With the warm weather making an appearance, I started wearing sandals last week (God bless anyone what has had to look at my toes up until today). I desperately needed a pedicure, but I don't have a salon that I can rely on.

I'm a sucker for a good deal, so when I was searching Yelp reviews for local nail places and read "$25 mani/pedi" I was instantly sold (Tuesdays and Wednesdays only). It was peer-reviewed at 4 out of 5 stars - but with a warning that you get what you pay for... so don't set your expectations too high. This place was not Red Door by any means.

I called ahead and made an appointment (which I suggest you do as well). I enjoyed my pedicure and brief massage while it lasted. Since the price was already pretty cheap, I decided to try a Shellac French Manicure for the first time and absolutely loved it! My nails looked great for just about 2 weeks until I started peeling them off myself.

I walked out of there spending $60 after tip: French on fingers and toes, plus Shellac manicure. I'm guessing that if you can avoid the luxuries and just snag a solid color and pass on the Shellac, you could get out of there for $25 + tip.

I posted on my facebook page last week about checking out botox. I'm 27 and not quite wrinkly, but I read online that getting botox can help enhance arches in your eyebrows and make you look more refreshed and rested (which I totally need!). I looked into it and met with Dr. Fadi Nukta at NOVA Plastic Surgery. Surprisingly, Dr. Nukta agreed that I didn't really need any botox at my age and I better come back in a few years. However, he told me about their current promotion and I thought I'd share it with you all since many of you chatted that you'd be into botox or other services.

If you book an appointment for a consultation on a Wednesday during April or May, NOVA Plastic Surgery is offering FREE Botox to new patients. This isn't a giveaway from my site or a gimmick to purchase other services to qualify.  

"If you book a complimentary consultation on a Wednesday you will receive a FREE Botox treatment for one area of your face, 20 units of Botox (a $400 value).  During your consultation you will meet board certified plastic surgeon, Fadi Nukta, MD, who will discuss how the Botox treatment can help you. If you are medically suitable you will receive your Botox treatment that same day."

Dr. Nukta told me that he specializes in giving patients natural results that do not change who they are. He didn't even try to upsell me on services I didn't need - even though those services were the reason I was there in the first place. I say check it out if you're thinking about it!

For more info, visit: FreeBotoxWednesday.com or call NOVA Plastic Surgery at (703) 574-2588. To learn more about Dr. Nukta and his practice please visit novaplasticsurgery.com.

*I did not receive free (or any) services in exchange for this post - It's just too good of a deal not to share! Also, I am not a medical professional and I am not recommending any medical service. C'mon people, I have an English degree :) 

The 6th Annual Beauty Night Out is right around the corner! Mark your calendars for April 24 from 5-10pm @ Long View Gallery.

Grab your tickets now for an evening of incredible shopping and sampling - complete with delicious cocktails, beauty bar, pampering spa lounge, fashion sales and THE famous swag bag filled with exclusive samples from event sponsors.
For more information, visit: www.sinbno.com. 

March marks the beginning of more sunshine, blossoming flowers, and for many of us, festive Easter celebrations. The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner offers families Easter treats throughout the spring as well as spa specials for moms who may need a relaxing retreat after spring break. Spring delights include:

Easter Egg Decorating Classes
March 23 and 30
Seatings at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m $65 including tax and gratuity. Children ages 12 and under.
Executive Pastry Chef Frederic Barasse and the talented Pastry Team will treat our youngest guests to a creative Chocolate Egg Decorating Class. Rising young chefs will enhance their culinary art skills as they spend the afternoon decorating handmade chocolate eggs. At the conclusion of the class, each child will take home their handmade egg as well as a souvenir Ritz-Carlton chef’s hat and apron. Space is limited, and reservations are required.

Easter Sunday Brunch in The Old Dominion
March 31, 2013
Seatings from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. $120 per adult; $40 per child (ages 4 - 12) plus tax and gratuity.
Enjoy a lavish presentation of your brunch favorites this Easter. Indulge in caviar, eggs benedict, made-to-order omelet station, savory carving station and raw bar featuring assorted Oysters, jumbo shrimp, and lobster. Adults will delight in our refreshing French sparkling wine and live harpist, while children enjoy the balloon artists and face painter. The delectable brunch experience culminates with an impressive dessert presentation as a sweet finishing touch.

Easter Dinner at Home (serves six)
Enjoy luxury dining in the comfort of your own home with our Easter Dinner “to-go.” The meal includes lamb ($279), ham ($279) or prime rib ($330) as well as indulgent sides and desserts. All prices include tax and gratuity. Full menus can be found at http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/TysonsCorner/Information/Calendar/Default.htm.

Spa Specials at The Day Spa:
Body Bronzing: Body scrub and moisturizing application to reveal a golden tan. 50 min/$145
Organic anti-cellulite wrap: Warm clay infused with algae is applied to leave the skin firmer and ready for summer. 50 min/$160
Collagen facial: Smooth away tired, dry winter skin with a luxurious Babor Collagen Facial that provides a deep collagen mask to seal in moisture and stimulate collagen production.   Blasts of moisturizing essential nutrients are applied to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and followed by a custom collagen mask treatment to seal in moisture and stimulate collagen reproduction. 75 min/$180

Throughout March: Receive a 25% added value on all retail Monday to Friday.
All spring: Receive a complimentary gel upgrade with the purchase of a Kai pedicure (must be mentioned at the time of booking to receive special).

This one-day shopping extravaganza features the very best brands of clothing, shoes, jewelry, home furnishings and more up to 70 or 80 percent off retail prices. Take a sneak peek at some of the deals. Want to shop early? Four lucky shoppers will win early entry into the sale.

NEW THIS YEAR: 
Discounted Parking: Pay only $4 for the whole day at the Colonial Parking garage located at 1800 Diagonal Street (across from the King Street Metro). Opens at 7AM.  Important: To get the reduced parking rate, bring your parking ticket and get it validated at the front desk of the Warehouse Sale. 

Shuttle Bus: Park  or ride the Metro and take the free shuttle right from the King Street Metro station or the bottom of the hill to the front door of the sale. Starts at 8:30AM and drives this loop until 3PM. 

Giveaways: Make your waiting time productive and win gifts and gift certificates from area boutiques.

February 2, 2013 @ 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
George Washington Masonic Memorial
101 Callahan Drive
Alexandria,VA 22314

The DC area’s hottest fashion show and high-end bargain trunk sale returns to Crystal City this February! Next year’s event will be the biggest and best we’ve had so far. Crystal Couture already brings over 40 of the metropolitan area’s most stylish boutiques and designers all under one roof, and we’re expecting even more this year because of its new location. We have moved Couture to an office building which has more space to house a bigger runway and more boutiques. This one-stop shopping experience lets guests browse discounted offerings on the rack AND on the runway as models showcase offerings of the participating boutiques. Shoppers will also enjoy sips from the bar, free make-up and hair makeovers, chats with fashion consultants, music from DJ Neekola, and experience a one-of-a-kind ambiance. Crystal Couture 2013 will take place from February 5th to February 9th, 2013 in the 251 18th Street office building. Already excited for Crystal Couture? Tell us that you are coming.

Hosts

• 2/5 Tuesday: Philippa PB Hughes, Pinkline Project
• 2/6 Wednesday: Ashley Boalch, Miss DC 2011 & Grant Harris, Image Granted
• 2/7 Thursday: Karen Sommer Shalett, DC Magazine
• 2/8 Friday: Sarah Fraser & Kate Michael of K Street Magazine
• 2/9 Saturday: Guy Lambert & Sunni and the City of Sunni WPGC

When Souny West was laid off from Corporate America 3 years ago, she decided to start her own business: W Salon. Realizing that her talents were more concentrated in business development, she recognized the talent of her sister, Sue, who is a fabulous hairstylist of 15+ years. Having always had an entrepreneurial spirit, it was inevitable that she would start a business of her own some day. Her sister’s talent was what she truly believed. Souny knew she could successfully brand her sister’s skills using her background in social media and marketing.  Together, they have created a recognizable salon brand in less than 3 years through their focus and determination to be unique in their industry.                

Describe yourself in three words:            
I am known to Dream Big, Motivate and Inspire Others.

What do you consider your greatest professional achievement?
I would have to say being asked to represent small business owners for the 2012 Presidential Candidate Campaign for Gov. Mitt Romney and also being recognized as The Small Business Owner by Springfield Chamber of Commerce for 2012.

What are your professional goals for the next six months?          
To seek additional location's for the W Salon...  

How does your company stay connected through social media?
Due to my background in Social Media and Marketing, it has become a part of our lifestyle and behavior to always keep a pulse of various industries through my hootsuite dashboard daily. We follow various fashion & beauty brands, trend-setting bloggers and also sites like Entrepreneur.com and Ted.com to continually grow and think outside the box.

What profession other than yours would you like to attempt?   
Would love to try owning a hotel one day...        

How do you maintain a work/life balance?          
I try to work a 9 - 4 schedule and keep my evenings and weekends open to being a mom and wife. Although at times it becomes challenging as I find myself working when I put the kids to bed, I try and stick to that schedule as much as possible.  

What websites do you visit every day?
Ted.com, Entrepreneur.com, Forbes.com, Refinery29.com

What is your favorite drink – and where can you find it in Northern Virginia?
Being allergic to alcohol limits me to some extent, so I'll share a drink I often find myself enjoying twice a week in the afternoon as a treat.  Sweet Passion Iced Tea Lemonade by Starbucks - An infusion of hibiscus and natural tropical flavors, mixed with lemonade and hand-shaken with ice. My favorite.

What are your favorite people/places/things in Northern Virginia?
I love visiting Old Town Alexandria with my family.  We love walking up and down king street with ice-cream, cupcakes and a warm cup of coffee in hand.              

What is your goal for retirement?  
I don't find myself pondering on the idea that one day I will quit and sit along the beach watching sunsets. Entrepreneurship is in my blood. I find fulfillment building a business and watching it grow. It may be a hard habit for me to break. Would love to leave a legacy enterprise behind for my children and family.           

Do you have any advice for women who would like to start their own company?
Create your brand and allow others to absorb your company brand. People don’t consume based on what you do; people consume based on WHY you do it. 

don't forget to swing by South Moon Under's GRAND OPENING PARTY @ Mosaic District on November 13 from 6-9!

First Impressions Salon in Fairfax is celebrating their first anniversary this month! The two gorgeous sisters, Rocio and Diane Perez, have worked SO hard to make their salon such a great success. Congrats to First Impressions and their team for establishing themselves as a leading women-owned business in the community.

As always, the First Impressions team is supporting a charitable organization through their services. In support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, First Impressions has set a goal of raising $2000 for charity and so far, they have raised $700.

Visit the team this month to get a pink hair extension and help them reach their goal for charity!