DC Happenings

Just a Little Friday Malarkey

I don’t like to talk about politics. Typically, politically driven conversations lead to people using loud voices, muttering insults under their breath and the use of a few too many four letter words, all in all, leaving me angry. Our political beliefs are shaped by our own individual experiences, so it is no surprise that we believe so strongly in them, whatever direction they may lean. But, we’re Americans, so long live free speech and difference of opinion.

While I largely steer clear of political conversations and certainly will never blog about my political beliefs, I can’t help but share a few of my unbaised thoughts on last night’s spectacle also known as the VP debate.

  • I used to think the term “my friend” was one of endearment. Thank you, Mr. Biden, for showing me it is obviously an expression of pure hatred.
  • Biden and Ryan have perfected the art of bitch fighting with rhetoric. The Real Housewives of New Jersey ain’t got nothing on these two. The ladies should take notes on “how to talk louder and interrupt more effectively” than the person next to you. (Oh – here’s an idea, how about we let one of them host the next Real Housewives Reunion? Andy Cohen, watch out!)
  • These to know how to bicker better than a couple married for 75 years. Speaking of 75 years, is that the age difference between these two candidates?
  • Biden is an angry, angry man. He yells. Frequently and with conviction. I was afraid his teeth were going to fly out of his mouth and hit Ryan in the eye. I don’t think they make denture cream strong enough to withstand 90 minutes of malarkey.
  • According to CNN, Ryan, you won by a fraction. You completely discredited your win with these photos, big guy. Oh, and according to Eva Longoria, you lost. Bad. It’s ok, just head to the nearest gym and sweat it out. Maybe next time you can request a feat of strength during the VP debate?

– Photo from Time Magazine

 

Drybar DC: The Answer for Amazing Hair

DC, it is time to put down the blow dryers, pack up the straighteners and say sayonara to those curling irons. Give your biceps a permanent vacation from the struggle of your hair routine. Let’s face it, no matter how many hours we spend on our hair, we will never achieve Blake Lively’s effortless-looking locks. But you know who can?

The stylists at Drybar. Some of you may be thinking, uhhh, Drybar? Isn’t that kind of an oxymoron – how can a bar be dry? However, as you might have guessed, it has nothing to do with booze and everything to do with hair. Ok, it may have something to do with booze since you can sip on a cocktail while getting beautified…

Drybar is the latest and greatest chain of salons dedicated to providing nothing but absolutely ah-maaaz-ing blowouts in just 30 minutes.  And, lucky us, they are set to open TWO DC-area locations, one in Georgetown and one in Bethesda, in just less than two weeks! Disclaimer: this is a judgement free zone. Please do not fight the urge to jump up and down uncontrollably or shriek with glee. 

Customers, affectionately referred to as barflies, shouldn’t expect a cut or color, rather, they can choose their ideal blowout from seven different styles, all creatively named after various cocktails. Looking for a sleek, straight style; loose, beachy waves; va-va-voom curls? For $40, your look is their command, just check out their menu.

The “Cosmo” – lots of loose curls (photo from Drybar’s website)

Drybar offers add-ons, such as a scalp massage or hair treatment, for an additional price and customers can expect to be in and out in 30 minutes, which is about half the time it takes me to blow dry my own hair. Drybar also offers updos for $70, kids blowouts for $25 and will travel to customers for $75.

Both the Bethesda and Georgetown locations are set to open on Friday, October 19th. Pre-book your appointments now – your hair will thank you!

Know before you go:

  • Make sure you look at the “menu” prior to your visit. We ladies can be fussy about our hair, so it is important to know exactly what to expect from say, the Manhattan vs. the Mai Tai.
  • Talk to your stylist. Despite popular belief, they can’t read your mind. If you don’t want to look too “done up” or perhaps you hate the look of stick straight hair, say so.
  • If you already know you’re going to be a frequent customer, be sure to ask about the bar tab and membership options. You can save up to $35 a month.
  • Brides and bridesmaids should seriously consider Drybar for wedding day styling. Have the stylists come to you or enjoy some pampering at the salon.
  • Drybar can also help you throw an awesome blow dry party. Who doesn’t want to be pampered and look gorgeous?
 

Burlesque, Barre and Booze?

A brilliant combination, if you ask me. Although, I think the order probably warrants some consideration. But, all three are coexisting tomorrow night, Friday, September 7th, at the official launch of Lava Barre!

If you’re not familiar with Lava Barre or the barre movement in general, it is an exercise phenomenon designed to help create a slim, lean, sculpted, dancer-like body. Sounds pretty awesome, huh?

Well, Lava Barre is one of the few only studios that believes in kicking up the barre intensity (an inch?), involving more cardio, props and weights. The studio opened just a few weeks ago and already has a loyal following. Never in my life have I ever seen so many happy, smiling faces leaving a grueling workout.

The Lava Barre ladies, Lauren and Vanessa, are taking advantage of all of these happy barre-ettes and throwing a launch event tomorrow evening which promises to be buckets of fun – 50 Shades of Fun to be exact!

Join the Lava Barre Corps starting at 5 pm to meet artist Amy Flatten, who’s gorgeous work is displayed in the studio. From 6 – 7 pm, treat yourself to a Burlesque workshop to learn all of the latest sultry moves which promise to punch up your sexy quotient. After you’ve mastered the art of burlesque, head across the street to local hotspot Northside Social for refreshments, sips and dips, and a dance party complete with a DJ. Trying out your new dance moves is optional.

You can RSVP on Facebook and attendance is free, however, donations for Arlingtonians for a Clean Environment will be collected.

So head on over and belly up to the Lava Barre – and the bar – on Friday night!