Go from Drab, to Fab...Viva la Vintage

What I believe is one of the worst dressed cities in the world actually has the coolest boutiques and vintage stores. So what's the deal DC? Could it be that the district is so transient, but wait, that should make the fashion here better shouldn't it? Almost everyone in the District is from somewhere else, but are we recruiting the worse dressed from every city? Certainly I'm excluding myself. LOL. If any DC native is offended tough cookies ! Because even local store owners agree the city's wardrobe needs a major makeover. Why travel to New York to shop when store owners like Cathy from Meeps have everything you need.

What can be more inspiring then owning great pieces of vintage clothing for less then $36.00 a piece? While exploring DC, I ventured to Adams Morgan and stumbled upon Meeps. Meeps is a cool, artsy vintage boutique with awesome vintage and couture accessories and statement pieces! I left the store with 4 pieces, and spent less than $100.00. Whats even greater than the fashion and prices are the sizes. Ladies if you are curvy like I am, you may want to stop by!!! For dapper vintage pieces from local designers don't forget that the grass isn't always greener on the other side, keep it local, keep it fabulous, get your vintage clothes from Meeps and revamp and REVIVE the fashion of Washington D.C.

                                 2104 18th Street Northwest, Washington, DC 20009

                                                           (202) 265-6546

The Cupcake cure

Founded by sisters Katherine Kallinis and 

Sophie LaMontagne, Georgetown cupcake

is the most popular cupcake shop in the world thanks to the one and only Oprah. Here in DC you are likely to run into your grad school professor, local congressman and that no name guy with the band at Georgetown cup cake. I must say being the fattie, I mean foodie that I am, I ordered each  type of cupcake since the line was so long. Was it worth the wait? ABSOLUTELY! In two days I managed to eat a dozen cupcakes. Although I do not recommend anyone to eat 12 cupcakes in 2 days, I enjoyed every bit of it. Some of my faves were the following; Salted Caramel (My fav), Chocolate Ganache, Coconut, Maple, Peanut butter fudge and Red velvet. There is a cupcake for everyone, chocolate lovers, carrot lovers, banana lovers alike. The next time you're in DC having that "is the day over yet" kind of day head over to 33rd and M and get the cupcake cure, it'll work everytime. Nurses orders.

Georgetown cupcake 

3301 m street nw 

washington dc 20007 

T. 202.333.8448 

F. 202.333.8558 

Georgetown cupcake at bethesda row 

4834 bethesda avenue 

bethesda md 20814 

T. 301.907.8900 

F. 301.907.8901 

www.georgetowncupcake.com

For the strawberry champagne cupcakes - (36 mini cupcakes, 3 per flute)

• 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, diced
• 1/2 cup good champagne (sweet rose champagne suggested)
• 2-1/2 cups flour, sifted
• 2-1/2 tsp. baking powder, sifted
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 8 tbsp. (4 oz.) unsalted butter
• 1-3/4 cups sugar
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 2-1/4 tsp. pure vanilla extract + seeds from 1 vanilla bean
• 1-1/4 cups whole milk, at room temperature

For the champagne buttercream frosting

• 16 tbsp. (8 oz.) unsalted butter
• 4 cups confectioners sugar, sifted
• 1 tsp. whole milk
• 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
• 1/8 tsp. salt
• 1/2 cup good champagne (sweet rose champagne suggested)

For the strawberry layer

• 24 fresh strawberries
• 1 cup good champagne (sweet rose champagne suggested)

For the chocolate ganache

• 2 cups high quality semi sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup heavy cream

For serving

• 12 glass champagne flutes
• 12 long spoons
• 12 indoor sparklers

Whispers from the fashionista's

Having friends in the fashion industry keeps me on the "up and up" on the latest trends, colors and must have items of the year. My close fashionista friend Betty who frequents Europe and designs for the stars whispered in my ear and said "Patti, pastel shades, sea greens, tangerines and turquoise inspired blues will be the colors this year" That's what I call "G14 classified information" (in my Chris Tucker voice). What's a secret if you can't share it? Ladies get your fashion game up this upcoming season. Color block, accessorize, mix and match and yes invest in a signature Celine bag. My advice to the fabulously challenged is to purchase classic pieces, make wise decisions, purchase great quality items and save yourself money at the end. You will never go wrong if you go for quality opposed to quantity. Think about what colors you like most, and make them yours. I hope you are as excited as I am about the weather warming up and everyone showing off their sense of style, character, and personality through their everyday wear! May the fashion forces be with you! Rip the runway, subway station, the block and church pews my friends.

http://www.celine.com/

Tory Burch Suzi Straw Clutch Retail $395.00

American Apparel cork watch
Retail $38.00

Giuseppe Zanotti

Suede Colorblock Sandals: Blue

Giuseppe Zanotti, season after season masters a collection of breathtakingly beautiful shoes which always exhibits the quality of craftsmanship worthy of an artist. His shoe "sculptures" are divine. These sandals are colorblocked to perfection with a swirling of suede straps which overlap and weave together, shaping geometric cutouts. Adjustable-buckled ankle strap. A double stacked 1 1/2" platform and a 6" heel for added height. In a mix of blue suede that transitions from royal to turquoise. Retail $1,150.00

Jose Andres'....Hype? or is it the real thing?

So I moved from the city of beauty "Miami" to D.C, where everyday I discover something new, sometimes amazing, sometimes not. One thing I needed to know was who the hell was Jose Andres's and can his food really be that good? Being the foodie that I am, I had to test the waters. I went to a mardi gras party held for a Louisina congressman at Ozio's and met a Rusian gentlemen by the name of Brian Zaslavsky who urged me to see what the hype was all about, and he reccomended Zatinya. Being from Miami, I love how exotic the name sound, but would I like the food, would I like the ambiance, and most important.....would I like my drinks! The anwer was yes, yes and GOD YES! What I thought was hype turned out to be the real thing.

What's good food with out friends, it was only right to take my visiting friends from Miami, to experience Zatinya with me, and they graciously thanked me for a wonderful night. Where do I start? The menu is as diverse as the city of DC, the prices reasonable, the ambiance fun and sheek, the service superb and the drinks absolument incroyable...which means absolutely amazing in French. The blend of Turkish, Lebanesse and Greek inspired tapas offered option and variety. The service was quick, the food delish, and the drinks .....GREAT!

 One drink in particular kidnapped my heart, it was called "clean monday", if there's a clean way to get toasty, this is the drink for you. Clean monday is the cleanest mixed alcholic beverage you will ever experience, and you almost feel like your liver should thank you. Make sure you save room for desert, because the Turkish Delight is truly a treat!

If you're ever in DC and want to go somewhere as fun and cool as the group of people you're with start at Zatinya, you can't go wrong! I guess Jose Andres' is the man. 

Reality TV...THE WOMEN WHO HAVE CAPTURED OUR ATTENTION

Gone but not forgotten.....Whitney Houston

Every litte black, brown and white girl wanted to be you

We prayed at night to wake up with your voice

in hopes of singing a solo in church someday

Your class

Your beauty

Your timeless voice

will never be forgotten

Rest in peace Whitney

Rest.

Shit people in DC say.....

I love this!!!! This is sooo DC

Jessica Sutherland....CEO of Hush Cosmetics

I know when you think of lip gloss you think of the mundane, MAC, Chanel or maybe even Dior, but you are really doing yourself a disservice. I know that one eyebrow is raised and you are questioning my sanity as to how I can say Dior or Chanel is mundane, but compared to HUSH, they are just the status quo. If you profess to be a socialite, a diva, or a trendsetter, what you call lip gloss should look like art. HUSH cosmetics is the new "it" line of makeup for all ethnicity's and age groups. A lip gloss that is prettier than you Hermes' bag is definitely worth blogging about. I am proud to say my friend  Jessica Sutherland is the genius behind this line of makeup that has twitter and all the hottest night clubs buzzing. If you don't believe me just ask around. Any lip gloss other than HUSH, is just plain ol uncivilized! 


Become a HUSH girl today visit www.hushcosmetics.com

        Patti cakes, Jessica Sutherland and Kayla in L.A rocking HUSH Cosmetics

Silver Spring, Maryland's Charm....Mrs. K's Toll House Restaraunt

Every town has a jewel, in Silver spring, Maryland I am pleased to say that I've found a charm. What appears be a cute country home, is actually home to a fine restaraunt with detailed nooks and cranies of old meets new. What's even better than the charming appearence of Mrs. K Toll House, is the hypersalivating food and perfect attention to good service and etiquette you'll encounter. Open since 1930, Mrs. K's Toll house has the experience it takes to perfect each and every meal. I was pleaseantly impressed with the New Zealand lamb chops marinated with juniper berries, garlic and rosemary freshly grilled and served with a tasty Shiraz reduction, YUM YUM!. Perfectly seasoned, and tender, your palate will appreciate the party your mouth will have after eating that succulent juicy piece of meat. Don't forget to check out their fine wine list and If ever you decide to avoid the hustle and bustle of Downtown D.C or Georgetown, take 16'th street to Colesville road, and enjoy a peaceful eloquent dinner, with the ones you love most!


Mrs. .K's Toll house Restaraunt

9201 Colesville Road, Silver Spring, MD 20910-1657(301) 589-3500