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Where is that space house???

Because you asked...here is more info on the Space House pictured below. You can see it for yourself in TN or take the video tour here!

OMG Alert: My Blog is Moving!

Into a spaceship! No Non-Earthlings will be turned away.

Okay I'm fibbin'... but man would it be cool. But there is truth to the fact that my blog is moving to a new format. All of us 9 News Now bloggers must do it. My new blog's official housewarming party will be held tomorrow May 23rd barring technical difficulties. Gifts? Hey don't worry about it... just keep reading and writing with me!

Here's the new link:

http://beta.wusa9.com/life/community/persona.aspx?plckPersonaPage=PersonaBlog&plckUserId=24186d0c88114acf8e0aa799919a02ea&U=24186d0c88114acf8e0aa799919a02ea&sid=sitelife.wusa9.com

The appearance will change but content will stay the same. And dont' worry, all the entries below won't be lost in outerspace... I'll always have a link to all of them on my new homepage.

Your Dog Allowed Here: ummm... just not the big and fat ones

If this a sign of the time I hope doesn't take off! This pic was apparently taken outside a business in the district. Have you seen anymore? I have to admit for pet owners like me who have a whole lotta dog... this is disheartening. I once tried to sneak Atticus into a coffee shop under my arm... he was pushin 70 L-Bs and the barista was not overcome by by his cuteness like I had hoped. In a frenzy she fired back with some OSHA rule, asked us to leave and sent me and the canine marching minus coffee cup in hand. Okay... so maybe I shouldn't have tried to get away with it ... but on the same note I don't think petit pups should have the advantage... should have the access. Call me bias but I just wish businesses could embrace everyone..you know an ALL DOGS or NO DOGS policy kinda thing. Stop the canine discrimination! It's so unfair that big dogs like Atticus are ousted for their inability to squeeze into a tu-tu. Okay... I realize stores are privately owned- it's their decision...but what kind of message is this sending to our pet population? Lose weight... bind your paws... skip breakfast...lay off the rawhide. This is America people... we like everything big! Tell me the last time you walked into anywhere and portions of anything mattered. I mean have you seen Wendy's new BACONATOR? We always want more.... and on this subject I feel MORE DOG should be something to celebrate not isolate.What's next: all access for all things little small cats, hamsters... possums?

My ranting on rudeness brings to mind another topic? I love to run outside and I am constantly disgusted with the amount of dog waste I have to dodge. I get so irritated with those who refuse to undo what their dogs do. Yeah I know it is an uncomfortable 30 seconds standing there as your dog does his deed... but you look even worse when you just walk away from it. I always find myself in an internal fit of rage... but just can't bring myself to call them out in public.

Back Pain Sufferers Is Acupuncture the Answer?

I'm leaving the office right now and going to my very first acupuncture treatment. I've suffered from horrible back pain (upper and lower) for years... and figured after all the pills, xrays, deep tissue massages... maybe this will finally work. Everyone says it doesn't hurt...but I'm still a little freaked out about all those needles. I was doing some research and saw one lady talk about how ergonomically tweaking your workstation could be the remedy. Hmmm..... that might be my next experiment.

By the way blogger is having upload probs so that's why I haven't been posting pix or new entries lately.

New Video: Alvin Bowen, Compliance Linebacker

Thanks to my pal and sports anchor Matt Pearl at WGRZ-TV I was introduced to this hilarious video. I have to admit I watched the NFL draft but didn't know who Alvin Bowen was until I saw this youtube video. Bowen was the fifth-round draft pick... who is now billed as Buffalo's rookie linebacker. Before he hit it big time looks like he did a little more than pass around the pigskin in college at Iowa State. Apparently, acting is also on his resume for his contributions to the university's compliance department. As my friend Pearl notes... those of you who remember the old ads with Terry Tate, OFFICE LINEBACKER... you can guess what's comin'...the pain train stops here!

NO TCHOTCHKE: NEW MUST-HAVE BEAUTY BUYS

Call me the ultimate BEAUTY BUY IT AND TRY IT girl!I'm always picking up new things just to see if they work. I figured why not share my findings and decided to dedicate this edition of NO TCHOTCHKE to recent great beauty buys!The Tan Towel $5 to try one at Nordstrom or 10-pk for $21 online. This is like a wet wipe. You can rub it on your face and all over your body. The best part it's not messy, doesn't leave streaks or color that rubs off on clothes and it's citrus scent smells great! Take a couple hours to kick in... I applied right after a shower before heading out to an event last Saturday!
White Intense Eye Pencil by CHANEL $26.50This is the only CHANEL make-up item I own. I use it to delicately line my bottom lid. It has a soft crayon effect when applying and I find it subtly gives the eye a little spark. For a big night out..use it on your top lid and top it off with a pair of my favorite faux lashes by MAC! Style #7 is natural glam!
Botanical Kinetics Skin Firming/toning Agent by Aveda $17 at Aveda I spritz my face & neck 3-4 times EVERY MORNING with this stuff! The light mist gives your face an "I'm breathing!" feeling. Plus, it's an excellent moisturizer for the skin!

FAT HAIR "0" Calories Thickening Spray $7.99 at any drugstore I spray this on my damp hair before I blow dry. It's ultra light spritz helps thicken the hair for a more volumunous look. It's great for my line of work where I need a full hairstyle to stay on-air ready for five hours straight.

Cafe' Steamers by Healthy Choice $3 at any grocer. OMG! My first meal was so easy, so yummy, filling and above all only 260 calories! Whoo hoo!Each Café Steamer comes in a plastic bowl with a strainer attached above. The bulk of the meal; vegetables, meat, pasta or rice, are on the top of the strainer. The sauce is underneath it. You put the whole bowl in the microwave, cook it, then dump the food portion into the sauce!

Kellogg's ALL BRAN Fiber Drink Mix to-go! $4.48 for 10 packets at Wal-Mart (diet aisle) It's like the crystal light packets just packed with FIBER! 10 grams per little packet in fact. Each one is only 20 calories. I add the mix to a full bottle of water twice a day. I'm drinking the Ice Tea flavor now but hear the pink lemonade is the bomb!

SPLURGE: So here's something that's so bad for you it's good! Starbucks just came out with the raspberry/apricot scone tart thingy. It's jammed with 310 calories but you know what... so what!

Born in the R.O.K.

If you didn't know May is officially Asian & Pacific Islander American Heritage Month. It's like Black History or Hispanic Heritage Month for people like me- of Asian or Pacific Island descent. It's a time set aside to highlight the contributions Asian Americans have made to America. Usually it involves a host of festivals, traditional foods and cultural performances. They are all effective ways to raise awareness about who we are and what we've done. This is why it was a no brainer when I was asked to be a guest speaker for the State Dept's Office of Inspector General's KOREA DAY. I've done a lot of speaking engagements in this biz but I admit that an event like this is extra special- close to my heart- close to my heritage. The afternoon celebration happened in Rossyln but for about an hour a conference room became our own little piece of the R.O.K. (Republic of Korea). A spread including some of my favorite foods like kim bap (similar to a sushi roll) and jap jae (clear potatoe noodle stir-fried with veges) were enjoyed by a group who's cultures crossed continents. A traditional Korean fan dance by a multi-talented artist (she rocked the house later drumming!) beautifully kicked off the entertainment. Next up was a cultural dances and martial arts demonstrations one that included wooden swords. They were performed by both members of the Dahn Yoga staff and YEHA. It was eye opening for some... for me and a few others in the room it was nostalgic. After the performances, I told the host of the event Richard (bowtie) that it has been so long since I've seen something like that in person. And it has been. This August it'll be 13 years since I last saw South Korea... the place I was born and lived for most of my adolescent years. But even though more than a decade has passed and so much has changed... I am still close to where I came from... I'm starting to figure out who I am. The second half of the event was set aside for me- to talk about growing up in Korea and about getting to my job now. I started my talk off with something that struck me as funny this past mother's day weekend. My older sister Tricia was visiting and started talking about my wedding last month. She told me how she thought it was sooooo great that more than 98% of our guests at the wedding didn't have a lick of Asian in them.. yet more than half the food served was Korean! I told Tricia that outrageous ratio never occurred to me... until now. It was then that I realized that my decision to go authentic wasn't really all about great food... somewhere in there was a natural instinct to stay true to tradition. Here I was in the South (my hubby's from SC), on the biggest day of my life and I was gonna eat what was comforting to me. Apparently.. it just so happened... everyone else was gonna too - and as I told the crowd some guests werent' prepared for the kick of a kimchi pancake :) Some of you might ask... 98% of your wedding..not a lick of Asian?? Where were all your Asian friends? To be absolutely honest... all of them could not make it. They truly RSVPd and said they had to work. (I know the asian work-ethic joke could be inserted here... but in all honesty they are all journalists and I know the scheduling demands of this business) Anyhow, the point of the story is that as I get older I realize how important it is to embrace my Korean culture. Like my sister Tricia I plan to pass on to my own children what I know about my past... and it's people. In this picture my sister shows off my 10 month old niece Caelyn Chin Driscoll in her first hanbok , Korea's traditional clothing. Caelyn got it just for this month- to celebrate her heritage... nevermind she has an Irish father, his blue eyes and strawberry blonde hair. Don't worry you know she's got Korean in her- my mother Chin will be the first to remind you..her tagline "She's a quarter Korean!". You say it's not much... but you better watch it...to Caelyn's Korean nana it's everything! My mother's pride is something my two sisters and I can only hope we can pass on. Along with helping spread the word about Asian Americans and their impact at events like this I'm trying to take it further. As a member of the Asian American Journalist Association I like so many of my role models in this field have become a mentor. My goal is to help young aspiring Asian Americans break into a field where our cultural experiences can bring perspective. I hope that others out there can find ways to honor our past by acting now too. Before I blogOFF ....I wanna give a big shout out to my girl and high school buddy (go hornets!) Sarah Soun. She was one of the masterminds behind the cultural event. Thanks to Sarah and everyone who came out to learn a little bit more about their neighbors! I am sincerely grateful for the chance to share my experiences and even more thrilled about meeting some incredible new chin-gus!
Oh... that means friends.

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ps: Save the Date - I'm the Mistress of Ceremony & You're Invited!

Mayor Fenty's Asian/Pacific Islander American

Heritage Month Celebration

May 28th 6-8pm

Historical Society of Washington DC

801 K. St. , NW

Great Performances, FOOD, Family Friendly and FREE!

Arlington Goats: Pets or Livestock?

So a sorority sister of mine told me about two little goats getting a lot of attention in Arlington. It is the story of Lechea a two month old French Alpine and Carne, a one year old Nigerian Dwarf. The adorable duo are the furry faces in front of a local "save us" campaign where the clock is apparently tickin'. The goats' owners say L&C (is this The Hills?) are always gated, have never hurt anyone and overall make the best of pets. Arlington County disagrees. Officials say they must go. According to the zoning laws livestock can't be raised within 100 feet of a road or property. Calls to the zoning office were not immediately returned. With that, wer'e told Lechea and Carne have been given til June 6th to vacate the residence... but it appears they won't go without a good head butt with county brass. In fact, the recent delivery of a violation notice has sparked a Billy the Kid kinda fight. The owners saying put em' up... hitting the road and going online with a "Goats are Pets" petition drive. Recently, they even threw a backyard SaveOurGoats party... at the meet and greet kind petting was permitted. There's actually a whole website dedicated to the kids with daily updates on the legal battle. It even features a Live Goat Cam where the galloping duo partake in their own 30 second refresh rate of reality fame!Here I think I caught C sunbathing down by the hay. All kidding aside, it'll be interesting to see how this pet/livestock issue plays out in Arlington County? The petition circulating is for the county to change it's zoning law to exclude does (female goats) and wether (castrated male goats) from the definition of livestock. The petition says does and wethers are quiet, non-smelly, and friendly pets. It's an animal fight that has been won before. Just not here. Last fall in Seattle the city council approved to allow miniature goats as pets. On the other side of the fence.. you definitely have those asking where do you draw the animal line. What about my pony or pot belly pig? We've heard the arguments before. Now looks like Arlington's turn to address the issue. I can't tell you how the pet vs policy debate is gonna play out... but with the animal aviction just weeks away... I'll bet ya a buck some will be watching closer than others.

OMG! Cheap NATS Tix

OMG Alert! The Partnership for Public Service is offering discounted tickets to the NATIONALS game on May 24th (7:10 pm, vs Milwaukee Brewers) and trying to get as many people there as possible. It’s for civil service appreciation night, but you don’t have to be a federal employee to get the discount—you just have to purchase through the Web site! I'm going for the FIRST TIME! Any suggestions... what to order, what to see... what to wear- I'm diggin' the hat and YES don't put it past my millinery judgement to show up in it!

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Mother's Day VIDEO: Chin Shows Us Her Hawaii Chair

There's no one more excited about Hallmark's new "record your own message" mothers's day cards this year than me. This is why:

THIS IS MY MOM.

THIS IS CHIN.

Finding Chin the perfect card this time of year is always a struggle. Usually the options are either too mushy or appear over the top. Get her a funny one you say. Well those are tough calls too.... simply because you never know if Chin is gonna get it. It's not that she doesn't have a sense of humor- anyone who knows Chin knows she could very well give Margaret Cho a run for her money. This is the deal... the card concern comes down to one thing and there's really no way of being PC about it: Chin is Korean. I've realized looking back at her collection of cards from me... 90% of the time it's a greeting by some obnoxious distorted mammal: usually a monkey or a dog with oversized eyeballs. For some reason these cards always make her laugh. Without saying much... these kinda cards trigger emotion and are just easy to understand. My mom wasn't only born and raised in South Korea... she married a man she had to use a dictionary to communicate with the first few years of their marriage. That my friends is a true story. Today, she still speaks with a thick accent but has become very accustomed to this entirely new culture she was introduced to thirty years ago. Because of her different upbringing the way I was raised could not help but be impacted. Chin was like a live at home school teacher- tougher on us then the real ones in class. At home free time was spent practicing timetables and handwriting... and at least 45 minutes a day set aside to practice piano (i was playing Beethoven's 5th by the 4th grade!). She raised the bar for us at an early age. You brought home a B... she'd let you know: "an A would be better". When I got older unlike a lot of mothers and daughters, Chin and I didn't talk about love, boy crushes, dreams ... or even go prom dress shopping together. In fact, recently I went and picked out and tried on my wedding gown completely on my own. It's not that we weren't or aren't close- that couldn't be farther from the truth. Having lost her mother at a very young age and having grown up with an entirely different culture... I found along the way that Chin and I simply didn't have those unofficial mother-daughter traditions to carry on. But because of that we made up our own special memories! I remember my mom often taking me down to the bustling Korean subway stations in Seoul, the night's ice coldness offset by our delicious escape of hot rice cake or whole sweet potatoes swaddled in old newspaper. As weird as it seems, I think this is why I love the smell of city pollution. The whiff of factory and traffic exhaust... always takes me back to a happy place long ago- good times on the city streets hanging with my mom at meat markets or by street vendors. Since we were born my mother was always there for my two sisters and I. She tells me often now that WE... her daughters are her reason for living. And those of you who have had the pleasure of meeting Chin know that living is what my mom is all about. If you were to ask her the secret ingredients it would come down to three things.

1) 3 venti coffee frappuccinos a day

2) 5-6 episodes of Wheel of Fortune (the wheel of torture to dad) a week

3) her Windstar

I love asking my mom questions because she always has a great and sometimes hilarious comeback. Having lived in the south when she first moved to America.. she is still the only asian woman I know that responds to others she agrees with with "I reckon!". With all this in mind I got to thinking... and how perfect would it be to every now and then to take a moment to "ASK CHIN!" This weekend, as she celebrates her 32nd mother's day the first thing we want to know when we look at her: How do you stay in shape? Roll for response:

Thanks mom for the advice! My father still doesn't get how she got sucked into this infomercial that runs on her Korean channels. Check it out here. I mean who wouldn't want to try slimming their waistline simply by sitting through the ancient art of the Hula.I have to admit the laughs along the way can't be bad for the abs!

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NO TCHOCHTKE: Does this make me look preggers?

All the ladies in the house who have asked this question say I! If you live in a house with a new oven like this (right)... sincere congrats but for this survey sorry: YOU DON'T COUNT! In fact, we envy mamas-to-be because your carrying-time coincides with current fashion trends that rub your bellies in all the right ways. Tis' the season where loosely is said to be lovely! We're talking flowy tunics, bubble tops... big full skirts...shapeless shift dresses. Pieces you wanna put on once you see just how fab they look on...HER:

THE PICTURE ABOVE IS THE ROOT OF MY PROBLEMS!I fall in love with a style that I'm not quite sure I can pull off. Even with all the doubt I have often put on a pair of patent t-straps and walked out and taken the risk. But my bubbly boldness is always shortlived... followed by the annoying inevitable. First it's my my mom, then my friend Jen, the local coffee barista gets it next, traffic Kris, co-workers get in on the poll, then I move on to strangers- basically anyone who will listen and answer my one question: Do I look pregnant? It happened this week when I went out on a limb or some may say out to the ocean and donned this aqua pleated dress by Simply Vera.

My co-anchor Andrea and I joked about the roundness of the shape but our love for the color. Cynthia at the front desk at Channel 9 confessed until she saw me in person she just "couldn't figure it out". Was I wearing a jacket or a dress? But she followed up with "I love it!".. hmmm. KimChi thought it was real cute and that it didn't make me look big on-air it just doesn't highlight your shape she says. I went back a pulled tape from a broadcast a couple days ago and I too... can find my waistline.

Yeah, I admit the belt look is more flattering but man- it sucks to have to literally try to suck it all in all the time. And YES it felt GREAT to wear Big Blue and not worry about anything underneath. Was it worth all the anguish and pointless preggers anxiety that came with throwing out the waistline? I honestly don't know. Just like I don't know why this billowy look is such the rage these days to begin with. I could maybe understand if COMFORT was a factor on the runway but we all know that's never been the case. So here's my conclusion on this issue. I'm gonna continue to flaunt the style but I'll tell you I'm gonna take the chance and do it cheap. No splurges here. Also, I'm gonna look for elements that accentuate the body. Do the waist-less top with a straight skirt or pant or top the full skirt with a fitted tank. I'm just hoping next time I step out... all out, I get more of the "Oh cutes!" vs "Congratulations!" without question.

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Post-Wedding Identity Crisis: I don't think I wanna change my name!

I remember as a blushing adolescent writing about all the boys in my class I’d like to marry. In a diary I have kept since December 19, 1988 I even recorded the Top Ten Boys at SAES (Seoul American Elementary School) Topping the list: Andy O’Conner… check out the side note “He’s Fine, woooo”. Three years and a few more entries later, I’m 12 and writing about my crush on who would turn out to be my first “real” boyfriend. His name was Jeff McClelland and even though he wasn’t the best BF...I often wondered what it would be like to marry him. At the end of one lovesick journal entry there’s that classic Angie and Jeff complete with a disproportionate outline of a heart. And then overlapping the love-struck man-made logo is: IT-THE SIGNATURE!: My hopes and dreams on paper,White, picket fence fantasies condensed in two words,Something that felt fun to do,Something I had to write to see how it would look! For a second like so many young girls I found myself lost in what appeared to be the simple idea of becoming a wife. Since Jeff, I’ve had many more boyfriends and practice sessions like this one. If practice does make perfect..then why 16 years later and happily married to an amazing man- am I finding myself with the biggest writer's block I can imagine. Stuck in a surname identity crisis I’ve come to find out many struggle with “The Great Last Name Debate”.
Just married,I have for now decided to keep my name professionally… and eventually change my name legally for personal purposes. Even thought I have my “TV Name” to fall back on there’s a part of me I admit that just has trouble giving up the GOFF. It might be why if you asked me the first thing one should do to change their name- I’d reply: No flippin’ idea. In writing this I decided maybe it is time to venture out do a little research and found that there are lotsa reasons a woman struggles with this. “Professional Consideration” is one I find not only myself relating to. My friend Addie Bradshaw who is a reporter in Buffalo just tied the knot and has also decided to keep her name onair. In “real life” she says she’ll take her husband's last name and admits to practicing her W’s!. Here’s her argument: “” I have too many contacts in the biz to throw away all the networking I’ve done up to this point. Once we get settled somewhere permanently, I”ll make the switch…. When it comes to weddings and marriage, I love the idea of tradition, but it’s also hard to say ‘adios’ to a name and an identity you’ve had for decades. (I mean…come on…do you know how many people ask if I’m related to Terry Bradshaw? Haha) My girlfriend Roshanda Pratt (formerly Yearwood) to the right can't play that card- she'd tell you upfront no one has ever asked if she's kin to a country singin' superstar. With that, this new mom from Bishopville, SC offers a humorous response about her traditional hubby Jacobee: "I had no choice...he was like WOMAN you're taking my name :)" Ro concluded she had waited so long to be blessed with the right man, she really didn't care. But a big part of her decision she says was based on the most important thing in her life: Faith. In her words: I once, thought about keeping my maiden name. However, I thought about the bibilical story of Ruth and her mother-in-law Naomi. When she lost her husband she still decided to stay with her mother-in-law and said "your people will become my people." In that instance I thought it was essential to leave my old life and start a new. This meant changing my name. Whenever God changed someone's name in the bible (ie. Abram to Abraham) it's to signify a change in their life. It has meaning. Whenever people in the bible named their children, their names meant where they were going or where they have been. Names are important. (On side note: Jael's name came from the bible. It means strength of God. Kaelyn, her middle name means delivered. Get it, names are important.lol!) And then there's the situations where patriarchal tradition is completely thrown out the window! That was the case for the former Julian Smith now Julian Vicari! Yep, he is one of the growing number of men taking their wive's name. Smith said the commonality of his surname played into his decision to trade it in for one rich in Italian origin. Ultimately, he said making the switch came down to his love for his wife and he also liked the idea of breaking the norm. I don't know about you ...but I've polled my guy friends and 10 out of 10 say "HECK NO!" to this option. Other things I found women doing were as follows:

* She keeps hers. He Keeps his

* Doing the "hyphen" ...i.e. Goff-Ellis

* Both people do the "hyphen"

* Combining both names... like Gellis (people really do this??) When I dated a guy named dan friends referred to us as "Dangie" but it was always a joke!

*Anyone else have any suggestions????

At the end of the day... or I guess in this case the wedding I have to admit I do like the sound of Angie Ellis. As my girl Ro says...it has a "ring to it (no pun intended)". And I agree perhaps movin' on up on the alphabet could be a perk!

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ps: For those with a new ring, new husband and plan to take on a new name here's a place that takes the stress out of the process. Check out missnowmrs.com

He caught the garter and then ...

We all know this part of the wedding story. Like a sling shot the groom shoots the ring of lace into a sea of single men. Mothers of the bachelors in the corner... frozen, fingers crossed. On the receiving end, none of the guys act like they want it but they're not exactly playing dodgeball either.Then it happens. THE BIG CATCH! The grasping of the eternal band of elastic ignites an audience applause. Those left empty handed are now throwing high fives or wiping sweat from the brow. In an instant, you realize how important the TIME of the night the groom chooses to make the toss can be reflected in the outcome.

This is what you get when you do it 8 busy bartenders and 3 hours into the party:The lucky man holding the garnet garter (a tribute to Robert's beloved Gamecocks) is one of Robert's childhood friends and amazing dancer David Rembert. The lovely man he's gracefully holding is our good friend Hobbs.While it's hard not to share a chuckle in the way it all turned out... it's even harder to believe that this could get better.. because it does.
The Tuesday after this eventful night David asked the love of his life Laura Dingledine of Charleston for her hand in marriage! She said YES and now the former groomsman finds himself getting ready for his garter duties come January! After watching this story unfold before my eyes it made me wonder "What ever happened to the person who caught the garter.... the bouquet?" If you have a story like this.. please tell! I just felt it was too cute to not share!Congratulations David and Laura! We are so thrilled for you! OH... you wanna know about my bouquet toss???? hmmmm. Well as you can see it was quite the fight for the flowers! In the end only one woman prevailed but you'll have to catch that story from my girl Andie O.! Rumor has it... the catch has since become somewhat of a good luck charm- but to our dismay she's not talking!

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NO TCHOTKE: THINK PINK COUTURE with Tania Shammas

Hello my fellow fashion friends! Boy, do we have a special treat for you this week! When I started this weekly I mentioned every now and then we'll hear from local style experts in the field of wardrobe, beauty trends and the so many fashion taboos. Well for this edition of NO TCHOCHTKE (remember pronounced Chotch-KAH) I've enlisted the sassy expertise of a fashion czar who is always on the cutting edge of style! Here she is... with more on wearing one of this summer's hottest colors... a color that comes with a cause! Take it away Tania!

THINK PINK COUTURE with Tania Shammas
Angie and I are heading to the hottest pink party in D.C. tonight! It’s an evening fundraising event to benefit the fight against breast cancer. So the question – WHAT TO WEAR!? Wearing pink honors the benefit and spirit of the cause. And let’s face it - there’s something feminine and girly about pink that makes us SMILE! Retailer Victoria Secret has a whole PINK line with clothing adorned with the words “LOVE PINK”, and you know what…we do!!!!!. But Ladies, it could go oh so wrong………think poor Britney’s fashion fiasco in her pink wig…. or Lara Flynn Boyle’s infamous pink tutu (and no-no) on the red carpet! So before getting meshed together in a sea of pinkalicious wardrobes and cosmo sipping gals alike…….stand out and be pink-informed when choosing your look! If you are hitting up PINK MARTINI NIGHT or if you have an upcoming charity event to go to – then you don’t want to miss my pretty in pink fashion tips! You wanna rock out out the hottest shade of pink for a trendy cocktail charity event…the PINK OF CHOICE ………FUCHSIA!!! This hue really pops so make sure to show off the latest trends but being couture-conscious. This season color is key and bold color is the way to go for an evening event. There are some hot trends to look for in bright pinks – ombré, ruffles, one shoulder, and unique hemlines…….. You can even do your fav LBD (i.e. little black dress) and a pink statement piece – DARE TO WEAR some hot pink stilettos! Check out these Aldo patent leather pumps! If you are heading to a benefit luncheon or auction – think of 60s inspired classic style! Check out this new Banana Republic dress. All you need is your fab oversized shades, chic heels and a bag to complete the look. Very Audrey Hepburn but with a hot pink twist! You can try different shades and fabrics of pink for *dazzling* daywear! I’ve found some stunning styles out there that are so glam for this type of event. Look for sheath silhouettes, bow accents, and belted looks inspired from the elegance of old Hollywood glamour. J’adore the Dior print dress and the one-shoulder piece! If you are sweating it out for your charity event for a fundraising function - try a soft, comfy top, skinny jeans and maybe some pink edgy summer flats! Accessories can be just the way to go! Casual chic but pink fashion-forward style………

"And just remember you don’t have to spend a lot $$$$$$$ to look HAUTE !"

I found a designer dress and then a similar look at Forever 21 for only $22.80. So shop for some deals and you can have some extra cash to donate to the cause! And let’s not forget the guys out there that wanna show their support for the cause! Be brave and bold enough to make a fashion statement that shows you care. Aww….. Now, we are pink carpet ready in high fashion and high spirits for a feel good cause! Celebrate and donate and THINK PINK COUTURE! !

XOXO,
Tania

ENTER ANGIE: SO WHAT WILL TANIA SHOW UP IN TONIGHT???

Tania: I'll be hitting the town with a ruffle designed frock and ombre' clutch from EXPRESS!

Sidenote: These are suggestions on how to wear pink this summer. None of these products' proceeds go to Breast Cancer Research. For more on things you can buy that are pink and benefit the foundation click here. Also remember you can get all you need to know about Breast Cancer issues, local stories, events and resources by visiting my colleague Andrea Roane's wonderful site dedicated to the cause..EVERY WOMAN should bookmark this link: BUDDY CHECK 9

THE NAIL POLISH POLL IS IN...

.... and the contest has gone to the dogs.

okay okay... so Atticus' and his friend Lexi Girl's sniffing poll doesn't count. However, I am extremely surprised that my pup's senses agreed with the masses. 7 Days, 6 polish choices and one badly needed manicure later.. we have a winner!

If the image didn't give it away. Here she is. OPI's classy red called "I'm Not Really a Waitress". The bad comic in me wants to say "I just play one on TV". Okay on with it! Bottle #6 take a bow. (applause) This was the first response wildcard choice. I had decided to add the suggestion from the first reader to respond to the entry. It appears a lot of YOU agreed! Let me tell ya "INRAW" didn't win by a landslide.The very deep black purple Lincoln Park after Dark came in a close second. So I couldn't find any cool award ribbons for the winning shot... so these old things... a throwback to my pop's intramural athletic years will have to do. Trophies aside.... I feel the big winner is me! I am thrilled with getting to sport YOUR choice. Tune in Friday morning for the "viewer's polish pick" debut! Since the winner was determined I've learned one of my fav mod fashion icons- GWEN (yes we're on a first name basis!) is a INRAW fan! Hey Gwen- heyyyy girl if you're reading this... it's me ANGGGG! When you gonna come guest blog for us?Let me tell you something this little color competition has opened me up to... in Gwen's words it makes me "Go Bananas!" An incredible HOT hue that will definitely be in my summer rotation. Thanks to loyal viewer Darlene Bachman out in Nanjemoy, MD... I discovered OPI's "INDI-A-Mood For Love" It's even prettier in person. I found that out when I visited the OPI section of Ulta in Fairfax. I felt like a little girl in an eyecandy shop! I wanted to buy them all, try them all and had to resort to getting only 3 different colors that will probably last a lifetime. Overwhelmed with so many options... at least there's some comfort in knowing I won't be forced to make another nail-biting decision for at least another two weeks! Whew!

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