Missing PURSE-ons Report

As some of you may have seen via Facebook, a couple of weeks ago someone broke into my Mini Cooper, while I was running on the C&O Canal towpath, and stole my purse. Fortunately, I wasn't carrying all that much with me, but at the same time this experience has led to some rather annoying, frustrating, and almost amusing events; all of which have taught me some valuable lessons that I thought I'd share with my readers.

There are so many wonderful people in the Panhandle, that it's easy to let your guard down and forget about the bad guys. Sure, you read about crime in the newspaper, but it's nothing like what you hear about in the city, right? When I lived in DC, my mother was always convinced that I was one metro ride away from being mugged and left for dead in a gutter. But, my car wasn't broken into in the city--it happened at the Cushwa Basin in the nice, quiet town of Williamsport, MD.

Scene of the Crime

Generally when I go for a run, I have my dog carry a fanny-pack with my phone and whatnot, and I leave my purse at home. On this particular day, though, I needed to make a quick trip to the store, so I actually had my bag with me. I did everything that you're supposed to do: I parked in a well-populated, open area; I put my bag on the floor of the passenger side and shoved it under the glovebox (I don't have a trunk); I locked my car and made sure the sunroof was totally closed. Yeah, well, none of that mattered--they got away with my driver's license, debit card, camera, Smythson notebook, my makeup pouch that held my absolute favorite (not to mention essential) items, and about $10. Not gonna lie, the lost makeup may be the worst part.

As I made a list of the items I'd lost, I started to think about some of the things we ladies tend to tote around and how my losses could have been much, much worse. I mean how many times have you taken off a piece of jewelry and just tossed it in your bag? Which brings me to the top 3 things I learned from this incident:

1. Don't carry a lot of stuff in your purse: seriously, just stick to the essentials. In the case of a lost or stolen purse, you'll cut your losses, PLUS carrying a heavy handbag can be bad for your health.

2. Know your insurance policy: even if the bag is stolen from your car, the personal property claim probably falls under your homeowner's or renter's insurance, and if you have a high deductible for those policies, you're probably out of luck.

3. Have someone else drive you to the DMV if you need a new license: I promptly headed to the DMV the morning after the break-in, only to be pulled over by the police and given a warning for driving sans license. Yeah, I wasn't slightly hysterical or anything at that point.


If you have any tips, tricks, or cautionary tales feel free to leave a comment below!

Second Annual CASA Flamingo Fandango

Caution: Flamingo Crossing

Birds of Feather...

Friday, August 20, 2010, Martinsburg, WV, was flocked with festive ladies dressed in pink for the second annual Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Flamingo Fandango. Attendees gathered at the historic Shenandoah Hotel where they received goodie bags, enjoyed cocktails, and mingled with feather-clad friends. There were several raffles held which included gift certificates to Serenity Day Spa and Christian Caine. In addition, a live auction was held for two Coach bags, one of which contained a $100 gift certificate for the Coach store!

Frolicking Flock at Crim de la Crim

As the flocks migrated from the hotel, each group was given a card which directed them to downtown businesses for even more treats! Participating businesses were Mel's Smells, Shelbeads, Crim de la Crim, De Fluri's, Flowers Unlimited, Casa Visone, and Peking; the Station Grill hosted the after party.

This nearly sold-out event was fabulous, fun, and definitely a huge success. All registration fees were donated to CASA, as were the proceeds from the live auctions; several of the participating businesses also donated a portion of their sales from Friday evening to the charity. Final numbers are still being tallied, so check back later in the week for a final number on how much was raised for CASA. And, don't forget to save the date for the CASA Christmas Tea/Purse Party on December 5th!

Debbie Darlington, Gina Miller, and Rhonda Neely

Jordan Shultz, Judy Shultz, Berniece Collis

Tricia Bowers, Ashlee Hutzler, Aly Burkhart,

April Krabal, Michelle Cuthrell, and Michelle Pentz

Maria Lorensen, Joannne Wadsworth, and Lorrie Caudle

Nicole Buffington, Natalie Copenhaver, and Dana Kriss

Candi Hurst, Julie Walsh, Brooke Hughes, and Kristin Cushwa

Pat Wilkes, Carol Shull, Margie Hensell, Mary Carson,

Heather Frye, Mary Alice Bowers, Anne Turner, and Kay Skelly

More pictures from Flamingo Fandango after the jump!

Register Now for Flamingo Fandango!

Friday, August 20, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) along with Mainstreet Martinsburg will host the annual Flamingo Fandango, Girl's Night Out in Martinsburg, WV. Ladies will arrive at the historic Shenandoah Hotel (100 W. Martin Street) at 4PM to check-in, collect their goodie bags, and enjoy a cocktail hour prior to heading out to explore what downtown Martinsburg has to offer. Seven businesses will be participating in this year's event and will offer food, drink, and/or merchandise specials (I heard the DeFluris' chocolate martinis were to die for last year).

Ladies are encouraged to have fun with their attire and wear pink, flamingo-inspired fashions. If your wardrobe is lacking in the pink, feathered department, Shelbeads on Queen Street will be selling flamingo t-shirts and flip flops. In addition, from August 17-20, Shelbeads and Mel's Smells will be donating 20% of all sales to Flamingo Fandango/CASA!

Registration for the event is $25, of which 100% will go to CASA. While ladies will be able to pay at the door, you are encouraged to register in advance, to ensure that there are plenty of treats for everyone! Registration details can be found here.

The Station Grill will be hosting the after party for this year's event and is open to both ladies and gentlemen.

See below for more information on this year's event, and be sure to check back here next week for pictures!

Orr's Farm Market 2010 Peach Dessert Competition

Saturday, August 14, at 9AM, Orr's Farm Market in Martinsburg, WV, will be holding their annual Peach Dessert Competition. Entries will be judged on several criteria including flavor, appearance, and use of peaches. The winner will receive a $50 gift certificate, an official Orr's apron, and a gift basket!

To enter this year's competition call 304-263-1168 to register, and be sure to arrive bright and early Saturday morning with your peachiest dessert and a copy of the recipe.

Below are some of my personal favorite peach recipes, and they're not all desserts either!

Peach and Brie Quesadillas
(CookingLight.com)
1 cup - thinly sliced peeled firm ripe peaches (about 2 large)
1 tablespoon - chopped fresh chives (I was hesitant on the chives at first, but now I load them on; the flavor is amazing with the sweet peaches and creamy brie.)
1 teaspoon - brown sugar
3 ounces - brie cheese, thinly sliced
4 (8-inch) - flour tortillas

1. Combine peaches, chives, and sugar, tossing gently to coat.
2. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Arrange 1/4 of cheese and 1/4 of peach mixture over half of each tortilla; fold tortillas in half.
4. Coat pan with cooking spray. Place quesadillas in pan; cook 2 minutes on each side or until tortillas are lightly browned and crisp.
5. Repeat procedure with remaining quesadillas.
6. Garnish with chive strips, if desired.
  
Grilled Peaches with Lemon Thyme
(From Mireille Guilliano's French Women Don't Get Fat )
4 - peaches
2 tablespoons - olive oil
1  teaspoon - honey
1/4 teaspoon - vanilla extract
4 sprigs - lemon thyme (if you're having trouble finding this, Good Natured in Martinsburg carries it)

1. Rinse peaches, pat dry, cut in half, and remove the pits.
2. Place peach halves in baking dish.
3. Mix olive oil, honey, and vanilla extract and pour over the peaches; sprinkle with coarsely chopped lemon thyme.
4. Marinate peaches for 20 minutes, turning over once and basting.
5. Broil or grill marinated peaches for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until peaches are tender but not soft.
6. Serve immediately, alone or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Peach Muffins with Streusel Topping
(Adapted from Lilly Pulitzer's Essentially Lilly: A Guide to Colorful Holidays)
3 - peaches, peeled, pitted, and chopped
2 1/2 cups - flour (all purpose, whole wheat, or whole wheat white will work depending on what you like)
1 teaspoon - baking powder
1/2 teaspoon - salt
8 tablespoons (1 stick) - butter
1 cup - granulated sugar
2 - eggs
1 teaspoon - vanilla extract
1 cup - sour cream

for the topping...

1/4 cup - packed light brown sugar
2 tablespoons - butter
2 tablespoons - flour
1/2 teaspoon - cinnamon
1/4 finely chopped pecans (optional)
1. Preheat oven to 350°F
2. Lightly grease a muffin tin (recipe makes 12 muffins)
3. Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together.
4. Beat butter and sugar in medium bowl with a mixer on high speed until mixture is light and fluffy (3 min).
5. Add eggs one at a time, beating continuously, and then add vanilla.
6. Drop mixer speed to low, and then beat in 3 additions of flour, alternating with 2 additions of sour cream.
7. Mix until combined, but be sure to not overbeat!
8. Fold chopped peaches into the mixture, and pour into muffin tins. Set aside.
9. Rub brown sugar, butter, flour, and cinnamon together in a small bowl using your fingers (or the backs of 2 forks works too), and then if you're using pecans, add those in as well.
10. Lightly pat streusel topping onto the unbaked muffin tops.
11. Baking 20 - 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the muffins comes out clean.
12. Allow to cool in pans for 5 minutes.
13. Serve warm or cooled to room temperature for breakfast, dessert, or just an afternoon snack :)

3rd Annual Hagerstown Restaurant Week

August 8-21, over 20 restaurants from Hagerstown, MD, (and several from surrounding areas) will be participating in the 3rd Annual Hagerstown Restaurant Week. The next two weeks are the perfect time to try new places for the first time or make a return trip to an old favorite. Prices range from $15.01 to $30.01 for a full 3-course meal. Most establishments have a pre-set menu for the restaurant week specials with several options to choose from for appetizers, entrees, and desserts. While reservations are not required, they are recommended as restaurant weeks tend to be quite popular!

Below are a list of participating businesses, and be sure to visit the Hagerstown Restaurant Week website for details on what each restaurant has to offer.

Always Ron's Restaurant & Catering - Hagerstown, MD

Aqua 103 - Hagerstown, MD

Black-Eyed Susan Restaurant and Catering - Hagerstown, MD

Bulls and Bears - Hagerstown, MD

Byron's Dining Room - Mercersburg, PA

Carmine's Italian Restaurant - Smithsburg, MD

Crazy Horse Steak House & Saloon - Hagerstown, MD

Durango's - Hagerstown, MD

Flannery's Tavern on the Square - Mercersburg, PA

Georgia Boy Cafe at Park Circle - Hagerstown, MD

Hempen Hill BBQ - Hagerstown, MD

James Buchanan Pub & Restaurant - Mercersburg, PA

LJ's and the Kat Lounge - Hagerstown, MD

Laila's Kitchen - Hagerstown, MD

Maloo's Pub & Grill  - Hagerstown, MD

Nick's Airport Inn - Hagerstown, MD

Palettie - Boonsboro, MD

Rocky's Pizza - Hagerstown, MD

Schmankerl Stube Bavarian Restaurant - Hagerstown, MD

Schula's Grill & Crab House - Hagerstown, MD

The Gourmet Goat & GG's Restaurant - Hagerstown, MD

The Landing Restaurant & Pub - Hagerstown, MD

 Bon Appétit!!! 

Dog Days of Summer in Downtown Frederick

 Saturday, August 7, from 5-9PM, Frederick, MD is going to the dogs! As part of their First Saturday series, August is all about celebrating (or bemoaning) the Dog Days of Summer.

Events for this Saturday include canine costume contests, an ugly dog contest sponsored by Flying Dog Beer, and a "Wet & Woof Chilling Zone" to cool off any hot dogs. You'll also want to be sure to drop by My Dog's Diggin' Downtown Photo Booth for a photo session with your pup.

Added bonus: a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Frederick County Humane Society!

What: First Saturday Dog Days of Summer

Where: Downtown Frederick

When: Saturday, August 7, 5-9PM

Tell Me More: Click here for details!

Chic to Chic Consignment Boutique

Just a glimpse at what Chic to Chic has to offer...

Lilly Pulitzer, Christian Dior, Chanel, and Coach are just a few of the labels you'll find at Chic to Chic in historic downtown Frederick, MD. When you enter Chic to Chic it takes you a few moments to even realize that you're in a consignment store and not a high-end boutique--that is until you look at the price tags!

Chic to Chic in summary:

Placement: Chic to Chic has an excellent selection of clothing, shoes, handbags, and jewelry without being overwhelming. Standout pieces are prominently displayed, but I recommend taking several laps of the store just to absorb how amazing everything is.

Prices: The pieces are not necessarily cheap, but you're still looking at a HUGE discount from retail prices. Not to mention, when I visited Chic to Chic in Frederick they were having a major sale and virtually everything in the store was discounted by 50%.

Pieces: I was thoroughly impressed with Chic to Chic's Frederick location. However, a little birdie told me that the Gaithersburg store is even better, which I is almost too much to fathom. Needless to say, I will most definitely be taking a jaunt to Gaithersburg in the near future!

Chic to Chic

30 East Patrick Street

Frederick, MD  20877

301.620.8889

http://www.chictochic.com/