Where I've Been.....

I've been swept up with Simpatico rehearsals and crafting a tantalizing crime-fiction short story for a Maryland-based literary magazine.

And good news to report! I'm now the Calendar/"Detours" editor of Chesapeake Life Magazine.

That means, seven times a year, I'll provide more than 60,000 readers (from MD, DE, PA, and VA) with the latest on events in the Chesapeake-region, as well as the arts, food, travel, home, garden, and local personalities.

I can't wait to visit the area, and I hope you'll share any secret gems. Feel free to comment or send an e-mail to RedLipstickAndCandy@gmail.com.

Everyone's Buzzing About....

SLENDER

I try not to steal ideas from the newscast I write for, but I just had to share one of today's "lighter" pieces -- literally.

Slender Wine, based in Indiana, is the world's only naturally-sweetened wine. No carbs. No fat. No sugar. Basically, a diet wine.

Slender comes in white, blush, and red... for just TEN DOLLARS a bottle. Slender hasn't hit the national market yet, but individual bottles are available for purchase off their website.

Dog Of The Week

This is Jesse Monet.* She's a two-year-old chocolate lab and lives with my parents in Baltimore County. Jesse likes bacon-flavored toys, stealing socks and women's underwear, and string cheese.

Jesse enjoys going to the dog park. Though she refuses to cuddle with me, Jesse is quite the socialite at the Baltimore Animal Recreation Park. For only $25 a year, Jesse chills with her dog friends almost every day - rain or shine. She frolics in the 1.5 acre field (for "big dogs"), and enjoys the "all-you-can-drink" special from the park's water fountain.

Though I often call Jesse a "bitch," (she bites me, ignores me, and prefers every other member of my family to myself) I still love her. She's the bratty, but adorable, little sister I never had, and even though I'm slightly allergic to her, I'm proud to call her "Dog of the Week."


*Jesse was apparently a very expensive dog, which is where the "Monet" came from. French for money? I still don't understand.

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.

Just In Time For Valentine's Day...

Nothing's worse than someone who smells too strongly of perfume or cologne. It's tough to gauge the right amount to apply, so I usually opt for a scented body lotion instead.

But there's one intoxicating perfume that I always go back to...

Philosophy's "Falling in Love" ($25).

It's a delicious blend of vanilla, soft florals, and ripe berries... so it smells like a sexy, fruity cupcake!

Just slip the tube in your purse and apply when needed. The roll-on applicator makes it easy to dab on your "pulse points."

Treat yourself to a special Valentine's Day gift!

Sweet Treat

Thanks so much to Saya for designing the banner for Red Lipstick & Candy! I love it!

Many people have asked me where the title comes from -- especially because I don't wear red lipstick and don't eat much candy.

But you know who does both??..... My grandmother. When we moved her into an assisted-living home, her first request was for red lipstick and candy. Apparently, her most essential possessions.

Therefore, the title is a tribute to the things we love and can't live without -- however bizarre they may seem.

And on that note... I totally owe Saya our FAVORITE meal from the Charles Village area...

Veggie pizza from Hopkins Deli!

Run Away

The best part of the last few [transient] days of nice weather has been running outside.

As much as I love yoga, running outside is the ultimate therapy. While yoga helps clear my mind, running seems to generate ideas. I usually come up with ideas for stories while running, and it's the best way to blow off steam.

That being said, a good pair of running shoes is essential to get up and down Maryland hills. For the past four years, I've purchased my shoes at Fleet Feet Sports in Baltimore.

The shop, located in Pikesville's Festival of Woodholme, is paradise for runners. The employees are energetic and experts in all things running. I've never been disappointed in a pair of shoes, and surprisingly, each pair has cost me less than $100. (Usually around $85)

(The Brooks GTS (9.5/narrow) have been my weapon of
choice for the past two years.)

By watching the customer run in either old or new shoes, the employees offer suggestions in terms of support and shoe structure. They even let you take a jog outside.

Fleet Feet Sports also has a wide selection of running apparel, particular shorts (my favorite: black and hot pink Nike shorts!) and sports bras.

But they're not just a shoe store, more of a running support system.

Fleet Feet runs a 5K training program, which kicks off April 18th this year... as long as you can wake yourself up for the 8am runs.

They also have Tuesday and Thursday fun-runs. Because everyone knows it's easier to get through the miles while chatting with someone -- maybe even a cute runner new to town?