Northern Virginia Housewives - Housewives in the City

ONE WOMAN'S TRASH... PART 2

1/31/2012

to the pawn shop(s) I went. new ring in hand.

mistake #1. pawn shops are not a place where women hang out. i was a complete stand out wearing my hot pink dkny zip up hoodie.

mistake #2. i am not the best negotiator when i am not 100% comfortable with a situation. the reality is, everything that i know about pawn shops, i learned on this History Channel's Pawn Stars (love Chumley!).

mistake #3. i did not know what my item was worth. since i bought the item online from an estate auction, i didn't think to request an appraisal or any paperwork.

mistake #4. i really like jewelry. and i really like diamonds.

so i took a gamble. i paid $130 for the ring, knowing nothing about the value of the jewelry.

i walked into the first pawn shop. dirty. raunchy. my skin felt grimy just walking in there. the young kid behind the counter was probably born in 1992. and this was going to be the guy to determine what my diamond and emerald 14kt gold ring was worth. this schmoe was going to be my appraiser. lucky me.

meanwhile, his boss/store owner was stuffing his face while ebaying right in the middle of the store. he would randomly belt out one single line to 80s rock songs. this guy had no shame. i think that out of the 10 men in the store at the time, i probably felt the most shame being there.

the kid offered me $200 for the ring. one small emerald was missing. i looked down at the ring on my finger and it was gorgeous (recall mistake #4). i didn't want to let it go for such a low number. i told him i wasn't desperate for the money and left.

i went to two other pawn shops to see what they would offer. in all aspects of my life, i get three estimates. for contractors, for car trade-ins at dealerships, and now - for pawning adventures. the offers at the next two shops were $160 and $170. and just as grimy.

ouch. now i had to make the walk of shame back into shop #1 with Schmoe and Steve Perry. they weren't really surprised to see me back. it was almost as if they had expected me. i took my $200 and drove home.

not a bad gig for $70. i basically got paid to go on a little escapade and experience a new industry. not so sure that i would do it again... but i honestly can't stop looking at estate sales now! who knows, maybe i'll go on another adventure :)

HOUSEWIFE BEAUTY SECRETS: CHOOSING THE RIGHT FOUNDATION

1/29/2012

a new special feature on the blog! featuring guest blogger: multi-award winning makeup artist, Tish Perkins.

My clients often ask me how to select the foundation that is right for them. I tell them it’s pretty simple and you don’t have to be a professional makeup artist to find the right products for you.  Knowing your skin type is key to finding the right base.

If your skin is dry, you definitely want to consider creams over powder foundations.  Look for moisturizing or hydrating foundations or sheer illuminating liquids.  My recommendations are Stila’s Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer, Laura Mercier Moisturizing Foundation or CovergirlNatureluxe Foundation is the best in term of drug store brands.  Also be sure to moisturize your skin prior to foundation application and allow at least five minutes for the product to absorb.

If you ‘reoily, powder foundations are ideal, but if you prefer something different  you will need to look for words like “oil-free” or “oil-control.”  You want a product that is going to provide you with a matifying effect.  My personal recommendations:  Makeup Forever MAT velvet, Laura Mercier Oil Free liquid Foundation, MACStudio Fix Powder Foundation or Smashbox High Definition ( Oil Free) Health FX Foundation.

In terms of skin preparation, use a good toner to disinfect pores and this will also help to seal them. Next, be sure to use an oil-free moisturizer and apply a matifying primer.

For my beauties with combination or mature skin,  cream-to-powder bases will work best.  This type of formula will not dry out the skin or enhance the look of wrinkles.  Bobbi Brown Natural Finish Long Lasting Foundation SPF is a pro makeup artist favorite.  Those who suffer with sensitive skin can opt for Mineral foundations like  L’oreal Minerals, Bare Minerals or Jane Iredale.

However, if you’re still at a loss, you can’t go wrong with a liquid base!

Until next time beauties,

xoxo
Tish

-
Tish is a Multi-Award Winning Makeup Artist & Certified Lash Stylist.
connect: www.muabytish.com
facebook: MakeUp Artistry by Tish
twitter: @TishHPerkins

ONE WOMAN'S TRASH...

1/28/2012

i came across a hyperlocal estate auction website based out of richmond... and i got sucked in. basically, it's like ebay, but with a significantly lower amount of users.

so i'm browsing through the site, checking out jewelry and some neat old sewing machines... old coins and antique china plates. all of these items have extremely high bids. clearly, some will be worth something to the next owner, as they were once worth something to the homeowner. a box of 3 men's ties sold for $18.

then i come across the little lady's wedding dress. it is well kept. well preseved. the white satin has yellowed a little bit, but you can tell that the poor little lady cared for the wedding dress. i'm sure that this dress was invaluable to her. simply priceless. i mean, she had kept it for all these years - at least since the 1940s.

i'm sure by preserving her wedding dress, she assumed that someone in her family, her kids or grandkids, would want to hold on it. it would be passed down, generation by generation. someone surely would treasure it. and treasure the memories of her nuptials to the patriarch of her family... everlasting love.

nah. who wants a crusty old wedding dress that probably smells like moth balls?

while sewing machines and doll houses went for over $100... guess how much the dress went for?

two dollars and forty nine cents. completely heartbreaking.

just goes to show ... one man's trash is another man's treasure.. and vice versa.

ps, i ended up buying two pieces of jewelry through the auction. i'm taking that stuff right to the pawn shop. let's see how much i get for it.

pps, i've never been to a pawn shop before. that will likely be my next entry if i dare to go. i watch enough Pawn Stars to know what i'm doing, right?

WHERE I'LL BE SPENDING MY TAX RETURN

1/27/2012

so i finally picked up TurboTax (thank you costco for the coupon)... and all i can think about is:
HOW CAN I SPEND MY TAX RETURN?
the money is burning a hole in my pocket and i don't even have it yet.

i've gathered this list of things i think i need to do with the money to continue to feel like a responsible adult:

1. pay off my credit card (ehhhh... the balance is not that high)
2. set money aside for my next semester of grad school/tuition
3. set up a little account for a christmas fund
4. travel fund
5. rainy day fund
6. make an extra mortgage payment or two
7. pay off my suv
8. save it for a rainy day
9. make a large payment on my student loans (sallie mae owns me)
10. invest/son's college fund

ideas i actually like:

1. pamper myself for a day .... i need a massage!
2. go on a date with my lovebunnie to a restaurant we can't afford
3. get a dvr for my bedroom so that i can watch all of my trashy reality tv shows on my schedule
4. buy myself a nice piece of jewelry
5. VACATION!
6. extensions
7. paint my bedroom (hire someone, of course)
8. new washer and dryer (you know you're old when you actually would look forward to a new home appliance)
9. buy another motorcycle
10. shoes!!!

How are you going to spend your tax return?

LEADING LADIES: INTERVIEW WITH KIMBERLY MCDONALD, SIMPLY DESSERTS

1/25/2012

Kimberly McDonald, Simply Desserts

A few years ago, when Kimberly's youngest child was a senior in high school, she started to wonder how she was going to fill her days once her child left for college. At the time, Kimberly was organizing fundraisers for MS - and one of the fundraisers happened to be selling cheesecakes. Kimberly had such a great success during the fundraisers that she was encouraged to start her own business selling cheesecakes. In 2008, Kimberly began the cheesecake business and in a matter of months she started to include more desserts. Kimberly is a self taught baker, but has taken numerous classes to perfect her skills and learn new techniques.

Describe yourself in three words:
organized, creative, caring

What do you consider your greatest professional achievement?
Maintaining the business for over 4 years with increased growth each year

What are your professional goals for the next six months?
To begin looking for a storefront!

How does your company stay connected through social media?
Facebook - Simply-Desserts; Constant Contact.

What profession other than yours would you like to attempt?
neo-natal nurse.

How do you maintain a work/life balance?
I allow time in the morning to get organized and I try to finish my work before 5pm so I can cook dinner for my husband; and if I need to... I work in the evening.

What website do you visit every day?
Facebook

What is the first thing you think of when you wake up in the morning?
What is on my agenda for the day?

What book do you casually put out on your coffee table to impress visitors?
Nothing on the coffee table :)

What is your favorite spot to visit in Northern Virginia?
Crysallis Winery or other wineries.

What is your goal for retirement?
If I retire, live in the mountains of Colorado.

Do you have any advice for women who would like to start their own company?
Don't wait, just do it. It is so rewarding.

connect with Kimberly:
facebook.
email.
www.simplydessertsonline.com

THE BEAUTY PRODUCT I'D BE USELESS WITHOUT IS...

1/24/2012

i just read this article about Nicki Minaj and it had me wondering... which beauty product do i fully rely on?

the answer may shock you. but i completely rely on qtips to make myself appear presentable in public! i am a mascara, eye liner, and burts bees kind of girl. nothing too fancy.

i'm pretty sure that i would look like i was stuck in the 90s (picture black, goth eye makeup) if i didn't figure out a way to apply liquid liner perfectly. i use qtips to straighten the liquid eye liner on my eyes every morning. after applying my mascara (i love falsies), i hit up the qtips to wipe away any imperfections.

i also use qtips when painting my nails. when i do a french manicure on myself, i always get asked where i got my nails/toes done. "um, i go to this place called, Mi Casa." i dip qtips in nail polish remover and then straighten the line for the french tips after applying white polish. i also am wearing julep maven's megan on my tips and toes.. and to keep my right hand (painted by left) in check, q's in acetone are the answer.

*ps, i was not paid by qtips to write this. i truly love them and always have a few in my pocket or handbag at all times. no joke.

HALF WAY TO HEALTHY

1/20/2012

i'm (not so) ashamed to say that we have eaten out every night this week. monday: chickfila. tuesday: chipotle before little ninja class, thai food after. weds: happy hour beverages with renee from @novamag and then dinner/drinks with supernovamommy and belwaybargainmom.

tonight we finally slowed down and pulled out the pannini machine. o. m. g. i swear that thing could make pickled beets taste delish! i think that i have finally mastered the art of making a turkey and cheese pannini. but tonight, i was a little adventurous and added some smashed avocado! i can't claim that it was healthy. i mean, i served kettle cooked bbq chips as a side. at least B had orange juice ... isn't that a serving of fruit?

---
ps, i did buy a bag of lentils at the grocery store this week. my next door neighbor's peruvian madre makes a killer dish with lentils, onions, ground beef, and garlic that is served over rice. i've never cooked them before and i can't find a recipe that i like... so i'm just going to wing it tomorrow for dinner. if anyone has a recipe that they'd like to share, i'm all ears! :)

YOU ASKED FOR IT!

1/15/2012

announcing new events exclusive for novahousewives.com readers! bring out your bffs and enjoy a ladies night sponsored by some awesome local businesses! i am SO excited about this! (and finally getting to meet all of you!)

check out the events page and sign up today. enjoy free services, raffles, giveaways, exclusive event discounts, swag bags and FUN - all while getting to mix and mingle with other local ladies.

we are lining up a few more events and will let you know more details as i get them.

please email me your feeback/questions/comments. i would love to hear from you all! (also would love to hear your suggestions for future events/locations) xoxo

LEADING LADIES: INTERVIEW WITH ALICIA RUSSMAN, UNDENIABLE BOUTIQUE

1/12/2012

Alicia Russman, owner of Undeniable Boutique at Fairfax Corner, has traveled the globe for the last eight years observing trends in boutique fashion and taking note of eye-catching labels and products. As a result, she has brought global flair to her Fairfax Corner boutique. Alicia carries a lot of "not-so-conservative" lines from the West Coast as well as Europe and Australia. This spring, she'll be adding more international labels. "I've really tried to bring something different to the area so women who like a unique look have a place to shop. 'Dress for the occasion, but not like everyone else' - is one of my taglines."

Describe yourself in three words:
Always inviting change

What do you consider your greatest professional achievement?
While I'd like to think my greatest achievement is yet to come, my most notable accomplishment to date is planning and opening Undeniable Boutique.

What are your professional goals for the next six months?
Most of my professional goals are related to the growth of my boutique and marketing consulting businesses, but more importantly, I want to expand my network of women business owners and professionals. I wouldn't have gotten anywhere professionally without the mentoring and support I've received from so many strong women business leaders.

How does your company stay connected through social media?
I've spent the last eight years of my career preaching the importance of social media to professional services companies. I'm thankful to have been with a technology company during the social media boom or I'm afraid I still wouldn't get it! I use social media outlets daily, but know that I need to be doing more (add that to my list of professional goals for the next six months!). Here are some of my daily outlets:  www.linkedin.com/in/aliciarussman, www.linkedin.com/company/undeniable-boutique-llc, twitter.com/arrussman, www.facebook.com/undeniableboutique, www.fashionlista.com, www.lipstickrocks.com, to name a few!

What profession other than yours would you like to attempt?
I wouldn't quite attempt it, but I'd love to be a back-up singer for a professional, touring band or a dancer. Sadly, I wasn't blessed with any musical talent but a good ear!

How do you maintain a work/life balance?
Who says I do? :)

What website do you visit every day?
Admittedly, Facebook, especially now that it's the only active site for my boutique's online presence.

What is the first thing you think of when you wake up in the morning?
My to-do list and how I'm going to accomplish everything I set out to do that day (which rarely happens).

What book do you casually put out on your coffee table to impress visitors?
Typically the only publications that end up on my coffee table include health/fitness and gossip magazines -- so not impressive, but entertaining!

What is your favorite spot to visit in Northern Virginia?
This is a tough one; there are so many! My favorite clear-your-head spot is Burke Lake. I love being outdoors and running/walking the 5-mile trail around the lake with my dog. I'm from upstate NY and being near a lake makes me feel at home.

What is your goal for retirement?
As odd as it may sound, running my boutique is my retirement plan. I don't think I'll ever be able to stop working entirely. I'll be happy when the business is profitable and able to run more smoothly - that will feel like retirement to me! Also, having more time to travel is a long-term, semi-retirement goal.

Do you have any advice for women who would like to start their own company?
My advice is terribly clichéd but worth repeating - don't let anyone tell you it can't be done! I had a major career change when I opened Undeniable Boutique. I had no previous retail or business ownership experience - the two things potential business partners, lenders, real estate management companies and vendors wanted to see on my resume before entering into business with me. I spent close to two years pitching these entities and trying to prove my concept. I knew I had the experience, passion and drive to build a successful business. Each and every day will be spent proving those who didn't give me a chance, wrong! My other advice is to talk to people who have been there before you. I reached out to many strangers who I now consider close friends. The first-hand experiences and insights they shared taught me more about business ownership than any book or MBA course ever could!

Stay connected with Alicia:
Twitter: @arrussman
Facebook: facebook.com/undeniableboutique
www.undeniableboutique.com

WIN A VIP SHOPPING PARTY AT UNDENIABLE BOUTIQUE

WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE FEATURED IN LADIES HOME JOURNAL?!

1/11/2012

one of my sorority sisters is the asst editor at the mag and she's looking to highlight women who go on "girlfriend getaways" with their friends and Is looking for some groups of friends (or it could be just two best friends) to feature in the story. Are you - or do you know of any women in their 30s, 40s or 50s that would be interested? Do you know a woman that you know goes on little weekend trips with her friends a lot; you, a coworker, your mom. Any interested parties should email Sonia! sonia.harmon@meredith.com. make sure you tell her that you heard about the feature from her "rose sister"! :)