Don't go it alone

In these troubled economic times, free movies and cheap beer alone will not bring you financial stability (although it may make it temporarily easier to forget about). There's a ton of advice flurrying around out there, but if you don't have plans to buy a house any time soon and you're decades from retirement a lot of it isn't terribly relevant. Ramit Sethi's Save $1000 in 30 Days Challenge on the other hand is geared towards trimming everyday expenses but does "not include [outdated term for learning disabled] suggestions like 'Start a garden' or 'Buy day-old food from bakeries.'" So far he's only gotten through 5 tips but I think number 4 is one of the most helpful for young people: "Involve Your Friends in Your Savings Challenge." It's easy enough to say you'll save money on going out, but if you're the only one you know trying to do so you'll be pretty lonely. On the other hand, trying to get your friends on board will make it a lot easier to socialize without drinking away your budget, and you might even get people to rethink the dreaded group birthday dinner.

Free Makeup Consultations

Friday, November 7, and Saturday, November 8: Tim Quinn, a well-known celebrity makeup artist with Giorgio Armani, will be holding free group technique classes and personal makeup consultations by appointment only at the Chevy Chase Saks Fifth Avenue. The group classes will be lightly catered with Champagne, fruit, and cheese. For appointments, call 240-497-5206.

(from the Washingtonian)

Election Night (Part 2)

If you have a pulse and a TV, chances are you're either sick to death of hearing about the election for the past two years, or so nervous about the results that if you can't distract yourself, you may get an ulcer. For those who want to get through Tuesday night without seeing a single red and blue map, here's a few non-election related activities. We can't guarantee, however, that you won't overhear someone whispering about the numbers from Ohio while furiously tapping on their iPhone.

Adams Morgan First Tuesdays: Restaurants and retailers in AdMo offer discounts on the first Tuesday of every month. Hit up Bourbon, Grill from Ipanema, or one of many other participants (scroll down a ways) with someone who promises not to address you as "my friend", and the two of you could eat and drink for just $25.

Tonic: It is both Wine Night- get a free bottle of wine with the purchase of two entrees and an appetizer- and Taco Night- 50 Cent Tacos and $ 4.00 Sam Adams Seasonal Draft. Sounds like a pretty great night either way.

Election Night (Part 1)

It seems like everyone in this city has to have a plan for watching the results come in on Election Night. Even trying your hardest to ignore it is a plan, although we'll tackle that later in the week. If you're looking for a festive atmosphere in which to watch John King play with his fancy map and maybe take the edge of the suspense with a cold one, here's a few spots.

Good Stuff Eatery Election Party: For the past month or so, GSE's been tallying the popularity of their McCain Burger(Monteray Jack Cheese, Chipotle Mayo and Red Pepper Corn Salsa) and
Obama Burger (Blue Cheese, Apple-Wood Bacon, Onion Marmalade and Horseradish Mayo). I don't know what Spike Mendelsohn's politics are, but I pity any candidate who's up against bacon. Vote with your taste buds, enter to win nosh for 10 at the "farm table", and check out a few as-yet-unspecified menu additions from 5:30 on.

Sixth & I Historic Synagogue: Watch the results on a big screen, hear commentary from local pundits (where'd they scare those up?), eat some "all-American food", partake in the cash bar, and the clincher- take your picture with cardboard cutouts of the candidates. It's free (aside from the booze), but RSVP is required.

Darlington House: Spots in this event, sponsored by Yelp!, will probably go fast. Watch the election on the Maker's Mark "War Room"; the "Lobbyist Lounge" with Canadian Club drinks, free shoe shines and the like; and the Imperia Vodka "Inaugural Ballroom". RSVP to dc@yelp.com by October 31.

Big Bear Anniversary Party

What goes better with coffee than a whole roasted pig? To celebrate its one year anniversary (a few months late), Big Bear Cafe is throwing a little shindig on Sunday evening with the aforementioned swine, a keg, and some live music. It's not clear from the website when exactly it starts, but apparently there'll be another barbecue earlier in the day at Big Bear to benefit the Haitian Boys Choir.

Big Bear Cafe
1700 First Street NW

Big Bear Year Anniversary Party, this Sunday Evening 9/14

One Liners closing party

When you were a kid, did you ever try drawing a picture without lifting your pencil? Pretty hard to come up with anything but scribble. But Meghan Walsh's actually look pretty good, and until Saturady, May 3 they'll be on display at the Big Bear Cafe in Bloomingdale. The closing party is on Saturday at 7. A preview of Meghan's work and more about this neighborhood gem, see here.