Mark Your Calendars....

I hope you'll come and see....

SIMPATICO
a play by Sam Shepard
Directed by Joe Martin

with Johns Hopkins University Theater at the Merrick Barn Theater ("The Barn")

February 27, 28 -- 8pm; March 1 -- 2pm
March 6, 7 -- 8pm; March 8 -- 2pm

$5 for students/ $8 for non-students

Featuring film/TV-actor Mackenzie Astin, Hannah Carney, Laura Gordon, Scott Morse, Lisa Rosinsky, and Mike Wills.

Faceworld

Before there was Facebook, there was Faceworld. Leslie Storms, owner of Faceworld Cosmetics, is the go-to woman for a makeover. First of all, the woman is drop dead gorgeous, so it's easy to take her advice.

Leslie' s shop is located in Hunt Valley, right off of York Rd (check for the pink awning). The shop is stocked with accessories, jewelry, purses, makeup, and a private area for waxing and facials. I've been purchasing makeup, receiving makeup lessons, and getting my eyebrows shaped by Leslie for about ten years. I also had the privilege of working as her assistant for a summer, so I've observed firsthand the confidence she instills in women of all ages.

Leslie's worked on some very famous faces: Bill and Hillary Clinton, Julia Roberts, Tom Cruise, Gene Hackman, Keanu Reeves, Madeleine Albright, Kirstie Allie, John Madden, Richard Gere, Adrian Brody, Newt Gingrich, Cal Ripken Jr., Brady Anderson, Colin Powell, Ralph Fiennes, Ed Norris, John McCain, Martin and Katie O'Malley, Joaquin Pheoenix, and so many more. She's the first woman called when a big studio movie comes to the area.

But most of us aren't celebrities -- yet. Luckily we have Leslie to treat us like we are. Here's an an example. Over Thanksgiving break, I went into Faceworld and told her I needed a "Winter Makeover -- just no blue eyeshadow." She sighed -- she loves funky colors, especially on her younger clients. We compromised; she showed me how to use different shadows, pencils, and mascara for a silvery purple look and then green on the other eye. I loved them both, but I decided on the green. (For the record, I have been complimented on my new eye makeup every single time I've worn it.)

Leslie helped me find a foundation that worked for my sometimes oily/sometimes dry skin and an eyeliner that would last all through my eight-hour shift at work. We created color pallets for everyday, work, and going out. And let's not forget the eyebrows. Leslie's painless eyebrow shaping is a makeover in itself. She also specializes in weddings, customizing veils and bridal accessories, and she prepares brides for the big day with hair and makeup. Faceworld offers airbrushing techniques, including temporary tattoos, costume makeup, Brazilian bikini waxing (ouch!), face painting for children, and cover up for that unwanted “bad girl” tattoo. The makeup isn't as cheap as Rite Aid, but it's a much better decision to buy a slightly more expensive eyeliner that will actually stay on. More importantly, no matter what you think, most people don't know the best colors for their faces or choices such as powder versus foundation. I've seen way too many college girls with thick rings of black eyeliner and shiny, gloppy lip gloss. Trust the expert. Leslie sells only the best products, so not only will the makeup look good on you, it will last.

Leslie came along to do my makeup when I got my acting headshots, and she's done my makeup for plays, rock concerts, homecomings, and proms. She's become like an aunt or older sister to me, and I've seen the same kind of connection between Leslie and her other clients. Leslie makes each visit fun and personal. She always knows who you're dating or what you're studying in school. What she does for women is equal or greater than a session o therapy or yoga.  Physical confidence is priceless, and Faceworld is the best place to go for that much needed boost. 

And there’s more!  While Leslie will continue offering her cosmetic services, she’s onto a new and exciting venture called “Pink Consignments.”  The consignment shop will be housed in her current shop in Hunt Valley.  Leslie will use her impeccable taste to consign decorative furniture and accessories, lamps, vintage jewelry, cocktail bags, and more.  Pink Consignments is accepting donations now through June.  And even better?  Donors can receive up to 60% in profits!

For more information, just visit PinkConsignments.com.  I know I’ll be there -- I can’t wait to find some pretty and funky items to decorate my new apartment! 

Pigeons, Crows, and Headstands

I'm a runner who hates stretching. With that in mind, I surprised both myself and close friends when I became obsessed with yoga.

I'll never change my mind that running is the best and most effective work-out, but I'm beginning to think that the breathing and balance techniques in yoga are coming in handy in my professional and personal life.

My best friend Audrey constantly raved about her hot yoga (Vinyasa) classes. She urged me to attend a class at Charm City, but I was never willing to give up an hour and a half to "sweat and stretch."

I gave in one summer evening with the promise of post-yoga dinner and drinks at Donna's. Needless to say, I fell in love, and have been going back several times a month since. (I'm not an addict, yet.) I'm still not flexible, and I still can't do a headstand. My mom and I joke that we like to just lay on our mats and relax to get out of the Baltimore cold.

Jokes aside, I agree with the City Paper and Baltimore Magazine's reviews that Charm City Yoga rocks. There's a location near the Towson circle, one in "mid-town," and my favorite, a studio in Fells Point.

Some teachers are better than others. My favorite teacher so far is Nancy McPartland. She was challenging, spiritual (but not overwhelmingly so), and most importantly, got me into my first headstand, even if it was against the wall. Therefore, I can no longer call this the post "Yoga for people who can't do headstands," since I'm convinced, after working with Nancy, that there's hope for anyone.

Though it took several months, I'm more aware of my breathing now, and I'm better at clearing my mind of negative thoughts. Some teachers can get a bit preachy about the worldwide effects of yoga, but I'd agree there's a certain amount of positivity generated from each yoga session that follows the yogini outside of the studio.

But before I get too hippie for my own good, I think I'll share today's yoga story. After literally patting myself on the back for my flexibility in the wall poses, I caught a glimpse of blood-colored scratch marks on the pristine, white studio wall right in front of me.

In my yoga euphoria, I glanced around for a bloody beast. It suddenly dawned on me: the color looked quite similar to.... my toe nail polish.

If I'm even thinking about compromising my seasonal nail polish sensibilities, you know I must like yoga, a lot.

Bowl-Lickin' Soup

"Be ready in five. We're going to the soup bar."

As my college friends wonder if heels are required at the "Soup Bar," I lick my lips and consider the options.

Baltimore's best soup is from Atwater's - located at Belvedere Square and Towson. I call it the "soup bar" because both locations have a bar to eat your soup or small tables if you want an intimate soup experience. It's fun to watch the finishing touches, such as scoops of fresh crabmeat or crunchy tortilla toppings.

The daily soup options are listed on the website. For intsance, today's offerings include:
-Shrimp, Crab, Butternut Squash, and Corn
-Beef and Bean Chili
-Vegetarian Thai Curry
-Red Bean Stew

Usually there's a seafood soup, vegetable soup, and a couple of "exotic" options. Some people complain about the price (ranging from about $3.25-$6.50 a cup) but I say, hey, it's a cool dining experience, and the soup's amazing 95% of the time and just all right the other 5%. Sure, a can of Campbell's is only a buck, but Atwater's soup is made from fresh, organic, and local ingredients. Beat that, Progresso.

Atwater's is a great place to go on a date or catch up with a friend. My mom and I usually order two different soups and share. Make sure to ask for the sunflower-seed bread on the side. I also regularly buy quarts of soup to "last me a few days," when in fact, I usually end up devouring about six small bowls throughout the course of one day.

At least it's healthy!