A Christmas Gift

This holiday season, my friend Evelyn Brooks is doing a sweet gift to charities through her company, Evelyn Brooks Designs.  Over the past four years, they have helped to support several causes and this year, they are giving back to the following:

• Hoop Dreams Scholarship Fund - http://www.hoopdreams.org
• Hispanic Heritage Foundation - http://www.hispanicheritage.org
• Nest - http://shop.buildanest.com
• Falls Church Presbyterian Church - http://www.fallschurchpresby.org
• Washington Humane Society - http://www.washhumane.org
• Empowered Women International - www.ewint.org

You too can help donate to one of the above non-profits when you purchase from  their website: www.ebrooksdesigns.com  

How does it work?
  1.  Get 15% off your purchase and they will donate 10% to your favorite charity.
  2.  You can elect to forego your 15% discount and this increases your donation to 25% for your favorite charity.
  3.  The customer will provide the details to which charity they wish to donate.
  4.  After donations are received.  A thank you receipt email/letter  from your favorite charity will be mailed/email to you.

Happy Giving!

New Year’s Eve at Hudson

Not a venue in town wants to miss out on ringing in 2009 in our Nation’s Capital.  We however, suggest mixing it up in the Punch Bowl with Hudson Restaurant & Lounge.  Book now because space is limited and you won’t want to miss being downtown that night.

Hudson will feature a distinctive four course menu from Executive Chef Ryan T. Arnold. Early Seating begins at 6pm to 8:00pm at $60 per person with Late Seating at $90 commencing at 8:15pm until 11:30pm.

Patrons will enjoy the sounds of the DJ duo BKS from 10pm until 2am.  There will be plenty of party favors, an ice luge and a champagne toast at midnight. Hudson will be collecting non-perishable food that night for the Capital Area Food Bank of Washington DC and with your food donation, you will receive a Complimentary glass of prosecco.

Pricing for New Year’s Eve Celebration:
Premium Open Bar is $60 per person; $40 with purchase of dinner.
Chef’s selection wine pairing with each course $50 additional
All charges do not include 10% tax and 20% gratuity

Take a sneak peak at Hudson’s mouth watering menu:

First Course
Beef tenderloin Steak Tartare - shaved fennel and apple, white truffle vinaigrette, gaufrettes
Serrano Ham and Melon - organic watercress, sheep’s milk feta, mint
Grilled Asparagus Salad - white and green asparagus, sunflower sprouts, red verjus, extra virgin olive oil
Second Course
Tartlette of Baby Beets - goat cheese, aged balsamic, microgreen salad
Grilled Prawns - fennel and blood orange salad, sel gris, fennel pollen
Seared Scallop - truffled celery root puree, crispy pork belly, red wine vinaigrette

Main Course
Colorado Lamb - pan roasted, chestnut and mushroom ragout, elderberry reduction
Red Snapper - zucchini tempura, pistou, burst heirloom tomatoes
Beef tenderloin - grilled baby artichokes, roasted fingerling potatoes, glace de veau
Paperdelle - porcini mushrooms, carmelized shallots, fava beans, sorrel
Dessert
Seasonal Berries in Champagne Sabayon in flute
Poached Pear - barolo syrup, toasted hazelnuts, basil crème anglaise
Apple Cinnamon Beignets - hot apple cider, shortbread cookie
Chocolate Trio - spiced chocolate ice cream, pot du crème, flourless chocolate cake

Make your reservation today -  www.hudson-dc.com

Snagging Away the Day

And you always thought the word "snag" held a negative connotation (for instance: Today was a bad day because a snaggle toothed lady snagged a designer bag away from me at the boutique and then I found a snag in my sweater). 

SnagFilms however, is all good.  Check out the latest and greatest from Rick Allen (CEO) and Ted Leonsis (Founder & Chair):

Just in time for the holidays, SnagFilms is launching its “Make Your Own
Virtual Movie Theater” widget, which will enable you and others to send
the gift of documentary films — for free.  This new widget makes it easy
to customize and share a personal movie theater featuring up to five great
documentaries selected from the SnagFilms library of over 500
documentaries and independent films.

When you make your Virtual Movie Theater, you can pick films that define
your interests and passions – or tailor a virtual theater to reflect the
interests of a friend, family member or co-worker.  You can even name the
widget after them, as in "Mom’s Holiday Movies."  After a few easy steps,
your widget will be complete and ready to be e-mailed, posted to Facebook
or other social network, or embedded on your blog.

Make a gift that can be spread virally to the whole wide world.  Or one
you email to that special someone.  Make a personalized widget for
everyone on your list… even you – no Santa required.  And importantly,
given the rough economy, no credit card, checkbook, or change you
scrounged from your sofa required, either.  Of course, in the spirit of
the season, it would be really nice if you, or the person to whom you gave
the gift, used SnagFilms’ Support option to contribute to one of the
non-profits identified with each of the films offered.  But that’s between
you and Santa.

The widget launches today, and as a friend of SnagFilms, we wanted you to
be among the first to hear about it.  To get started visit
http://www.snagfilms.com/films/widgets.  Post your favorite holiday
five-pack on your blog or website.  Be creative in assembling packs of
films for friends and relatives that perhaps you weren’t going to spend
money on.  After all, it’s the thought that counts.  Please be in touch
with questions, comments, or feedback to SnagFilms.

"Gilding Lily" Visits Bethesda

Friday evening, ladies young and seasoned made their way up to the charming area of Bethesda Row.  The fashion forward boutique Urban Chic served as a book signing venue for Vogue (amongst many other publications) writer Tatiana Boncompagni.  Her debut novel "Gilding Lily", which I have just started to read and can’t put down, tells the tale of the roller coaster ride that New York high society can present.

(Pictured above: Tatiana Boncompagni flanked by two bloggers, the Punch and Miss A)

Even Plum Sykes, who wrote "Bergdorf Blondes", gave this read a positive review.  If you appreciate these types of female-oriented (this genre falls higher on the scale than "chic lit" in my humble opinion) lite, fun, and intriguing page turners about the elite world of New York society, pick up a copy for your friend this holiday season. 

http://www.boncompagni.net/books.htm

http://www.boncompagni.net/

A Punch Ponder:

Are there couples out there who are actually there to make us feel good about ourselves?

Remember the Sex & the City episode entitled the “Attack of the 5′9″ Woman”?  As Carrie was feeling less than sub-par when comparing herself to Big’s new fiance’, the gorgeous, model-like, shiny haired socialite, the question Carrie pondered was: Are there women out there who are there to make us feel badly about ourselves?  Well, after dealing with a personal situation about a week ago, I actually pondered quite the opposite:  Are there couples out there who are actually there to make us feel GOOD about ourselves?

Now, normally, as a single divorcee’ (who happens to have many friends who fall within this same category, as well as many who have not yet met Mr. nor Miss/Ms. Right), I would typically run for the hills when asked to attend a more “couple-ly” weekend event.  Yes, I know at my age, this is not a new concept, but it doesn’t make it any easier.  However, because I have such a special place in my heart for this particular couple, I was actually very excited to go. 

Say what you may, the single female in the two-by-two party isn’t always (nor usually) the Belle of the Ball.  She is usually the one that is 1) felt sorry for 2) glared at 3) thought of curiously as “what is wrong with her/what is her deal?” 4) discussed as a potential set up for any possible non-attached male within a 5 mile (or major market) radius.  Knowing this, I still decidedly went stag (that term still kills me) and breathed the biggest sigh of relief when I walked in and saw one of my favorite couples.

In my eyes, a “favorite couple” is a set of two individuals whom I genuinely enjoy separately, yet together, they seem to meld and transform into one super-human smarter, funnier, more successful, mega-interesting person.  “They” are not two, “they” are one.  “They” are stronger, bigger, and better together and their force of nature is positively powerful.

I seemingly attached myself to “their” hip(s) and spent the majority of the night conversing with them together and divided.  The other “favorite couple” was why I was even there, so I was thankful to spend time with them as well.  I was starting to feel blissful … it was almost like receiving homemade chocolate chip cookies fresh out of the oven.  As I was engaged in our chats, laughing and reminiscing, I started to realize the difference between the couples from whom I run and these friends. 

There are couples who actually do make us feel badly.  They are the ones who give us that look that clearly states “I hope she realizes she’s not getting any younger.  When will she settle down?  She needs to hurry up.”  Sometimes we are lucky to be the recipient of the old, “Don’t you think you need to find someone soon?  You are such a nice person.  What’s wrong?” or even: “It’s nice to have a career, but honestly, when are you going to have a child?” My personal favorite is when the two wrap themselves around each other, look you directly in the eyes as you sit hans solo across from them at dinner (because they always have to sit right next to each other so you feel like you are in the Spanish Inquisition) and spout: “We are SO happy together!  We have never been happier!  Just witness how happy we are. (kiss. kiss. giggle. kiss.)  Sigh. If only someday YOU could be as lucky as we are.”  Uh, yes, there are those couples like that out there.

But my friends, these favorite couples of mine, do not concentrate on what I don’t have and what they do have.  They concentrate on our friendship and how much we care about and for each other together.  They love my life and I love theirs.  We hold a mutual respectful appreciation for one another. 

That’s when I thought back on how many times I had actually been “that couple” in the past for a friend who was single, a friend who needed nurturing, a friend who needed maternal and paternal care, a friend who needed family-like caring, but in the form of two individuals, who together were stronger. 

I can honestly say, that while I am not currently part of a “couple”, I love the couples in my life.  As I have gotten older and hopefully chosen those in my life in a wise way, these friends continue to be more genuine, loving and true.  I am blessed to know them (you know who you are) and I thank God everyday to have these fantastic couples in my life. 

Philippe Cousteau Featured in Wall Street Journal Magazine

Check out the latest on Punch Community Partner EarthEcho International’s Founder & CEO, Philippe Cousteau, who was featured in the latest The Wall Street Journal Magazine:

http://magazine.wsj.com/hunter/tone/high-and-dry/

Philippe, we will see you on the rock climbing wall (or at least at Central … that’s more likely)!

(Pictured above: Philippe and mum Jan Cousteau.  Both are executives with EarthEcho International and continue to be very active in the mission of fostering extraordinary leaders to take action to restore and protect our oceans.)

To learn more about EarthEcho International and how you can be a part of this action oriented 501 (c) (3), please go to www.earthecho.org. 

This Week’s Birthday Wishes Go To:

Brendan Sullivan (who had one heck of a partay Friday night at Bobby Lew’s in Adams Morgan… yes, many of us are still recovering), Barry Broadway, Tiffany Carter, Matt Landsberg, Gina Scime, Maureen Umeh, Ashley Renwick, Tyler Beardsley and Wendy Adeler Hall of Punch Highlighted Partner Adeler Jewelers.

A special shout out goes to my old Tri-Delta pledge sister and roommate at Penn State - Kate Murphy Riggs. 

Wishing you all great health and wealth and apologies for anyone we may have missed!

Mix 107.3FM Broadcast Live Spot on Saturday the 13th

Come out to University Town Center in Hyattsville, MD to see Mix 107.3 FM’s Tommy McFly broadcast live from 10am - 3pm.  He will be taking your toy and dollar donations for the Toys for Tots Campaign the radio station is doing.

If you are out there and meet our friend Tommy, tell him the Punch sent you!

Saturday, December 13, 2008
10am-3pm
University Town Center
6525 Belcrest Road, Hyattsville, MD 20782

You can also still participate in the online auction as well:

http://www.mix1073fm.com/sectional.asp?id=29103

American Red Cross "National Day of Giving" Saturday, December 13th, 2008

Tonight is the "Little Red Dress Party" at Skye Lounge for the American Red Cross.  The cover is only $1 and you will receive drink specials all night. 

www.skyedc.com

If you are at Skye at midnight tonight, you will be a part of the "National Day of Giving" which is to benefit the Red Cross.  Please read the below information found on Facebook:

More than ever the American Red Cross needs your help in supporting the Disaster Relief Fund. In the aftermath of hurricane season, we know just how much it takes to respond to emergencies and how quickly those resources diminish. To rebuild the Disaster Relief Fund and to be better prepared to aid victims of natural disasters, the American Red Cross has launched a national fundraising campaign with a $100 million goal to conclude December 31st 2008. In order to boost the campaign, the Red Cross has named December 13th a National Day of Giving. On that Saturday, the Red Cross hopes that you will organize fundraisers in your community for the Disaster Relief Fund.
As the youth of the Red Cross it’s time for us to step up and Take the Challenge! Come up with a great fundraising idea or simply just get out there on December 13th in your Red Cross t-shirt to collect money, spread the word and create a buzz about the Red Cross.

You may be asking yourself, how big of a commitment is this? Be assured that it can be as little or as big as you want, know that any fundraiser will be more than fine: any contribution helps!

An easy and effective way to collect money is with a canister. Get together with a few people and go to a couple popular places around town and ask the public for donations, making sure to educate them about the cause. Get creative in your ask, maybe promise to dance for a contribution or tell a funny joke.

Whatever you are doing, we want to know about it! The National Youth Council of the Red Cross is challenging you to join us on December 13th! Think you have a great idea or that your group can raise the most money for the Disaster Relief Fund? Visit http://redcrossyouth.org/contests-and-scholarships/ to enter the challenge and win a great prize along with nationwide visibility for your efforts.
Also visit http://redcrossyouth.org for tons of helpful resources and marketing materials to help you maximize your efforts on December 13th.

So on December 13th, go out into your community and raise awareness for the Disaster Relief Fund, because remember: when you help the American Red Cross, you help America.

Holiday Punch Bowl Pick

Here’s another pick from our "Holiday Punch Bowl":

Check out MooJoo Ken on U Street for gifts for the women in your life.  In this hidden treasure of a store, you will discover silky patterned scarves with adorable matching bags and shoes, unique jewelry pieces and apparel by designers whom were chosen specifically to be carried in MooJoo Ken. 

The good news is, that even though when you typically think "design house" and "boutique", you may also think "pricey", but fortunately, everything is affordable and you can pick up some major deals in there.  What I personally love about these patterns is that they are named after areas found within our city (i.e. Foggy Bottom, Embassy Row, Penn Quarter and the like).  You will definitely stand out with these beautiful shoes, handbags, scarves and jewelry.

To sneak preview some of their lines, go to www.moojooken.com, but you must go into the store in person.  You will not be disappointed…and as always, tell them the Punch sent you!

1512 U Street, NW
Washington, DC 20009
202.234.3140 ph
202.234.3141 fx
sales@moojooken.com