari Vanna (1141 Connecticut Ave., NW, www.marivanna.ru):
Spoil your sweetheart with an extravagant delicacy at Dupont hotspot Mari Vanna with their special Caviar Prix-Fixe Valentine’s DayMenu. On Saturday, February 14, guests of the Russian eatery will indulge in a menu of one cold appetizer, one hot appetizer and one hot entree for $125 or $150, depending on your caviar choice. Cold appetizer options include Olivier, Vinegret or Herring. Hot appetizers options include red caviar Blinis ($125) or black caviar Blinis ($150). Available entrees include Chicken Tabaka, Chicken Kiev, Sea Bass, Salmon, Beef Kebob or Beef Stroganoff. Diners will be treated to a bottle of champagne for two and a complimentary dessert.

Shinola (1534 14th St. NW, www.shinola.com):
Give a gift of timeless elegance with this Detroit-based luxury design brand, dedicated to producing handcrafted watches, bicycles, leather goods, journals and pet accessories – all made in America. Adorn wrists with the Valentine’s Bracelet in Lollipop Red ($125). Explore the city with The Runwell bike ($2,950) or make sure your sweetie never misses a minute with the Triple Wrap Runwell watch ($825).

Union Market (1309 5th St. NW, www.unionmarketdcom):
Open your heart – and your chakras – with an invigorating free yoga practice on Sunday, February 15 at Union Market’s Dock 5 with yogi Nya Alemayhu. The 90 minute session will channel the flow of love and compassion, bringing harmonious balance to mind, body and spirit. Bring a mat and an open mind.

DCanter (545 8th St. SE, www.dcanterwines.com):
It wouldn’t be Valentine’s Day without popping some bubbly, and what better way than with a champagne tasting? Make a toast with your sweetie on Saturday, February 14 from 6 – 7 p.m. ($65 per person). Sample 6 champagnes and nosh on artisanal cheeses. Take home a bottle of wine at a special discounted price. RSVP to reserve a spot.

The Still Point (1 Columbia Ave. Tacoma Park, MD | 12451 Clarksville Pike, Clarksville, MD | 10275 Little Patuxent Pkwy. Columbia, MD. www.thestillpointspa.com):
Pamper that special person all month long with luxurious treatments from the Maryland-based wellness spa, with three locations. Choose from two unique experiences, the Chocolate Sweetheart Facial ($55/30 minutes) and the Couples Massage ($218/50 minutes, $290/80 minutes Add on Cocoa Sugar Polish +$140/25 minutes. Price includes 2 guests). The facial includes cleansing and exfoliation treatments followed by a TOMA Skin Therapies #14 Hydrating Antioxidant Mask. The soothing facial is finished off with a blissful 10 minute massage over the neck, shoulders, arms and hands. The couples massage offers a full body exfoliation in relaxing rooms with heated massage tables and heated floors.

Gift Ideas:

 

Shinola’s Valentine EnvelopeDouble Wrap Bracelet or Contrast Dog Leash

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Brave Williams R&B Divas LA – Media Event

WPB Radio hosted a media event for music artist Brave Williams at The Creative Hub in Baltimore.  Brave has joined the cast of R&B Divas: LA and wanted to share her music and show trailer with local media outlets. Invited guests were able to network, meet, and interview Brave during the event.

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Brave Williams is a talented, down to earth artist and we’re looking forward to watching her this season on R&B Divas: LA

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 click here to watch a quick video clip: Brave Williams

COCOTIQUE Beauty Review: January Subscription Box

COCOTIQUE is the latest subscription box for women of color and diverse ethnicities.  Once you become a member, subscribers receive a monthly box with a variety of (sample) hair, skin, and nail products.  The company also features brands such as Black Opal, Milani, Creme of Nature, OPI, Revlon, and Shea Moisture to name a few.

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The theme of January’s box was to refresh and renew with a collection of products from every category such as cosmetics, bodycare, and fragrance.  The products included were ACURE Triple Action Repairing Morrocan Argan Oil and Stem Cell Shampoo, ACURE Triple Action Repairing Morrocan Argan Oil and Stem Cell Conditioner, BEFINE Assorted Skincare Products, HARVEY Prince Hello Fragrance, NAKED BAR SOAP Lemongrass Grapefruit Foaming Sugar Scrub, NICKLA K New York Quad Eyeshadow, NUBIAN HERITAGE Honey & Black Seed Hand Cream.

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I was excited to receive my COCOTIQUE box and pleasantly surprised at the beautiful packaging.  I can’t wait to fully indulge in every product but the one item I can’t live without is the Honey & Black Seed Hand Cream.

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I’m in between manicures and seeking to restore moisture back into my hands and cuticles.  This luxurious moisturizing treatment instantly restored my hands with a nice cooling effect.  The hand cream’s also formulated with Black Seed Oil, Honey, and Apricot Oil.  It’s the perfect size to carry in my handbag (and use) while wearing a pair of gloves.

I love beauty products that work and COCOTIQUE offers product samples that are infused with natural ingredients and gentle cleansers.  To learn more about COCOTIQUE and become a subscriber click here.

Sullivan’s Steakhouse Baltimore: Aphrodisiac Menu

What do you get when you blend a silver tie blindfold, an aphrodisiac menu and the area’s steamiest steakhouse?

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Sullivan’s Steakhouse Baltimore invites guests to tempt their senses with the unveiling of the new Aphrodisiac Menu, available Jan. 30 through Feb. 20 (think Valentine’s Day and 50 Shades of Grey!).

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It kicks off with a $69 blindfolded tasting event this Friday, Jan. 30, featuring a mouth-watering, libido-inducing menu (see below)

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The Still Point at Haven On The Lake Spa Getaway – Media Event Recap and Photos

The Still Point at Haven On The Lake hosted a media event at their new location in Columbia, Maryland. Invited guests enjoyed mini spa treatments, artisan vinegars, and the opportunity to participate in their exclusive Yoga Wall or Bare Essence class.

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Haven On The Lake

Overlooking a beautiful lake connected to Whole Foods Market, The Still Point in Columbia’s considered to be a wellness spa.  Members and Non Members can partake in a variety of services to renew, restore, and rejuvenate the mind and body.  For example, the wellness spa offers nutrition services to design a health program for individual needs. Manicurist perform natural nail services using Deborah Lippmann products (infused with healing ingredients and non toxic chemicals) and provide a therapeutic massage.  If you’re searching for assistance with fatigue, weight gain, detoxification, and hormone rebalancing, The Still Point at Haven On The Lake has doctors on staff for Naturopathic Medicine.

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In addition, the wellness spa offers traditional services such as a hydrating sugar polish, warm salt glow, contouring wrap, healing wrap, detoxifying wrap, and sunless tanning.  I had a wonderful experience visiting the new location and indulged in a theraputic hand massage with Toma Skin Therapies products and exfoliation with epsom/sea salt.  The aromatherapy from Toma Essential Oils also provided a relaxing scent when entering the wellness spa.

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Style + Life + Fashion

Haven on The Lake has become my new favorite wellness spa in the Columbia area.  I am planning another visit (in the near future) to endulge in a renew manicure and acupuncture service.  To learn more about Haven On The Lake click here and follow them on twitter for updates.

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If you like this post: The Still Point Girls Spa Night

Lifestyle Segment on Fox 45 Morning News: Health Benefits of Drinking Tea in Winter Months

I was invited to host a lifestyle segment on Fox 45 Baltimore WBFF sharing the benefits of drinking tea in the winter months. Brewing a cup of tea can serve as an aid with weight loss, stress relief, and help give a boost of energy. Also, black tea is the equivalent of drinking coffee due to a stimulating substance call theophyllin.

Although there’s a social aspect to drinking tea, we have to remember the original health benefits.  Personally, I like to drink tea as a preventative measure against colds and to boost my immune system.  If I’m not feeling well or have an upset stomach, I brew a cup of tea and drink it in the afternoon (or before bedtime) to flush away the toxins.  Below are additional health benefits:

1. Reduce the risk of heart attack

2. Fights free radicals

3. Helps diabetics better process sugar

4. Improve bone density

5. Helps with relaxation and concentration

I was super excited to share the following products and showcase my favorite tea cups. Don’t forget to purchase Carrington Organics Tea, Sparkling Ice Bottled Tea, Downtown Abbey Tea, or visit Caffe bene new tea house (nationwide) for a relaxing experience.

 If you like this post, click here: National Wine Day Television Segment

Ann Taylor Valentine’s Day Gifts and Outfits

Whether it’s for a glamorous night out or romantic date night Ann Taylor is the go-to destination for Valentine’s Day gifts and outfits. From skirts and dresses, to must have heels and sparkly accessories, you can find everything you need for the perfect night & beyond.

 

Ann Taylor
Ann Taylor

CrossFit Comes to Ellicott City – Creates Unique Fitness Community

ELLICOTT CITY, MD – CrossFit PCR, Elliott City’s first CrossFit gym, opens the doors to its top-of-the-line facility just in time for those looking to get active in the New Year.

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What was once a 3,600 square-foot classic auto restoration business located at 9449 Baltimore National Pike, has since been transformed into a clean, open and energizing CrossFit gym that will offer a variety of daily classes taught by a team of CrossFit certified coaches. Co-Owners Bronson Dant and Jamie Reisinger began the renovations last October and the space was ready to welcome members at the end of 2014. The brightly painted walls bear the words “Pride. Community. Results.” This is at the core of what CrossFit PCR stands for, not only in its name, but in its values.

“At CrossFit PCR, we take pride in helping our members become healthier and happier,” explains Co-Owner Bronson Dant. “We’re a close-knit community that shares in each other’s struggles and triumphs. It’s this encouragement and accountability that delivers unparalleled results.”

Since 2000, CrossFit has been a rapidly growing trend that is a sport as much as it is a philosophy. Workouts incorporate elements of high-intensity interval training, Olympic weightlifting, plyometrics, powerlifting, gymnastics, calisthenics and other exercises to offer variety and new challenges with each workout of the day (WOD).

In celebration of the opening of Ellicott City’s first CrossFit gym, those who are interested can take advantage of a free intro session and membership discounts. For more information, visit www.crossfitpcr.com or call 240.339.3268.

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About CrossFit PCR:

CrossFit PCR is built upon pride, community and results. True to the CrossFit philosophy, our programming methodology focuses on setting goals, tracking progress and improving endurance and skill on the foundation of strength development. Our CrossFit trained and certified coaches bring with them over 12 years of experience and give members personalized attention to help them train safely while pushing themselves within their respective skill level. We are passionate about making CrossFit accessible to all athletes, from beginners to professionals through scaled variations. We take pride in cultivating a supportive and encouraging community in which we grow stronger together. Learn more about CrossFit PCR by visiting www.crossfitpcr.com.

Pandora Jewelry – Sentimental Style and Accessories

I’m a sentimental girl that likes to show my unique style through clothing and accessories. For me, jewelry is an extension of fashion; allowing me to be trendy or classic.  Pandora bracelets, necklaces, rings, and charms are no exception to this rule.

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Made from 14K Gold, Sterling Silver, and Precious Gemstones, Pandora provides beautiful craftsmanship in every design. I am a huge fan of their jewelry because it allows every woman to pay tribute to special moments in their life. According to the company, one can start their Pandora collection by selecting a bracelet, purchase charms that are personal to you, add clips to keep the charms in place, and use a safety chain.

I received my first Pandora bracelet as a Valentine’s Day gift from my husband. The bracelet was a Lobster Clasp with Swarovski Crystals and Pave Charms. It was unique to me because my favorite color is pink. Luckily, my second bracelet was a Barrel Clasp with Murano Glass Charms. I paired each bracelet with a Michael Kors Watch, Tracy Reese Bracelet, and Tag Heart Bracelet from Tiffany & Co.

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Barrel Clasp Bracelet

From a fashion stand point, there are several ways that one can style their Pandora jewelery. Many women like to wear pieces everyday (from the office to soccer practice) and some for special occasions only.

The bracelets and rings can be stacked (worn together) or a single bracelet on each wrist. I also discovered that you can switch out the charms on each bracelet for a different look. For example, my first bracelet came with ten charms; I removed four of the charms and added them to my barrel clasp bracelet.

Pandora Spring Collection 2014 Media Preview

Pandora also run campaigns with the change of every season such as the Essence Collection or Pre Autumn Collection. This allows customers to select specific pieces to enhance their previous purchases. Lastly, to receive the quality and longevity of owning Pandora jewelry make sure you purchase from an official Pandora retailer. There are several duplicate retailers and you want to ensure that you’re purchasing the Pandora craftmanship.

To learn more about Pandora (or where to purchase) click on the link and happy shopping!  If you like this post click here:  http://stylelifefashion.com/reeds-jewelers-to-debut-pandora-jewelry-at-valley-mall/