Olympia And The City

Summer Time…

by admin on June 17, 2010

MOLON LABE (Μολὼν λαβέ)

King Leonidas of Sparta

Hello Everyone,

It has been a year of tremendous growth at the salon . This year my oldest daughter Maria joined our team, as you know she is a graduate of Virginia Tech with a degree in building construction. Her decision to become a colorist had me and her dad in shock! It’s all good, whatever makes the kid happy, right? As she likes to say ” mom, its all about form and function” .

It get’s better. A childhood friend of the girls, who is like a son to me, George, has also become a stylist and joined the team. Wonder of wonder’s! Guess what? All of them are booked solid for days.

Life never ceases to amaze me. When these young bucks asked me to join the salon team, I was warned by several people not to do it. “They will run the store to the ground” they said. “They are only kids”. I had only one answer for them: MOLON LABE, which means… BRING IT ON. Sometimes, you just have to go on blind faith. I always shoot from the heart, and it has served me well, why change now.

I will pack my bags, take my little son and go to Greece for the summer. I told my son that this will be a summer to remember. I will teach him to sail a boat. He needs to know how to sail the sea, and how the wind will ALWAYS guide him back home. The WIND and LOVE always guides you home. Have a great summer everyone. I will post street pictures of Greece often on here.

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Spring into April

by olympia on April 6, 2010

Hello Everyone,

Spring is here and not a moment too soon. Washington DC is a great place to be in the Springtime. So venture out and forget this last Winter on Steroids that we’ve had. Here once again is the Small Friendly Planet list of things to do this month in our city.

LUPUS DC WALK 2010
Please come and support those with Lupus on Saturday, April 17, 2010 In Washington DC. For more info visit http://lupusgw.kintera.org/dcwalk2010/tricia?faf=1&e=3292946855
For more information on this devastating disease here is a link http://miraclesnutrients.com/2010/01/08/the-4-11-on-lupus/

1. FEATURED EVENT: Earth Day Film and Reception – IMPACT MAN
2. DOING GOOD: Rotary Tango Gala
3. Member in Focus: Brian Uher, Amicus Consulting Services
4. Textile Museum Hapi Hapi Hour
5. Caetano Veloso – Pre Concert Happy Hour
6. Filmfest DC Opening Night
7. Washington Wine Academy (WWA) 1-Hour Wine School
8. Journey to the Center of Artomatic
9. Silent Weekend Meditation Retreat with Hugh Byrne
10. Green Rush Scavenger Hunt
11. Festival Imagé short film screenings
12. Woolly’s 2010 Gala

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Cherry Blossom Festival
The National Cherry Blossom Festival is an annual two-week event that celebrates springtime in Washington, DC as well as the 1912 gift of the cherry blossom trees and the enduring friendship between the people of the United States and Japan. The National Cherry Blossom Festival, Inc. is the not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization that coordinates, produces, and supports creative and diverse activities promoting traditional and contemporary arts and culture, natural beauty and the environment, and community spirit and youth education. http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/cms/index.php?id=408

1. FEATURED EVENT: Earth Day Film and Reception – IMPACT MAN
When: Thursday April 22, 6:30pm
Where: AED Globe Theatre, 1927 Florida Avenue NW , Washington DC
Cost: $15
More Info: http://dcfilminstitute.org/INVITE/main.php

Join the Washington Film Institute for the screening of Impact Man followed by a reception. Author Colin Beavan, in research for his next book, began the No Impact Project. A newly self-proclaimed environmentalist who could no long avoid pointing the finger at himself, Colin leaves behind his liberal complacency for a vow to make as little environmental impact as possible for one year. No more automated transportation, no more electricity, no more non-local food, no more material consumption…no problem. That is, until his espresso guzzling, retail-worshipping wife Michelle and their two year-old daughter are dragged into the fray. Laura Gabbert and Justin Schein’s film provides a front row seat into the experiment that became a national fascination and media sensation as well as an intriguing inside look at the familial strains and strengthened bonds that result from Colin’s and Michelle’s struggle with their radical lifestyle change.

2. DOING GOOD: Rotary Tango Gala
When: Saturday, April 3, 6pm – midnight
Where: Hyatt Regency Hotel, Reston Town Center
1800 Presidents St, Reston VA
Cost: $100
More Info: http://www.herndonrotary.org/

Dance to the seductive sounds of the Pan-American Symphony Orchestra conducted by Sergio Buslje. Professional tango dancers and tango dance instructors will demonstrate the art of tango dancing at 2-floor dance areas. Take a break from dancing by enjoying a 3-course gourmet dinner with Argentine complementary wine and cash bar. Dust off your tux and best evening gown optional. The Tango Gala is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Herndon, one of the largest service club, where, since 1939, business and professional men and women have partnered to support scholarship, opportunity and community service in the greater Herndon area. This year Tango Gala will also provide support to build the roof of a new Argentinean school for low income students, located in Mar del Plata, Argentina.

3. MEMBER IN FOCUS
Read online interview with SFP Member in Focus Brian Uher, Amicus Consulting Services. A Very Cool Person – Find Out Why! Access interview at www.smallfriendlyplanet.org

SFP Editor: What has been the most rewarding about consulting on environmentally safe building?

Brian Uher: Seeing a solution work, actually solving the challenge and seeing the client actually experience the relief and happiness they were looking for…you can’t buy that, you have to earn it.

4. Textile Museum Hapi Hapi Hour
When: Friday, April 9, 6-9pm
Where: 2320 S Street, NW, Washington, DC
Cost: $10
More Info: http://www.textilemuseum.org/

Enjoy a special “hapi” hour at The Textile Museum, Japanese style, just in time for the closing weekend of Contemporary Japanese Fashion: The Mary Baskett Collection. Unwind in lantern-lit gardens with a live band, The Four Horsemen, and enjoy music in the galleries by DJ Robin Bell. Purchase Japanese treats at a sushi/sake bar by FoodArts, and take gallery tours led by WE ARE SCIENCE. Play Harajuku Bingo to win fabulous prizes! Don your best fashionably casual look and join us for an unforgettable evening. Registration fee includes two drink tickets/members; one drink ticket/non-members.

5. Caetano Veloso – Pre Concert Happy Hour
When: Saturday, April 10, 6pm
Where: Old Quigley’s Pharmacy, 2036 G Street NW, Washington, DC
Cost: $75 (performance)

Join DC-Brasilia Partners for a spectacular evening with legendary Brazilian performer Caetano Veloso on at GW’s Lisner Auditorium. Tickets can be purchased at Lisner web site (http://www.lisner.org/). Caetano’s music has evolved greatly over the years, incorporating elements of rock, reggae, fado, tango, samba canao, baiao and rap— Caetano’s music is sometimes traditional, sometimes contemporary, often hybrid. Before the show, join DC Brasilia Partners for a quick or leisurely bite at TONIC Restaurant. Choose from an array of sandwiches, salads, pizzas, burgers and appetizers to help give you the necessary boost of energy to ensure you’ll enjoy the rest of the evening!

6. Filmfest DC Opening Night
When: Thursday, April 15, 7pm
Where: AMC Mazza Gallerie
5300 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Washington, DC
Cost: $40
More Info: http://www.filmfestdc.org/

The Filmfest DC Opening Night Gala will take place with a party immediately following a screening at the Gallerie Atrium. There will be live music, dancing, food and Champagne. Plans are underway for a festive, entertaining and memorable evening! Our opening night film premiere will be Hipsters, a vibrant musical from Russia, which takes place in the 50s. Hipsters has been described as Swing Kids meets Hairspray, bursting with razzle, dazzle and rhythm. The music and the dancing in the film is spectacular, beautifully and intricately choreographed, and bursting with color. Hipsters has been collecting prizes at film festivals worldwide, including the prize for best film at the Russian Nika Awards (equivalent to our Academy Awards).

7. Washington Wine Academy (WWA) 1-Hour Wine School
When: Thursday, April 15, 6:30 – 7:30pm
Where: Washington Wine Academy Education Center
1201 South Eads, Suite 400, Crystal City/Arlington, VA
Cost: $20.50
More Info: http://www.washingtonwineacademy.org

WWA’s 1-Hour Wine School” is a great way to learn about a wine region, grape varietal, or specialty subject…in just one short hour! This is an easy approach to “pick and choose” and target specific topics of interest…and convenient for your busy lifestyle! You will learn from a Washington Wine Academy educator using video display presentations, and you will taste six wines.

8. Journey to the Center of Artomatic
When: Friday, April 16, 7pm
Where: George Washington University’s Media and Public Affairs
Building Lower Level Auditorium (B-07)
805 21st Street, NW (corner of 21st and H Streets
Washington, DC
More Info: http://www.artomaticvoyage.com/about.html

“Journey to the Center of Artomatic” tells the story of how Artomatic began and why it’s important that cities from San Diego, to Denver to Tampa start their own Artomatic events. In 1999 a group of artists began their own journey. Much like the 10-year voyage of Ulysses, this journey brought these artists both challenges and uncertainty. Their quest? Show their art to the public. The artists’ work created Artomatic, a free art festival in Washington, D.C. The first Aromatic, held in an abandoned Laundromat housed about 350 artists. In 2009 over 1,500 artists at Artomatic showed their art under the roof of a nine-story skyscraper.

9. Silent Weekend Meditation Retreat with Hugh Byrne
When: Friday, April 16-Sunday, April 18
Where: Am Kolel Sanctuary Retreat & Renewal Center
19520 Darnestown Road, Beallsville, MD 20839- 3308
Cost: Sliding Scale: Room & Meals: $300 – $245 Camping
or Commuting (Meals included): $230 – $185
More Info: http://www.facebook.com/l/48287;www.sanctuaryretreatcenter.com

The practice of mindfulness—bringing a conscious, non-judging awareness to our own present experience—is at the heart of the Buddha’s teachings of liberation. During this weekend retreat, participants will cultivate mindfulness and loving-kindness as a path to joy, inner peace and connection to our natural wisdom and compassion. Silence will be maintained, except during question/answer periods and interviews, to help participants discover a sense of stillness and deep listening.

10. Green Rush Scavenger Hunt
When: Saturday, April 17, 2pm
Where: The kick-off at the Green in the Circle Festival
Dupont Circle, Washington, DC
Cost: Live Green members – $20 / Non-members can – $25
More Info: http://livegreen.net/?access=events

In commemoration of the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day, Live Green invites you to an action-packed, fun-filled scavenger hunt where you will race against the clock to explore DC’s most eco-friendly spots. Teams of 2 – 5 people will have 3 hours to explore hidden treasures, solve puzzles, complete challenges, collect clues and sample food to earn as many points as possible. The team with the most points wins the grand prize of $1,000! What are you waiting for? Gather up your team and GO FOR THE GREEN!

11. Festival Imagé short film screenings
When: Thursday, April 22, 7pm – 9pm
Where: Letelier Theater
3251 Prospect Street, NW Washington, DC
Cost: $100
More Info: http://www.francedc.org

Festival Imagé is a new comics and animation festival, presented by the Alliance Française de Washington and the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA). Animated films from SUPINFOCOM (one of the most famous French animation schools) and students of MICA will be presented together in a celebration of short animated film.

12. Woolly’s 2010 Gala
When: Saturday, April 24, 6pm
Where: Mandarin Oriental, 1330 Maryland Ave, SW, Washington, DC
Cost: $100
More Info: http://www.woollymammoth.net/

Best of Live is a unique raffle opportunity—100 tickets sold at $100 each—with the lucky winner receiving their choice of prize from the Live Auction offerings at the 2010 Woolly Mammoth Spring Benefit Bash. Raffle prizes include a European Getaway (round-trip American Airlines business-class tickets and accomondations for two at the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park); A Year of Washington Sports, including pairs of tickets to see the Redskins, Nationals, Wizards, Capitals, Kastles, and DC United in action, plus the Legg Mason Tennis Classic; and Time After Time, a Tag Heuer watch for her and a Laco Abacus rollerball watch for him. Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company was founded in Washington DC in 1980 and serves an essential `Research and Development’ role within the American theatre and plays premiered here have gone on to productions at more than 200 theatres in 39 states and 12 countries.

Do make an effort to visit the Textile Museum it is truly amazing, and do not forget to have your hair done at Miracles this Spring. Here is the link to our Specials page.

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Things to do in Washington DC in March

by olympia on March 2, 2010

Hello Everyone,

Spring is around the corner I can smell it in the air and this morning I saw hundreds of purple crocuses piercing through the ground. I am looking forward to the spring weather; which reminds me, we have a fantastic new color line called Affinage that contains no sulfates and makes hair super shiny. Read all about Affinage here.

Here is a list of fun things to do in March compliments of our friends from Small Friendly Planet.Please vote for Miracles for best salon !

1. FEATURED EVENT: 2010 Environmental Film Festival Launch Party
When: Wednesday, March 10, 6:30-9pm
Where: Warner Building Atrium, 1299 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Cost: Admission $20 donation at the door
More Info: http://www.dcenvironmentalfilmfest.org/films/show/560

Open Bar, hors d’oeuvres, music, film clips, raffle and guest speaker Nora Pouillon of Restaurant Nora. Don’t miss the Silent Auction including a chance to win a six nights, including all meals, for 2 people, at Hacienda Cusin, (www.haciendacusin.com), a restored 17th-century Andean estate at 8,500 feet in Ecuador. The 18th annual Environmental Film Festival in the Nation’s Capital, March 16 through 28, will present 155 documentary, feature, animated, archival, experimental and children’s films selected to provide fresh perspectives on environmental issues facing our planet. The vital connections between food and the environment are a major theme of the 2010 Festival, which features cinematic work from 30 countries and 66 Washington, D.C., United States and world premieres. Fifty-six filmmakers and 94 special guests will discuss their work at the Festival.

2. DOING GOOD: La Grande Fête de la Francophonie
When: Friday, March 5, 7pm
Where: La Maison Française
4101 Reservoir Road NW, Washington, DC
Cost: $30
More Info: http://www.francedc.org/en/CulturalEvent.aspx?id=625

Food and music from over 35 countries! More than 35 embassies, governments and associations will present their respective cultures and help you discover the rich traditions and culinary specialties of the French speaking world. Francophonie 2010 is dedicated to the memory of those who lost their lives during Haiti’s recent earthquake, and to the rebuilding efforts of those who survived. During the festival, patrons have two ways to contribute to the ongoing reconstruction in Haiti. With every Francophonie festival event ticket purchased through InstantSeats, patrons have the opportunity to make a $10 contribution. The Grande Fête will feature a raffle for two roundtrip tickets to Tahiti, with all proceeds designated for the Haitian relief efforts. Funds collected will be given to the

3. MEMBER IN FOCUS
Read online interview with SFP Member in Focus John Hanshaw,
founder of the Washington Film Institute. A Very Cool Person – Find Out Why! Access interview at www.smallfriendlyplanet.org

SFP Editor: What inspired you to start the Washington Film Institute?
John: I put on the Guerrilla Film Fest once a year and people always ask me: “when is the next one?” So I decided to create the WFI as an organization where I could put on screenings more often (roughly every 3 weeks). It is much easier to program a feature film every three weeks than it is to curate an entire film festival.

4. Tequila and Mezcal Festival at Oyamel
When: Monday, March 1 – Sunday, March 14
Where: Oyamel, 401 7th St NW Washington, DC
More Info: http://oyamel.com/

Featuring the most famous spirit of Mexico, learn why these drinks and dishes pair so well. Join for two full weeks including free Tequila and Mezcal tastings every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 4-6pm during the festival. Special tequila and mezcal CÓCTEL DEL DÍA every day and SPECIAL DISHES made with tequila and mezcal. Drawing on pre-Hispanic, colonial and modern traditions, Oyamel’s menu reflects rich culinary heritage combined with current urban fare of Mexico City.

5. Washington Improv Theater’s iMusical
When: Friday, March 5, 8pm
Where: 1835 14th St NW, Washington, DC
Cost: $25
More Info: http://www.washingtonimprovtheater.com

There is no finer way to shake off winter’s gloom than attending the
2010 Opening Night Event performance of Washington Improv Theater’s iMusical. With scenes ranging from absurd to abstract and songs spanning the gamut from zany to zingy— with all stops in between—iMusical is a freewheeling musical creative epiphany. And it wouldn’t be spring at WIT without the Fighting Improv Smackdown Tournament. FIST returns this year with 44 teams battling for prime position, but at the iMusical premiere you’ll see a command performance of last year’s winners.

6. Travel Adventure Show
When: Saturday, March 6 – Sunday, March 7
Where: Washington Convention Center
801 Mount Vernon Place Washington, DC
Cost: $15
More Info: http://www.adventureexpo.com

At the Adventures in Travel Expo visitors can gather information on hundreds of exciting travel destinations all at one place. This is the nation’s largest active and adventure travel show, featuring a wide range of destinations around the world. Learn about travel packages and tours, attend educational seminars by renowned National Geographic ADVENTURE editors and photographers, meet leading travel writers and participate in free hands-on activities.

7. Washington Film Institute Oscar Party
When: Sunday, March 7, 7pm
Where: GOETHE-INSTITUT, 812 7th St, NW Washington, DC
Cost: $25 in advance, $35 at the door
More Info: http://dcfilminstitute.org/INVITE/main.php

This year’s Washington Film Institute Oscar party will be the best yet with two big screens, open bar wine and beer. The WFI was created to inspire audiences through film education and the cultivation of the cinematic arts. This is done by producing an international film festival, developing educational programs, and programming film events throughout the year.

8. International Women’s Day Luncheon
When: Monday, March 8, 12Noon
Where: The Mayflower Hotel, 1127 Connecticut Ave NW
Cost: $50
More Info: http://www.unicwash.org/events/iwd10_invite.html

Mark your calendars to celebrate International Women’s Day at this special luncheon featuring Hilda L. Solis, United States Secretary of Labor and moderator by Timothy E. Wirth, President, United Nations Foundation. International Women’s Dayis a global day celebrating the economic, political and social achievements of women past, present and future. In some places like China, Russia, Vietnam and Bulgaria, IWD is a national holiday.

9. 2009 Exhibit of the TreasurePostcards Project Opening Reception
When: Friday, March 12, 6pm
Where: Touchstone Gallery
406 7th Street NW 2nd Floor, Washington, DC
More Info: http://www.touchstonegallery.com

The exhibit by Arts for Global Development showcases over 100 artworks of women artists from around the world. TreasurePostcards sales proceeds will benefit Friends of Orphans, an award winning organization in the Pader district of northern Uganda that has been working fervently to create normalcy for the child mothers, orphans, former child soldiers, abductees and women; and reintegrate and empower those impacted by the conflict and HIV/AIDS. TreasurePostcards Project will be on display at Touchstone Gallery until March 28th.

10. Glenlivet Scotch Dinner
When: Monday, March 15, 6:30pm
Where: The Fourth Estate Restaurant, The National Press Club
529 14th St NW Washington, D.C
Cost: $93 for non-members.
More Info: fourthestate@press.org

The Fourth Estate at the National Press Club is proud to offer a different spin on their wine dinner series, presenting The Glenlivet Scotch Dinner. The night will begin with a reception featuring The Glenlivet 12 year and some hors d’oeuvres. Following the reception, new Executive Chef Susan Delbert has created a mouth-watering menu to pair with The Glenlivet’s 15 year, 16 year, 18 year, and 21 year to bring out all the flavors in The Glenlivet’s family of scotches. As a parting gift, each diner will leave with two Glenlivet branded snifters to enjoy with scotch at home. The evening will begin with a reception featuring a 12-year-old scotch and prosciutto wrapped, goat cheese stuffed Medjool dates, mini reuben sandwiches, and smoked salmon and dill cream cheese triangles. Executive Chef Susan Delbert will prepare a four-course dinner featuring blue cheese soup with crab and herb croutons that will pair with Glenlivet’s 15-year scotch. Seared scallops on pea-and-carrot mousse with mint butter will match the flavors of the 16-year scotch. Rosemary-marinated lamb chops with wild mushrooms and mint emulsion will pair with the 18-year scotch. The 21-year-old scotch will be served with chocolate and orange truffle with pop-rock bittersweet chocolate-dipped strawberries. To cap off the night, Glenlivet will pose a toast with the rare Glenlivet XXV.

11. Mock Trial: Judgment at Agincourt
When: Tuesday, March 16, 5:30pm (dinner) and 7:30pm (trial)
Where: Sidney Harman Hall, 610 F Street NW, Washington, DC
Cost: Dinner and trial tickets – $250. Trial only – $50
More Info: MockTrial@Shakespea reTheatre. org

Following the District Court of Agincourt’s ruling that Henry V was justified in his slaughter of the French POWs, the Supreme Court of the Amalgamated Kingdom of England and France has granted certiorari to the POW estates. The Court will hear argument on whether the District Judge’s findings of law are supported by his findings of fact. Join us to see if you agree with the Court’s decision in “Judgement at Agincourt.” Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, presiding, Justice Samuel Alito, Chief Judge Paul Michel, Judge Janice Rogers Brown, Judge Merrick Garland, Judge Brett Kavanaugh and Judge David Tatel.

12. Embassy Series: Luxembourg
When: Thursday, March 18, 6:30pm
Where: Embassy of Luxembourg
2200 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC
Cost: $30
More Info: https://www.worldaffairsdc.org/wac/events/upcoming

The World Affairs Council’s Embassy Series continues with a very special evening hosted by the Ambassador of Luxembourg, H.E. Jean-Paul Senninger, at the Embassy of Luxembourg in Washington. The World Affairs Council hosts monthly events for its diverse membership, which consists of professionals in business, academia, government, diplomacy, and other non-governmental organizations, as well as young professionals, educators, students, and all those interested in the issues facing the international community. Events – including the Embassy Series, Distinguished Speaker Series, Meet the Ambassadors Series, Town Hall Meetings, Author Series, Young Professional Events, and Foreign Policy forums- feature prominent international experts, diplomats, authors, and other distinguished speakers. Non-members are welcome to attend most events.

13. Green Living Expo
When: Saturday, March 20, 10am–4pm
Where: National Rural Electric Cooperative Association
4301 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA
More Info: http://arlingtonenvironment.org/expo.php

Come to the Green Expo to see interesting new products and learn new techniques for greening your life! See green suppliers, products from local and national businesses, exhibits and seminars from government agencies and nonprofits, and a free Going Green Guide for Apartment Renters! The Expo will also include seminars, a raffle, and plenty of activities for children. It will provide an important venue to showcase new technology and products available that can help soften our carbon footprints in Arlington. The Green Living Expo is family-friendly and free and open to the general public.

14. “Rooms with a View” Lecture Series: Inauguration of Barack Obama
When: Friday, March 26, 6pm
Where: Boeing Conference Center
1200 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA
More Info: http://www.rosslynva.org/

The Inauguration of Barack Obama as 44th president of the United States was a historic event. Hear the behind-the-scenes stories about President Obama’s first 60 days in office from two of POLITICO’s top reporters: Mike Allen, Chief Political Correspondent and Jonathan Martin, Senior Political Correspondent. The 2010 “Rooms With A View” lecture series – now in its 19th year – will continue to give participants access to Rosslyn’s special spaces, breathtaking views of Washington, and interesting discussions on various facets of our urban community. A combination networking, food and libations after-work event, each “Room With A View” lecture features an important issue facing the region or highlights activities of a Rosslyn-based organization.

I would love to hear some feedback! Let me know! Make sure you check out our new special hair packages for Spring. Purchase one and proceed to make your salon appointment. Hope to see you soon

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Is it safer to be feared or loved ?

by admin on February 14, 2010

Hello Robbin here,

With Valentines Day right here, the topic of love is in the air. To a single young female, this day is about as exciting as a trip to the dentist office for a root canal. Yeah! a day to remind me that no one will be getting any jewelry at “Jareds” and the adorable Hallmark card that I will receive will mostly likely be sent by my niece.

So in order to avoid such pain, I turn to my political theory books because they have the least to do about love, only to find Niccolò Machiavelli’s quote, “Whether it be better to be loved than feared or feared than loved? It may be answered that one should wish to be both, but, because it is difficult to unite them in one person, is much safer to be feared than loved, when, of the two, either must be dispensed with.” Machiavelli has now given me a lot to think about, for instance, “is it really safer to be feared than loved”.

Perhaps, our Italian friend knew something that we just did not; perhaps he understood how vulnerable and scary it can be to love and to be loved. Perhaps, he was not just a political philosopher but a lover who had loved and lost. As a result of that love, he got his heart broken and knew all to well about the pain that love can bring. Or perhaps, like me, he found himself in a sine-cosine relationship. A sine-cosine relationship is one where the person likes you but by the time you figured it out and start liking them back, they have moved on. Oh! To be so daft, naïve and not understanding the rules of engagement! So in that case, for all of us who have not picked up on someone liking them until it was far to late; or to those who have suffered from a broken heart and found themselves mirroring Carrie’s image, from Sex in the City, when she wakes from her Mexicoma with a broken heart, we know all to well that, yes, indeed, it is safer to be feared than loved. But the question leads to many more questions then answers. For instance, is the “safe” life the one we want to be living?

Also, is it possible, as Machiavelli has pointed out, to be both feared and loved? Can one actually have both and still be in a healthy relationship?

There is no doubt that love has served as a great muse for many artists, writers, and poets. A world without love would be a world without art, literature, and life. Imagine a world without Shakespeare’s comedies (which always end in a happy marriage) and tragedies (most notably, Romeo and Juliet, one of the most famous tales of unrequited love). And a world filled with solely fear, would be ones worse nightmare, a chaotic and disorderly world devoid of light.

So, how does one healthily blend the two? Or are the two already blended together and as long as we do not have one extreme or another, we’ll all make it in the end. Keep in mind that love, according to Pat Benatar, is a battlefield, yet, the Beatles tell us that all we need is love, and yet again according to the famous 1970 film, Love Story, love means never having to say, “I’m sorry”. So which one is it? If love is so great, why does it hurt so much that it evokes songs referring it to a battlefield and has produced some of the most amazing “screw you” break up songs when the course of love does not run true. (Yes, we are referring to you, Rolling Stones, Alanis Morrisette, Kelly Clarkson, and Justin Timberlake.)

Also, where does one find love? In this world, where we spend more time craning our necks reading our emails, updating our status on Twitter, and checking our Facebook page on Blackberries and iPhones all while developing “tech thumb”, we are missing out on the world around us and the potential for love that is passing us by each day. So therefore, we resort to using online dating sites and other alternative methods (use your imagination to figure that one out) to find our “future” mate or at least the next date because we fear the pain that rejection that we may get by asking the person next to us for a cup a coffee. In this case, we are ruled by our fear and look for an alternative way to find love. These alternative ways, by the way, can lead to many different things, including different venereal diseases.

Perhaps, our primitive ancestors understood something about love that we did not know and we need to learn from them. They seem to balance the rule by a “fear” than it turns into “love” mode and it seemed to work for them. They after all used fear to find love by going from cave to cave, waving with their clubs, sniffing out their mate, then knocking them over the head with their club and dragging them back to their cave. Viola! The relationship begins…and what other option does the male have? (Yes, in this story, it is the woman with the club dragging her mate back to the cave, we are a family blog, there is no male on female violence here.) Back then, if you made it to 16 years old you were middle age and by 30 years old you were considered a “wise elder”. Let’s face it, if you didn’t have head lice living in your beard, had most of your teeth, and were a good hunter, you were a good catch. But needless to say, the club brings fear, one gives into the fear, and the fear later becomes love… It seems simple, right? But it isn’t necessarily the start of a healthy relationship.

Alas, perhaps, using the methods of our primitive ancestors are not the best example for us to use, though, there are times where it would be so much easier to just pull out the club, hit him over the head and drag back to the cave where he will have a “good” life instead of playing the “love” game. Thus, our quest to answer Machiavelli’s question of “whether it be better to be loved than feared or feared than loved?” continues. For me, even though I agree that it is safer to be feared than loved, I stay hopelessly optimistic about love and know that it is all around me, it is all I need and because of it, I know I will make it in this world after all. As for finding the “one”, I am comforted by Lysander’s line from Shakespeare’s play A Midsummers Night Dream that “The course of true love never did run smooth.”

This Valentine’s Day, while powers that be at Hallmark and the jewelry stores define what love is to us, we need to remember that yes, it is safer to be feared than love, but who wants to live an a safe “unloved” fear-dominated world? Maybe the pain that a broken heart brings opens us to more love and provides us with some valuable lessons including learning not to live in a world of fear. Love is something we take a chance on, we compromise, we give, and we take because we believe it is all we need. It is, as Paul McCarthy once wrote, “And, in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make.”

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Do you Yelp ?

by olympia on January 28, 2010

Hello Everyone,
A few months ago, we were chosen to participate in HAWT ON YELP WEEK. Yelp is a social site that people review local businesses. It’s a great place to find hair salons, restaurants, bars and clubs. Yelpers, as they are called are super hip insiders, and very entertaining. Whenever I feel down, I go on Yelp to read a review and if I am lucky…get good laugh. There is this one Yelper that makes my day, her name is MICHELE L, the girl is a RIOT! Read her review of Arlington County Jail HERE
That being said, I accepted to participate on Hawt on Yelp Week, where top-rated salons and spas offer 3 services at a discount for Yelpers. I was so excited, it was an honor for Miracles to be chosen. Oh my Lord, I needed to get the salon ready for all these new clients. I had a staff meeting and told them all to be on their BEST behavior….or else. I told them that these people will write about us, so PLEASE BEHAVE you hairdresser, heathen’s you. Everything was ready and we were booked solid. Six whole days of the salon bursting at the seams. I was a basket case full of stress!

We were on top of our game, my staff was the epitome of class and professionalism….and then the phone rang. I ran to pick it up, people waiting to pay,trying to check in, and when I answered the phone, the person on the phone asked “Do you guys do men?” I did not think twice and answered :“YES, WE ALL DO MEN, AND SOMETIMES WE CUT THEIR HAIR”

I blew it right then and there. Of course the man was a yelper, and he was laughing. I could not fix this one. I tried so hard to behave myself…DO NOT KNOW HOW. It’s great when a small business gets a positive review, Lord knows we can use the extra income right now. A negative review is just as good I think, it lets you fix the issues that clients complain about. I am so glad that most of my mistakes at the hair salon were made before the internet came about.The reviews would be something like this:

-Awful facial….she left me with a mask on my face while she went out to do a full head highlights.
-Will never return…..stylist went into drug withdrawal while razoring my bangs.
-Don’t go to this salon…the Engineer Degree daughter of the owner speaks to me only in Spanish.
-Went to Miracles Salon today for a haircut… I think I was the only sober person there.

Get the picture? And the sad part is that they would all be true. I tried to write a couple of reviews on Yelp, one was good and one was bad. I felt so guilty that I almost erased it. But I left it posted. It takes bravery to write about what you like and dislike, and the good thing about these folks at Yelp is that they go back and update a previous review. That is cool with me. I don’t know any Yelpers personally, but, when I read the posts, I get a kick out of life.That’s right, it takes nerve and heart to sit and write something that will be useful to another. Democracy AND community are alive and well. Just visit Yelp and see for yourself. I wish you well and do visit our miracles specials page for Valentines day.

As for me, I have a soft place in my heart for Yelper’s. Those folks have helped my little store so much, and I am grateful. Heard through the grapevine that Elevation Partners is investing about $100 million dollars in making Yelp a much bigger and better site both here and abroad. Bono is one of the Elevation Partners, I remain impressed and the best to you all.

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What it takes to be #1…

by olympia on January 19, 2010

“If winning isn’t everything, why do they keep score?”
VINCE LOMBARDI

Hello Everyone,

I had a blast watching the Golden Globes the other day; always curious to see the celebrity hairstyles on the red carpet. It is SO much fun predicting the winners and listening to their acceptance speech once they DO win. Winning and being #1 is a favorite subject with me. You see, my passion in life is to coach and motivate. I do it all day long…with my children; my staff; my clients; friends. With the Super Bowl coming up next month, I thought to share with you what Vince Lombardi (the greatest coach) said it took to be #1:

-A formula for a great team is simplicity and execution
-Truth in character
-Excellence, challenge your self to endure and excel
-To have results you need : EFFORT
-Passion, give it all you got
-Habit
-Mental toughness
-Discipline
-Humility

As I watched the artists win their awards, paying careful attention to the clothing and hair, I could not help but LAUGH at how our society thinks.

Mo'Nique and her natural goddess legs!

Mo”Nique was accepting an award for Precious, and as she was raising awareness about sexually abused victims, the commentators were making fun of her HAIRY LEGS. How shallow can we get? I don’t care if she has hairy legs, that woman is my hero. You go girl! I also loved the Crazy Heart movie and the song by Ryan Bingham.
The hairstyles were fantastic, I call it : Classic with Retro thrown in the mix. The men seemed to have a bit of a five o clock shadow, which I think is SO sexy. Here are my favorite hairstyle looks from the Globes; Simple, Classic, Elegant.

I can go on and on about what is a winner. In the end, what really matters is what YOU think a winner is. To each one of us , the definition changes. Sometimes, as we mature, it even takes a lesser place . We can judge a movie, a hairstyle, a dress, a song, a man . I tend to agree with Coach Lombardi : A WINNER is some one with a lot of HEAD and a lot of HEART….

Go…. COLTS !

Her new cut....ROCKS!

This is a fall attached to a high ponytail...a winner!

Retro simple headband in black satin

Classic loose curls...Timeless

Can 5 o clock shadow get any sexier?

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Things to do in Washington DC… in January

by olympia on January 4, 2010

Hello Everyone,

I don’t know about you, but I am cold. It’s freezing out there. I don’t want to leave my home, even for groceries. Thank God for Peapod. My friend at Small Friendly Planet Dot Org, just sent over a huge list of things to do in DC in January. I plan on going to at least three of these events. Thank you good folks at Small Friendly Planet for making me get out of my house this cold month. See you all at Restaurant week!

1. FEATURED EVENT: Young Benefactors Happy Hour
2. DOING GOOD: MODUS UNION 2010
3. MEMBER IN FOCUS: Neal Gorenflo,Shareable Magazine
4. FREE INTRO TO IMPROV WORKSHOPS
5. World Affairs Council Author Series: The Forty Years War
6. The 55th Washington Antiques Show
7. Washington Wine Academy – ABC’s of Beer
8. Capitol Wine Festival Opening Reception
9. Screen Actors Guild Award Ceremony Reception
10. Iranian Film Festival 2010 – The Spectators

DC Restaurant Week is January 11 – 17, 2010!
Don’t miss gourmet, prix-fixe $20.10 lunches and $35.10 dinners
at over 170 top DC restaurants.
Washington, DC Restaurant Week is a great excuse to try a new restaurant or return to your old favorite. http://washington.org/restaurantwk/

1. FEATURED EVENT: Young Benefactors Happy Hour
When: Wednesday, January 20, 5:30pm
Where: Co Co. Sala, 929 F St NW,DC and the Verizon Center
Cost: $20 (Game only)
More Info: http://www.verizoncenter.com/wiz/smithsonian/

Join the YBs for a fun evening of libation and entertainment in Penn Quarter. Starting at 5:30pm, Co Co. Sala, DC’s premier chocolate lounge and boutique, will host the YBs for a happy hour. After you have enjoyed a few cocktails at Co Co. Sala, join fellow YBs and friends and watch the Washington Wizards play the Dallas Mavericks!

2. DOING GOOD: MODUS UNION 2010
When: January 14, 7-10pm
Where: The Mayflower Renaissance Hotel
1127 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Washington, DC
Cost: $100
More Info: http://www.labelsforlove.org/events/index.html

Don’t miss an exclusive and unique evening of fashion and art featuring a runway show by Lela Rose to benefit the Center for Heart, Lung and Kidney Disease at Children’s National Medical Center. Labels for Love is a 501 (c)(3) charity that stages fashionable events to raise funds for and bring awareness to women’s and children’s charities. Each year one children’s and one women’s charity is chosen to be the recipients for the funds raised at the event. Join in the fight to change the lives of women and children in the Washington, DC region, one charity at a time. General admission includes general open seating, cocktail reception.

3. MEMBER IN FOCUS
Member in Focus – Neal Gorenflo, Project Director, CommonSource Publisher, Shareable Magazine
A very Cool Person – Find Out Why!

SPF Editor: What prompted you to start Shareable magazine?
Neal: I had a strong hunch before this experience that sharing was important, so I began consulting for Internet startups that helped people share stuff in the real world. I had no experience. I just dove in. I also began a monthly salon for social entrepreneurs interested in sharing. I consciously built a community around the idea of sharing. Through the community I built, I met the people who launched Shareable with me.

Read full interview with Neal Gorenflo at www.smallfriendlyplanet.org

4. FREE INTRO TO IMPROV WORKSHOPS
When: Sunday January 3 – Thursday January 7 (7-9PM)
Sunday January 9 (3-5PM)
Where: The Studio School, 1301 V St NW, Washington, DC
Cost: Free
More Info: http://www. washingtonimprovtheater.com

Say you are successful at becoming super rich and in-shape this year, what good is it if your still not enjoying yourself? Washington Improv Theater classes have reinvigorated the creativity, re-sparked the spontaneity and unleashed the joy of pure fun in more than 1000 Washingtonians (with hundreds of more joining the ranks each year). Can’t you spare just 2 hours to find out what these people found to be so transformational? Our enthusiastic and professional instructor/performers quickly establish a trusting atmosphere where you’ll feel more free than you have in a very long time.

5. World Affairs Council Author Series: The Forty Years War
When: Thursday, January 7, 6:30-8pm
Where: UCDC Washington Center
1608 Rhode Island Ave NW, Washington, DC
Cost: $10
More Info: https://www.worldaffairsdc.org/

The World Affairs Council is pleased to announce an Author Series and C-SPAN Book TV event with Len Colodny and Tom Shachtman, the authors of The Forty Years War: The Rise and Fall of the Neocons, from Nixon to Obama. The book is an examination of the last forty years of foreign policy that emphasizes the continuing impact of President Richard M. Nixon’s foreign policy initiatives throughout the era, and long past the end of his own presidency. The event will be moderated by Dr. Irwin Gellman, author of a multi-volume biography of President Nixon. After the authors’ presentation there will be an audience question and answer period. Light refreshments will be offered following the program.

6. The 55th Washington Antiques Show
When: Friday, January 8 – Sunday, January 10
Where: American University’s Katzen Arts Center,
4400 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC
Cost: One Day Ticket: $15.00, which includes a show catalogue
More Info: http://www.washingtonantiques.org/about.cfm

Founded in 1955 as a fund raising event benefiting children and families through the Thrift Shop Charities, the Washington Antiques Show is one of the longest running antiques shows in the country. The show features forty-four premier dealers from the United States and Europe who offer a wide range of period furnishings and decorative arts, vintage jewelry, porcelains, ceramics, silver, and architectural garden accents. Through its yearly Loan Exhibition Program and its catalogue featuring scholarly articles to illustrate the Show’s theme, the Washington Antiques Show offers collectors at every level the opportunity to view and purchase wonderful objects and to learn more about their particular area of interest.

7. Washington Wine Academy ABC’s of Beer
When: Thursday, January 14, 7pm
Where: Washington Wine Academy Education Center
1201 South Eads, Suite 400, Crystal City/Arlington, VA
Cost: $42.50
More Info: http://www.washingtonwineacademy.org/public-events.htm

If you love wine…we mean beer….then the ABC’s of Beer is the perfect overall concept course for you. This course has been created to cover the basics of the beer world. From how it is made, styles, trends and we will taste 9 beers throughout the evening to showcase different beers. Participants learn about each of the basic types of beer, the techniques by which they are made, and the factors determining quality. Presentations are coupled with guided tastings of carefully selected beers that exemplify the world’s predominant styles.

8. Capitol Wine Festival Opening Reception
When: Friday, January 22, 7-10pm
Where: Fairfax Hotel at Embassy Row
2100 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Washington, DC
Cost: $85
More Info: http://www.capitalwinefestival.com/

The Capital Wine Festival, modeled after the prestigious Boston Wine Festival, and promising to become an annual local series, will take place at The Fairfax at Embassy Row. The Festival will commence with a grand opening reception featuring more than 50 wines from around the world paired with a bountiful buffet created by Jockey Club Chef Levi Mezick.

9. Screen Actors Guild Award Ceremony Reception
When: Saturday, January 23, 6:30-11pm
Where: Embassy of Croatia
2343 Massachusetts Ave. Washington, DC
Cost: $29
More Info: http://www.mcbarnette.com/charity/#1

Join Former TV news anchor Beverly Burke, and other local area actors for an evening of film watching and celebrating for a good cause while enjoying art work, wine, and hor d’oeuvres. Watch the live broadcast of the Screen Actors Guild Award Ceremony from 8- 10:30pm. NonSAG members are welcome. Black tie or Formal Attire.

10. Iranian Film Festival 2010 – The Spectators
When: Sunday, January 24, 2pm
Where: 1050 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC
Cost: Admission is first-come, first-served. According to the
artist’s wishes, the audience will not be allowed to
enter until the performance begins.
More Info: http://www.asia.si.edu/events/films.asp#/?i=1

With Ta’ziyeh/The Spectators, Iran’s most famous filmmaker Abbas Kiarostami convincingly and triumphantly brings the powerful experience of communal, ritual theater into the digital age. The Ta’ziyeh is a unique form of Islamic musical drama performed, often by ordinary citizens, in towns and villages across Iran. It dramatizes the famous battle of Karbala in 680, at which Muhammad’s grandson Husayn was killed along with his followers. Part theater, part religious ritual, it offers audiences the cathartic experience of collectively expressing their sorrow at the tragic events unfolding before them. With this multi-screen video installation, Kiarostami invites audience members to participate in the ritual in a thoroughly unique way. One screen shows a performance of the Ta’ziyeh, while two much larger flanking screens show the faces of those who are watching the performance (segregated, according to custom, by gender). Like visitors to the installation, audience members on the screens at first chat and relax before the show, but as the tragic play progresses, their emotions become heartbreakingly intense.

Please come out and support these great events! See you there.

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Hair Style Trends 2010…Kiss Oh, Nine Goodbye

by olympia on December 29, 2009

-curls

-body waves

-finger waves

-big barrel curling irons

-ceramic flat irons

-ionic blow dryers

-sulfate free hair products

-brown hair colors

-hair razor short hairstyles

-brown hair with highlights

-Brazilian Keratin Treatments

-eyebrow threading

-short bob with bangs

-messy updo’s

-long hair with loose curls

-hair vitamins

-hair gloss

Hello Everyone,

I wish you a New year filled with

Love, heath and success.

2010 will be a year that will bring us together. Put aside concerns about the economy, the war, the Salahi’s, and even Joe Biden’s bad hair. I say you get a trendy stylish new haircut; buy one of those curling irons; look at yourself in the mirror;

SMILE….and say out loud ……..BRING ON 2010!

The Photograph in my post is the work of an artist in Paris that I hold in high esteem. His name is Kamel Lahmadi and he has one of the best sites in the entire world called Style and The City. The site is about Paris street fashion and it is DIVINE. Thank you Kamel, and I wish you continued success mon ami.

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What is Happiness?

by olympia on December 27, 2009

” Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence.”
ARISTOTLE

Hello Everyone,
I hope that you all had a wonderful holiday and I wish you joy for the coming new year. My Christmas was nice, peaceful and blessed.

Happiness, and the pursuit of happiness, is what I want to write about today.I went ahead and answered what happiness means to Aristotle, but, alas, we are not all great philosophers, just regular ordinary folks trying to have the best life that we can.The idea for this article came to me yesterday as I was dragged out of my warm, cozy home, by my daughter Voula, to go shopping in Georgetown. “Come on mom, lets hit the Sales.” OH BOY…I should have said:” No,I want to work on my blog,” but…..off we went on the pursuit of happiness… by credit card.

What can I tell you? It was a zoo, frantic people trying to purchase last season jackets for half the price. I lasted about an hour and then excused myself to go get a sandwich and a glass of wine at The Daily Grill next door. Jimmy, my favorite bartender, was there and I settled in at the bar to read the Post. I happened upon an article by Kevin Huffman in the editorial section that was quite interesting to me. It was about happiness and a poll in Science Magazine on how to correctly assess and rate of our happiness level. Supposedly, people that live in states with low crime rates, access to green spaces, nice weather and low cost of living….are much happier people. It also stated how we rate our own happiness…..here it is:

“When people say they are happy, they probably are.”

I asked Jimmy, the bartender, what his idea of happiness was, and, as always, if you want great advice:ask a bartender OR a hairdresser! Jimmy said that it’s EXPECTATIONS or NO EXPECTATIONS that makes his life happy. “No use in setting yourself up to fail or be upset,” he said. “I take everything in stride.” I smiled and told him that I agree. Eventually, my daughter came with loads of shopping bags….looking very happy. Then it hit me…the expectations idea. My daughter did not want to go shopping EXPECTING to get happy….she… WAS HAPPY! My kid knew it all along that her life is meant to be lived and not dissected by me or society. We are reminded every day of life’s hardships and downfalls……I say we go shopping.

2010 promises to be a good year, I can feel it. Call me a dreamer if you want………I plan on celebrating this New Year.

My new dress from Arden B – Sale

My new makeup NARS Cosmetics

My fave hair products Large selection of Bumble and Bumble Hair Care at Folica.com. Free Shipping & Free Gift Today! Happy and Joyous New Year to all.
UPDATE: If you are looking for Valentines day gift ideas, please visit our Miracles specials page HERE

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Fa la la la ….Life

by olympia on December 22, 2009

Hello Everyone,
Winter is upon us and the Holidays are a few days away. I can’t wait for this Christmas Day. My daughter Maria is having us over to her house and Voula and I need a break.No cooking;cleaning;decorating;running around buying groceries…..YES.
The presents are all under the tree , the clients are up to date and looking great,I should be feeling great….but something is gnawing at me.Why are the Holidays so stressful ? Why can’t we relax and just be? Why do we have to prove our love to our people by buying them things? I once skipped Christmas all together and I still have guilt pangs about it.
Does any one know how to go about getting the spirit of Christmas to come to me?

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