Shout Out: Thank you Darin

So many of you may have noticed my gorgeous new blog header and Facebook cover!! Well they were designed by the wonderful Darin Michelle!! So here is a shout out to her and her business, LITTLE by Darin Michelle!!! I am so in love with her work and with the beautiful business cards she designed that arrived yesterday!!!

IMAG0927

So here is a little information on Little and what they have coming up as well as some info on their Indigo project!!

“2012 has been a great year for LITTLE by Darin Michelle. My small business has grown, made connections and has big hopes for 2013. My new goal is simple: Dream Big & Give Back. Starting in the new year, LITTLE will be giving 20% of all profit to chosen non-profit organizations throughout the year. This will not only create funds for up and coming non-profits but will also bring awareness to their organizations. This growth and change will be a BIG milestone in LITTLE history as we change from a clothing brand to an outlet for conscious and ethical consumerism.

Do you want to be a BIG part of LITTLE history? By supporting the LITTLE by Darin Michelle Indiegogo Campaign you can be! Through Indiegogo, I am hoping to raise $10,000 by January 10th, which will go to the production and expansion of my small business.

Please visit the campaign site for an informational video and breakdown of the production and products it will take to expand in the new year: http://www.indiegogo.com/littlebydm”

So go show your support and check out this amazing artist and what she has to offer!!

Posted in Great Cause, Shout Out, Thank You | Leave a comment

Food: Dial Up Jamaica at 876 Cafe

Fun Invitation

Fun Invitation

Last week I was invited to a tasting at 876 Cafe with some other wonderful fashion and food bloggers in the DC area.  876 Cafe is a dining spot mere steps from the Van Ness Metro that opened a few months.  It is inspired by its name which is the area code of Jamaica (get it – Dial Up!! lol).

Restaurant1

Inside 876 Restaurant

As you can see from the picture on their website, 876 is a great warm and welcoming spot that offers a true island experience.  I was running late from an event that I had earlier that night and was considered that I had missed all the great food.  When I arrived though, everyone was getting to know each other and enjoying the intimate atmosphere.  Something great that people may not realize is that 876 is also a bit of an art gallery so the art not only adds to the great ambiance but also can also be taken home for your own little piece of paradise.

DSC02256

The Official Foodies 🙂

While we were meeting and greeting, I was pleasantly surprised to see some faces I knew and equally pleased to see some I didn’t, including one of the two owners (who are also sister and brother), Moreen Wallace.  Moreen seems to handle the front of house while her brother Michael throws down in the kitchen.  The menu offers a great variety of classic Caribbean food like jerk chicken and shrimp, rum punch, and curry chicken to name a few.

Shortly after I arrived so did some goodies for us to try!!  First out was the Rasti:

DSC02257

Rasti is a Jamaican version of a Long Island Iced Tea.  Since the tasting was on a Tuesday, we were able to take part in $2 Tuesdays when Rasti is offered for less!! A tasty treat but it was blown out the water by Rum Punch but let me not get ahead…

Curry Spring Rolls

Curry Spring Rolls

Our appetizer was some delicious Curry Spring Rolls that were filled with chicken, chick peas, cabbage and carrots.  They were served with a delicious tangy pineapple chutney that made the dish complete.

DSC02264

For dinner we had their signature jerk chicken wraps with jack cheese and pineapple.  They had a great flavor that would be great on a hot day so you could close your eyes and imagine you were on the island.

DSC02265

We ended with a toast with the Mango and Guava Rum Punch.  I’ve never been to Jamaica but one taste and I was back on a beach.

Chef Michael

Chef Michael

Chef Michael came out at the end to greet all of us and we had the opportunity to thank him for a wonderful meal!!

Everybody (cue Backstreet Boys)

Everybody (cue Backstreet Boys)

The other ladies present from Left to Right were Waverly, Myself, TrishaLisha, Steph, Jess & Amanda.  Thanks so much to our organizer, Ijeoma (who unfortunately did not get in the picture!!).

I ended the night with one of my favorite traditions which is usually food with Waverly but since we had already eaten, we had some delicious rum punch instead.

rum punch

If you like what you see here, sign up for Groupon and get their deal for 876 Cafe – $20 for Caribbean Brunch Buffet and Mimosas or Mango Moscato for Two ($39.98 Value).  Last but not least – vote for them in the Small Business, Big Wishes Contest.  Happy feasting!

Posted in Event, Food | 3 Comments

Fashion: 3rd Annual Beauty & Spa Media Event

Last Tuesday I attended the 3rd Annual Beauty and Spa Media Party that was put on by  Style & Image Network and Neuprofile and hosted by Kara Manos of Politics of Pretty.  It was held at the lovely T-Square, the event space located above Tari Boutique.  The party was created to “introduce established and newly launched brands, product offerings and services to leading members of the media in the Washington, DC region”.

DSC02219

I arrived early because I was double booked that night (See Tasting at 876 Cafe).  I was a little surprised that the event started at 4:30 pm since that is quite early for the fashion crowd but to the surprise of the event staff (and myself) I arrived there right at 4:30.  Being the first one I was able to walk around, take it all in uninterrupted and enjoy the gorgeous venue.  The lounge was set up by Fox Venture and the beautiful clear tables were loaded with individually wrapped Georgetown Cupcakes.  Tucked in the corner dressed in black sat a table covered in various shades awaiting someone to come get the color of the season brushed on.  Manicures were being provided by Nail Taxi with China Glaze Cirque du Soleil colors.

GOODIES!!!

GOODIES!!!

When I reached the top of the stairs right as I arrived, I was greeted by the glorious site of beautiful overflowing gift bags.  I had to resist the urge to drool over the different prints poking out the top of each bag.

DSC02225

There was a great table from Cindy Bliss representing Mary Kay (she’s got the Cadillac to prove it) with gift bags loading down the table and while I waited for things to get started I had my kiss analyzed.

Kiss kiss

Kiss kiss

I was found to be a “Divine Diva” which I thought was pretty fitting and I definitely had a blast trying to match my kiss to my personality profile!!

Work Work Work Work

Work Work Work Work

Sea Catch Restaurant was still getting set up and it looked delicious.  I knew I was going to have to save some room though for the tasting later.  While I waited, I sipped on a cocktail from Emperor Vodka.

YUM!

YUM!

When these gorgeous trays came out, I knew holding back would be a struggle.  The Ginger Shrimp, Scallop Ceviche, Ahi Tuna Tacos and Crab Rolls were much too taunting.  My favorite by far though was the tacos!! (*shhhh don’t tell but I think I had like 6 of them).

DSC02239They also had the bites walking around, the salmon was nice and fresh but they had nothing on those tacos!

DSC02227

A few tacos in I realized that I needed to step away so I headed to the Aveda Georgetown table to check out the products.  Little did I know that I was about to get a special treat. (Well two treats because I won some gorgeous Aveda Lip Shine in Pomelo that was not only a great shade but also felt AMAZing and I now use it all the time.

An Artist at Work

An Artist at Work

Meet Michelle Marcello, stylist and makeup artist at Aveda Georgetown.  She is a true genius and has lead quite an interesting life.  Also meet her first subject, Nikki Schwab of Yeas & Nays in the Examiner.  As she worked her magic on the adorable Nikki, Michelle gave us a peak into the wonderland that is her brain.  She has been an artist for a while and it shows in her work and the awesome stories she told about her years in the business.  Every few strokes she named dropped little diamonds in our laps, gems of stories about major players in the DC area but it was never pretentious or false.  She was delightful, charming and quite genuine.

After

After

When she finished dolling up Nikki, it was my turn!  She gave tips as she talked and explained everything that she did.  It was like meeting the makeup whisperer!! She was phenomenal and look what a great job she did!!

DSC02248

I will definitely be working with her again!! She was great!

Michelle and me

Michelle and me

You will definitely see this ladies work on here again!  I got so caught up in talking with her that I was late heading out for the second event but I did make sure to grab my swag bag on my way out and boy was I excited to get home and see what was in there.  Especially when she handed me one pink bag and one white bag.

DSC02271

Included in the bag was Lierac samples courtesy of the Look Boutique at Walgreens, Sonia Kashuk bags for TargetKiehl’sArbonne, a complimentary appetizer at Sea CatchBeyoncé’s Heat (which I am currently totally obsessed with!!), and other nail goodies from Deborah Lippmann.  Definitely so glad that I attended, just with I hadn’t had to leave before most of the other girls arrived.

Posted in Uncategorized | 3 Comments

this was the year i…

Being that it is 12/12/12 it seemed like a good day to reflect.  I found this interesting post from a friend and fellow blogger, Kelly Tang!! She did a post on her new blog (http://livetangy.blogspot.com/2012/11/this-was-year-i.html) about goal setting that inspired me.  So here goes the DCfunemployment Edition.  

How will you create providence in the next coming days until the end of year?

So I looked up providence because I was not totally sure what they were looking for when they asked that and I found “God conceived as the power sustaining and guiding human destiny”. Whoa.  So that’s a lot to do in 20 days but here I go!  I’m not sure about my powers to guide human destiny but I plan to spend the rest of the month enjoying and mapping my destiny.  I want to kick off getting in shape for this half marathon that I signed up for and get my life organized for 2013.  Hopefully by working hard I can inspire other people with my coming transformation.

2012 was the year I _______!

  • Worked for DC public schools (and left).
  • Got back into bartending and loved it!
  • Went to some pretty epic parties and events!
  • Spent the summer traveling across country (sadly not in a road trip).
  • Had one of the best summers ever working with some AMAZING people that I miss everyday.
  • Discovered SWAPPING!! 
  • Fell in love with vintage.
  • Found an awesome new hair dresser!!
  • Dyed my hair plum (the color of the season) on a whim
  • Signed up for a half marathon.
  • Got serious about blogging and made some blogging BFFs!!!
  • Traveled to Bali, Indonesia.
  • Rediscovered my love of dance.
  • Moved out of the house!
  • Got two great roommates.

2013 will be the year you _______!

  • Learn how to DJ
  • Travel internationally twice :-O
  • Throw a couple events
  • Complete a half marathon!!
  • Cook more!!
  • Dance more!!
  • Read at least 2 books a month.
  • Have at least 2 Stella & Dot Parties a month!

This will probably get added to but that’s what I am thinking for 2013!! Should be a pretty epic year and I’m ready for it!!! Thanks to all the wonderful people that I have met that have made it so epic!

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged | 2 Comments

Happy Holidays! It’s Giveaway Time! (Plum Organics/Package)

Check out the giveaway that I partnered with Clarendon Moms!!!

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Event: Walk This Way – A fabulous event for a great cause

I know I’m late!!! But here is my recap of Walk This Way in October!!! It was a great event for a great cause and I had a great time!  I think part of the delay is that I HATED my hair that night but it was also the night I met Doug of Salon Revive who has done amazing things with my hair and made it healthy and strong!! Check him out and mention Morgan sent you!!

Image

The night started off with some mingling with some amazing fellow bloggers like the lovely Ashley Gaga and co-founder of CapFabb and creator of So Much To Smile About Liz Fassbender.  Fashion with a cause is always a great time to do good and get inspired, and the inspiration is not always on the runway but can be all around.  Image

Loving this yellow dress number!!! She looked great.

Image

Before the show we were interviewed by Scenews (http://www.scenews.com/beckys-fund-2012-walk-this-way.html) which was a fun little detour.  Not in love with the faces I was making but nobody’s perfect right 🙂

ImageImage

This little number looked hot on and off the runway!!

Image

After the show (which was AWESOME!!!) we had a few words from Becky Lee who should be so proud of the great event that she put on!! We got to do some more mingling before heading out and I ran into a few local familiar faces.

Image

Sunni of WPGC with her GORGEOUS dress

Image

Ashley Gaga, Trisha of Fashion According to the Menu, Brock, Myself and Angelica of Clarendon Moms.

Image

Jenny of Kolton J and a friend

Image

After it was all done, everyone headed over to Capitale for the afterparty which was awesome and I had the pleasure of meeting Becky (I know it looks like my hair is attacking her but we had a very nice chat lol).  She is a wonderfully lady and everyone should definitely support her cause!!

Spoiler Alert: Something supporting this great cause may be given away here soon!!!

Image

Posted in Event, Fashion, Great Cause | Leave a comment

I’m Back!!!

ImageOkay so it’s been a little crazy this holiday season but I am back!!! I’ve got a lot of events to catch up on so bare with me!!  A couple of South Moon Under Events!! Show my fellow bloggers some much overdue event love!! And GIVEAWAYS!!!! Thanks to everyone who came out last night to celebrate the new header and one year of blogging!!! Let’s make the next year even better!!

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Upcoming Event: Celebrate DewDropDC’s 1 Year Anniversary with this Glitzy Glamorous Event!

Celebrate our 1 Year Anniversary with this Glitzy Glamorous Event!

Add a touch of sparkle to your wardrobe and swap with us! 

Bring in 5-20 stylish and gently-loved fall/winter items to swap

Take home as many new-to-you items as you brought in

Drop Off Times:  2:00 pm to 3:30 pm

The Swap begins at 4:00 pm

Shop around at our Pop Up Shops while enjoying a cocktail and some nibbles!

The line up includes  Bella Contessa Jewelry, Carnelian Boutique, EE Cuffs, Elan Renegade Vintage, Esther Woo Vintage, French Toast Vintage, Gigee Marie, The Glamour Mill, and Syreeta C

The dazzle doesn’t stop there…

We’ll have a blogger style challenge and fashion show! DC fashion bloggers will style and model the most glamorous winter trends and as a bonus, one will showcase a DIY glitter project!

Look glamorous with a new wardrobe but also spread the joy of this holiday season to other women in need of clothing. The remaining clothing from the swap will be donated to Goodwill of Greater Washington.

 GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY and JOIN IN ON THE GLAM!

We hope to see you soon, dressed in all that sparkle, glitter and glam (this is optional, of course)!

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Event: Bishop Boutique One Year Anniversary Party

Earlier this month, I was invited by Whitney Stinger to be a style model for Bishop Boutique for their one year anniversary.  BB is an adorable store located in the heart of Old Town Alexandria!!! It offers a great selection of shoes, handbags and accessories for the fashion forward female.

You can find items ranging from the basic to the basically AMAZING!! It is a great store that I would recommend to all.  It is like walking into a friends closet and getting to hang out and shop.  The party marked one year in business for BB and also allowed its guest a first look at the newest additions to the store.

As everyone mingled, we were treated to handbag-shaped cake pops from Alexandria Cake Pops

and tasty bubbles from Le Tastevin Fine Wines

There were two sections displaying the fashion choices from Washingtonian’s Kate Bennett and Liz Fassbender of the blog So Much to Smile About

After some meeting and greeting, the challenge was on!  Everyone who wanted to participate was divided into two teams and given a model, half of them worked with me and the other half worked with Ana of Ana in Style.

Everyone mixed and matched some great items to take our LBDs to another level.

But in the end there could only be one winner and *drumroll please* team Morgan was declared the champion.  Of course I wanted to keep it all but luckily for my participation I recieved this gorgeous iPad case from Elaine Turner that I am LOVING!! As well as an iPhone case – too bad I don’t have one of those yet 😦

Some other wonderful ladies spotted at the party were:

Carlis and Katya of Spicy Candy DC

Ashley of Ashley Gaga, Angelica of Clarendon Moms, Kelly of Bishop Boutique, Whitney of Whitney Stringer PR and Katya of Spicy Candy DC.

Overall it was a great night out with all my favorite ladies!!! Definitely a shopping spot to be checked out by all.

Posted in Accessories, Event, Fashion | Leave a comment

Happy (Belated) Blogiversary to Me and pardon the construction…

Oct 13th was the big day and things have been so crazy I haven’t even had a chance to celebrate official but that is in the works. I do want to say that this past year has been an amazing journey and blogging has opened so many new opportunities for me, created amazing connections and friendships and expanded more than I ever imagined. Thank you to everyone who has supported me and helped me throughout the past year because I couldn’t have done it without you.

In anticipation of turning one, a few weeks ago I made the much needed move to WordPress because the blog has outgrown tumblr. This is still a bit of a leaning process for me so bear with me as DCFunemployment continues to develop. I am working on some exciting new things that I cannot wait to share with you (as well as the many events I have attended and will soon be finally posting).

11:11… Make a wish, cause most of mine are now coming true.

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment