Elevate Your Education: Programs at The Hill Center

For those of you who have not yet been to The Hill Center, it's about time you checked it out.  We have an incredible community center in the heart of our neighborhood that not nearly enough people know about or partake in.

Here are just a few program offerings I have seen at The Hill Center:
- Yoga
- Classic French Cooking Classes
- Beer Tastings (including background, pairings, and insights)
- French Lessons (Beginners through Advanced)
- Coding for Kids (Using Mindcraft)

Photo by Tim Ebner/TheHillisHome.com)

The cost of each program varies but all are very reasonably priced considering the quality of content and instruction you receive.

If you are looking to learn a new language or some new cooking skills, check out The Hill Center and support your community.

And also, in case you have been living under a rock, Chef David Guas will be opening a location of Bayou Bakery in The Hill Center's carriage house later this year.  This spot will sure to be full of charm and delicious sandwiches and sweets. Check out the Washington Post article for more details.

The Hill Center (at The Old Naval Hospital)
921 Pennsylvania Ave SE
http://hillcenterdc.org/home/

Happy Hilling!
S.

Fashion Lecture with Costume Designers from House of Cards and The Americans

Robin Wright as Claire Underwood on House of Cards

Washington, DC is more intriguing than ever thanks to shows like Scandal, House of Cards, Homeland, and The Americans.  Beyond the brilliant acting and writing, that makes each of these shows so addicting, is also the fashion.

Stunning choices are made by the show's costume designers each week that define the character almost as much as the actor themselves. I find the clothes, especially for each female character, to be so reflective of their power, strength, and sense of self. For example, opting for a structured wool dress as opposed to the traditional pant suit gives characters like Claire Underwood an intoxicating balance of both femininity and power.

Hear from the designers of House of Cards and The Americans at the lecture, "Dressing DC for the Small Screen" being hosted by Smithsonian on September 17th.

Hope to see you there!

Everything You Need to Know from the 2014 Emmys

While I love awards shows, and the red carpet pre-show, and the day after recap shows...I realize most everyone else in the world does not. But that doesn't mean you should miss out on the highlights.

Here is the 'best of' in bullet point format, with links and photos, from last night's Emmys.

What Made Us Laugh Out Loud - Watch It
There were quite a few funny moments, here are the best worth watching online.

Jimmy Kimmel roasting Matthew McCaughney. Watch it here.

Seth Meyers rocked his opening monologue. Get to 3:30 into the video, the part about How I Met Your Mother, HBO, and Game of Thrones is so damn funny. Watch it here.


The Fashion Fete - Love It
Red was the 'it' color trend this year. Out of all the stars sporting this color, my favorite was Julia Louis Dreyfus wearing a simple but sexy custom Carolina Herrera.

Courtesy of Carolina Herrera/JOHN SHEARER/INVISION F

And the real award goes to, hands down, Lizzy Caplan.  She completely owned the red carpet in a black and white Donna Karen Atelier ball gown. This look is so sophisticated, sexy, and 100% Old Hollywood glamour. Tonight Lizzy went from Master of Sex to Master of Style.

Photo Credit: Just Jared

The WTF Moment - Question It
Why was Ashleigh Banfield from CNN on Kevin Spacey's arm? If anyone knows the answer to this please comment on this post. I am so curious!


Most Awkward But Still Freaking Hilarious Moment - Own It
Bryan Cranston made out with Julia Louis Dryfus. Impromptu, weird, funny, yet awesome.

Courtesy of NBC

The Big Winners - Applaud It

Drama Series - Breaking Bad

Best Actor, Drama Series - Bryan Cranston / Breaking Bad

Supporting Actress, Drama Series - Anna Gunn / Breaking Bad

Supporting Actor, Drama Series - Aaron Paul / Breaking Bad

Best Actress, Drama Series - Julianna Margulies / The Good Wife

Actress, Comedy Series - Julia Louis-Dryfus / VEEP

Actor, Comedy Series - Jim Parsons / The Big Bang Theory

Comedy Series - Modern Family

Miniseries - Fargo

TV Movie - The Normal Heart

The Part that Touched Us Most - Remember It

A touching tribute to Robin Williams by one of his closest friends, Billy Crystal. Watch it here.

Foodie Flash: David Chang to Bring Momofuku to DC

This is big news.  Like, really big news.  For all of you food and travel lovers who have rejoiced in Momofuku on your travels, David Chang is finally bringing it back home. 

This Northern Virginian native, turned super nova celebrity chef, will open a Momofuku in City Center Spring 2015.  Chang spoke with the Washingtonian Magazine yesterday and said the following: 

“We want to be good neighbors. We want to enhance the town. I want to help DC. I still read the Washington Post every day. All my friends and family are there. I root for all the teams there. I was a hair away from opening up in DC ten years ago. I opened in New York because I had more of a support network there. I just don’t want to let people down. You know? I just don’t want to let people down.”

Read the full interview here.

Rental Round Up: Sunday, August 3rd

This week's Rental Round Up features properties that are all literally steps from the US Capitol.  If you are working for someone on the hill, these spaces are for you. I just finished reviewing the latest postings on Craigslist for the area, check out these rental finds and find yourself both working and living on Capitol Hill. 

Renovated 1 Bedroom in Historic Capitol Hill Row House, $2800 per month

This row house sits at the corner of 4th and A Streets SE, which is an unbeatable location. 5 minutes from the Capitol, Eastern Market, and Metro.  Brand new stainless steel appliances, granite counter tops, and hardwood/tile throughout the apartment.  This rental is a major find, I would call asap.  And note on the post the landlord says no emails, only phone calls, for inquiries.

Charming Carriage House - 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath, $2100 per month

This Carriage House is literally steps from the Capitol Building.  With an off street parking spot (amazing!) and the amount of space and privacy you would have, this space is far superior to anything you would find in a normal high rise rental property. Extra bonus, the Carriage House shares patio space with the Main House for grilling and outdoor entertaining. Open House today from 10am to 1pm - I'm sure this will go quickly!

Cozy English Basement with Modern Updates - 1 Bed, 1 Bath, $1700 per month

Admittedly, this post does not have the best photography; however, the space looks large and newly renovated.  I see a huge, new kitchen with beautiful counter tops and nice new tile in the bathroom.  If you want to live on Capitol Hill, love to cook, and need a space for under $1800 per month this place is for you!