This past weekend I had the opportunity to take a spin in the 2010 Ford Fusion. I was there to learn about Eco-driving, and had “hyper-miling” expert Wayne Gerdes of CleanMPG to lead the way. Ford also had a mission this weekend to go the distance and drive 1,000 miles on just one tank of gas. This was made possible by a team that drove tirelessly up and down the GW Parkway in Alexandria (Mt. Vernon side), and they achieved their goal and then some, setting a world record of 1,445 on a single tank of gas.

Overall, it’s a nice mid-size vehicle (bigger than the Camry) with good upgrade options like a killer navigation system, SYNC and more. If saving the planet in comfort and style is your kind of deal, then check it out.

I haven’t driven a Hybrid since back in 2000, so this was a new experience for me. I’m also used to driving a stick shift, so the idea of driving an automatic that also had an engine that shut off was a whole new world.  I learned very quickly that I probably burn twice as much gas as I need to, and there are things that even I can do in my regular gas-guzzling stick shift to conserve gas and energy. On my trip, I was able to get 75 mpg on my 18 mile trip. That’s crazy.

Lynn Miller at OrganicMania provided some fantastic tips from her trip on how to maximize your fuel economy.

For anyone else interested in my experience (or learning about eco-driving in general), I encourage you to check out these resources. We can all make the world just a little bit greener by driving smart.

Follow @FordDriveGreen on Twitter and hashtag #hybrid1000

Check out links related to the challenge on delicious

See tons of pics on Flickr

View lots of great videos on YouTube (including mine)

Special thanks to Ogilvy 360 DI and Ford for inviting me!

After 6 long months, I finally secured a full-time job! I will be working at a large international non-profit in DC, doing web communications work. The first step will be managing the re-design of their website, and eventually working to integrate appropriate social networks (because I am no proponent of “shiny object syndrome”). There will be a large education portion from the top down on how and why to use social networks, and I’m excited to bring my experience to really help an organization shine. I’m looking forward to it!

I wanted to take the time to give a shout-out to the many people who helped me through this time. I’ve always been a big networker and have a weird ability to remember people and places. I know that social networks allow us to interact, communicate, and access communities. Never before has this been more clear to me than with the aid of Twitter and my online community.

A quick timeline, I was laid off in November and quickly picked up some consulting work with a local PR firm that carried me through the end of the year. From there I picked up another PR firm in January, some project work in February, and another communications firm for March and April. I definitely identified with @bostonmarketer juggling the job search and consulting work. I’m greatly indebted to those people who were able to give me work even as they experienced rough times and will continue to recommend them as stellar places to work.

Over 6 months, I accumulated over 360 conversation threads tagged “Job 2008-2009″ in my inbox. I went on 5 informational and 15 real interviews from Baltimore to Canada, some of which I went back to multiple times. I managed 2-4 clients at any given time and applied to over 100 jobs. I hustled. I went to temporary employment agencies, I even applied to wait tables. Thanks to my consulting work and a little other help, I never had to do either of those, nor did I collect unemployment (which was partly the fault of the hoops you have to jump to get your $378 a week). I’m proud that I worked hard and further developed my skills, that I was able to basically support myself, and that I got the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people. Many of the places I interviewed were not able to hire me, but passed my resume on to others. In fact, that’s how I secured the job I’ll be starting in a couple of weeks.

Family and friends were always there for me. I’d especially like to thank my boyfriend - who gave me countless hours of advice, support, editing, financial help, a good kick when I needed it, a shoulder to lean on and a smile to celebrate with. My best friend who supported me, kept it real and told me when something was ridiculous. My parents for their support (and worry), and all my friends for their help and for lending an ear.

It really does take a village. In no particular order, I’d like to give thanks to the following people from my “online network”. Without you, I could not have done this. From providing job leads, serving as references, getting me in touch with their connections, sending along my resume, checking for job openings at their company and generally offering their support; these people (and many more) should know how much I appreciate their help. I’m very lucky I had these people on my side.

@geoffliving @marinel @beautifulthangs @michael_nelson @eliz2shea @barryreich @lkthrock @dcjams @jterrill8 @tdbacon @sseawright @thorpus @swhitley @technosailor @kamichat @rmoede @tjohns06 @shonali @annagabbert @mindofandre @mpranikoff @colbcox @stephstad @rdweatherly @shashib @socialbttrfly @ericldavis @dallaslawrence @sradick @bradlevinson @cdorobek @leslieann44 @strategicguy @maiakg @johnny_mac @phillyberg @hautepjones @wamurray @rachellelacroix @noreaster @mixtmedia @sverde @sarahwurrey @fletcherprince @hey_love @kristiewells @mobilediner @jillfoster @stephmurillo @carlynkelley @immunity @thinklynsen @sliqviq @xiobhan @kathymbaird @taradunion @queenofblogs @pamelaspunch @janetdmiller @prjobs @dcconcierge @tdefren @melaniephung @melaniemitchell @sraak @tmn_inc @erinwest @taylortb @jtnt

I always believe in paying it forward. That said, I’ve helped pass on strong job leads to four of my friends in the past few days by sending great job opportunities that I was not able to take and motivating my own networks to help others. I think it’s especially important in these times to help each other, and that is evident in the huge number of blogs, Twitter feeds and newspaper articles on everything from how to interview to where to find a job. This recession has been tough on everyone from business owners to employees. The more we can stick together and help one another, the better off we’ll be.

As a final note, I’d like to share some links that I found were helpful and/or interesting.

• Jobs Lists and Resources from Mashable
• HOW TO: Find a Job on Twitter
• 30+ Websites to Visit When You’re Laid Off
• CAREER TOOLBOX: 100+ Places to Find Jobs
• Daily Kos: How to get a job: what’s missing from resumes I’m reviewing Update X2
• Your Resumé is Causing Hiring Companies To Laugh At You (Revised) | Technosailor.com
• The Interview That’ll Bag a Job - WSJ.com
• Career Hub: 10 Ways To Avoid Sabotaging Your Job Search By Being Desperate
• How to Tweet Your Way Out of a Job « I’m Not Actually a Geek
• Write an Attention-Grabbing Cover Letter

Blogs:
• Survival Mode (from @csalomonlee who has since secured a job)
• Laid Off And Looking - WSJ 
• How I Got My Job | Job-hunting success stories podcast

More social media focused from Jeremiah Owyang:
• Also see my Web Strategy Jobs powered by Job o Matic
• See my community manager group in Facebook
• Check out Jake McKee’s community portal for jobs
• See Chris Heuer’s Social Media Jobs
• SimplyHired aggregates job listings, as does Indeed

There has been a lot of talk in the social media and PR blog world about personal brands; what they mean (if anything), how they relate to reputation, and what your personal brand means online. Does your personal brand work for or against you? Is it self-promotional? Should it be?

I’m not one for confrontation, so I wanted to lighten up the debate with a few examples of some great personal brands. Answer these questions before declaring yourself a personal branding success (or expert). These are the real rock stars.

Are You on a First Name Basis? Think Britney. Mariah. Madonna. Diddy. Prince. Jay-Z. Oprah. Until you are mainstream enough to be known by one name only, then think twice about branding yourself as a real personality. Runners Up: Arnold (as in Governor Schwarzenegger), Dave (as in Dave Matthews Band), Donald (as in The Donald, Donald Trump) and Hef (as in Hugh Hefner). Up and Coming (Maybe): Sorry Ryan Seacrest and Simon Cowell, you may have to wait a bit to achieve a true personal brand.

Do You Have a Nickname? Chances are that anyone who is remotely familiar with pop culture will recognize the names Brit-Brit, K-Fed, Spidey, Bennifer, Brangelina, and TomKat. There’s a reason for that. Although some celebrity nicknames may be unfortunate, the plus side is that it gives some people a warm and fuzzy, comforting and familiar feeling. It makes you feel like an insider, smart and informed. And when you’re a personal brand, you want people to feel like they are cool with you, and that you’re one of them.

Does Your Personality Persuade? The Food Network is a great example. There are top chefs, and there are lukewarm fillers. Consider the marketing and selling power of Rachel Ray, Paula Deen, Bobby Flay, Emeril Lagasse, Giada De Laurentiis and Ina Garten. People actually feel like they can cook like these people when they follow their recipes, buy their cookbooks, and use their cook and bakeware. They have multiple shows on Food Network and other networks. They sell cookbooks, cooking tools, readymade products and more.

But consider the second tier Foot Network stars like Guy Fieri, who people may relate to since he won The Next Food Network Star challenge or Sandra Lee who has become popular from her quick “home-cooked” meals. These chefs may be popular among their fans, but don’t have the national (and global) appeal and clout that Rachel, Paula, Bobby, Emeril, Giada and Ina do. There is no question that the top Food Network stars listed above can easily outsell anything compared to Aida Mollenkamp, Sunny Anderson, and the Neelys.

Does Your Personality Become a Brand? Not only does it pay off for your personal brand and celebrity status to sell a brand, sometimes you’re just good enough to build your brand off your personality alone. Think Perez Hilton or LC (as in Lauren Conrad from The Hills - and her posse). Perez turned his snarky outrageous celebrity blog and crazy personality into a brand. LC turned her once innocent self from a likeable-enough reality show star to a C or B-list celebrity that makes money just be being present. Oh, and she also was able to use her personal brand to launch a clothing line and help her co-stars create spin-off shows. On the negative side, think about Lindsay Lohan. Her party personality and late nights have pushed her personal brand to trash. Seen her in any good movies lately? Me neither.

Have You Created a Popular Slang Phrase? “That’s hot.” If Paris Hilton says it, it must be true. If you have the ability to infer an others a feeling or action simply by speaking (and having the very words you utter repeated by the masses)…then you may be a personal brand with the ability to create a new slang phrase. And everyone needs a good one. That’s what she said. (Although not a new double entendre, fans of The Office will surely understand that reference.)

 

 

If you answered “yes” to one or more of the above questions, then congratulations, you are indeed a bona fide personal brand.

With 2 to 5 million people expected to descend on the DC metro area in a couple weeks for President-elect Obama’s Inauguration festivities, there remains one big question. Where will they eat?

I’m sure OpenTable has been booked for months, but if you can manage a reservation (or long wait time) at one of the following restaurants, you won’t be disappointed. Many are featuring special hours and/or menus in anticipation. If you can’t get in (or out) of the city, make plans to stop at some of the VA and MD spots ahead of time.

I’ve compiled a list of some of my favorite restaurants, places where I recommend out-of-towners dine.

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Kinkead’s | http://www.kinkead.com/ | DC (Foggy Bottom)

I’m not a seafood person, but this was one of the best meals I’ve had in DC. The crispy Ipswich clams with tartar sauce and fried lemons is a treat. The steak medallions I had had a delicious crust with melt-in-your-mouth meat. Save room for dessert, the lemon dessert sampler (Lemon Pudding Cake, Vanilla and Citrus Parfait with Lemon and Mandarin Granitas and a Lemon Meringue Tart) I had is still one of my favorite desserts…ever.

BLT Steak | http://www.bltsteak.com/ | DC (Downtown/Farragut)

Popovers and bacon can’t be beat. The pate is a lovely addition as well (so I hear). I’ve been disappointed by the side dishes (except hen of the woods mushrooms that my bf loves), but the baked potatoes are massive enough to share. A pleasantly masculine atmosphere and delicious sizzling steak is enough to make anyone feel Presidential.

Brasserie Beck | http://www.beckdc.com/ | DC (Downtown)

The frites alone are worth it. Mussels are meaty and aromatic, and other dishes like the spinach salad (a large side salad), short ribs and “ham and cheese” sandwich are excellent as well. Beer list, as expected, is superb. I’m a fan of Kriek beers.

Ray’s the Steaks | No website | Courthouse (Arlington, VA)

Take the time to stop by promptly at 4 pm (in person) to put your name on the waiting list. It’s worth it. I’m usually a filet mignon kind of girl, but at Ray’s I order a NY Strip steak au poivre (sauce on the side). With its charred exterior and juicy tender meat, the strip is pretty flavorful. A bargain with sides of creamed spinach and mashed potatoes included in the price. Forget Morton’s, The Palm, and all the other steakhouses. Ray’s is where it’s at.

Oyamel | http://www.oyamel.com/ | DC (Penn Quarter)

Oyamel has little plates of Mexican goodness. Tamales, short ribs, skirt steak, shrimp and more are creatively plated and presented in mouthwatering morsels. Make sure to try the mole and the huitlacoche (Mexican corn truffles). There is also a stuffed pepper dish that my bf swears by.

Zaytinya | http://www.zaytinya.com/ | DC (Chinatown)

You can order a ton of plates for not a ton of price. Featuring Greek and Mediterranean fare, Zaytinya can complement most any palate. Zaytinya has a gorgeous atmosphere with calming decor and open glass windows, but the best thing about it is the bread. Pillowy pita bread is served hot with olive oil, completely addictive. Tapas are best when they’re shared, so make sure to sample and spread the love.

Woodmont Grill | http://www.hillstone.com/#/restaurants/woodmontGrill/ | Bethesda, MD

I reviewed Woodmont a couple months ago. My top dishes are the french dip, the house salad, and the Hawaiian steak.

Hudson’s | http://www.hudson-dc.com/ | DC (Downtown/Dupont)

Always innovative, I like Hudson’s trendy yet comforting menu. The matzo ball soup is delicious, and any place with fried chicken is high on my list.

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2 Amy’s | http://www.2amyspizza.com/ | DC (Cleveland Park)

One of my top weekend destinations. If you can handle the wait (they don’t take reservations), it’s well worth it. I’m a fan of the traditional 2 Amy’s pizza, with just tomato and mozzarella and a dash of olive oil. Take note of the daily specials and appetizers. I can never turn down the potato and prosciutto croquettes, or the polpettine (tiny meatball), sizzling with slices of thick bread. The eggplant parmesan is also wonderful. Kids drinks are also a weakness of mine, especially the kids pink lemonade with a scoop of sorbet. A special treat on Sunday is the cinnamon-sugar donut, complete with the donut hole. I’ve never had anything I didn’t like at 2 Amy’s.

Cactus Cantina | http://www.cactuscantina.com/ | DC (Cleveland Park)

If you want to avoid the crowds at Lauriol Plaza, stop by Cactus Cantina (right next to 2 Amy’s) for the exact same menu. The place is huge, and can accomodate a crowd minus the ridiculous wait. Swirl margaritas come in pitchers, and the salsa is pleasantly smoky. Fresh chips and tortillas make the food that much better. My favorites are the beef fajitas and the BBQ chicken salad. I love the house salad dressing there. Wings are not bad either, and traditional Mexican dishes are hearty and satisfying.

Liberty Tavern | http://www.thelibertytavern.com/home.php | Clarendon (Arlington, VA)

If you can only go once, go for the brunch. It’s my favorite brunch place, mostly because of the old-fashioned candy bar (pic featured here). My favorite pizza there (which rivals 2 Amy’s) is the Vermont, featuring white cheddar, proscuitto, Granny Smith apples, caramelized onions and sage. It sounds odd, but is simply divine.

Palena | http://www.palenarestaurant.com/ | DC (Cleveland Park)

If you eat in the front of the restaurant (Palena Cafe), then you can dine like a king on their mouth-watering cheeseburger and crispy fried potatoes, onions and lemons. The roast chicken has to be ordered ahead of time, but it’s worth the wait with crispy skin and juicy chicken.

Peking Gourmet | http://www.pekinggourmet.com/ | Falls Church, VA

Best Peking duck in town. Just ask President Bush. The duck is perfectly crisped and expertly carved tableside. Meat is both flavorful and not fatty. In addition to the duck, I like the egg rolls, Szechuan beef proper, fried rice, moo shu pork and dumplings.

Papa Razzi’s | http://www.paparazzitrattoria.com/ | DC (Georgetown)

This is one of my favorite restaurants in Georgetown. The food is consistently good, and I really like the atmosphere. Try the mozzarella fritta, roasted lemon garlic chicken (gallo al forno) or the lasagna. You won’t be disappointed.

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Surfside | http://www.surfsidedc.com/ | DC (Glover Park)

What’s better than a fresh tortilla, slightly grilled, corn shaved off the cob, marinated beef, and lime sour cream? Nothing. That’s my favorite “create your own” taco combination. Feel free to get creative on your own, or sample some of Surfside’s delectable tacos, burritos, salads, and entrees.

Urban BBQ | http://www.urbanbbqco.com/ | Rockville, MD

The wings are stellar, BBQ chicken succulent, and brisket and ribs excellent. Don’t discount the sides, the cole slaw is nicely chopped and slightly vinegary, and the cornbread is sweet with pieces of corn.

Eamonn’s | http://www.eamonnsdublinchipper.com/ | Alexandria, VA

The best fish and chips in town, hands down. Stop by Old Town Alexandria. Crispy and freshly fried, the cod and chips is my favorite. Tartar sauce is creamy and tangy, and all the sauces are homemade. Don’t forget to save room for the fried Snickers bars. Pick up a piece of European nostalgia with imported candies and treats from the UK and beyond.

Aladdin’s Eatery | http://www.aladdinseatery.com/ | Various VA Locations (Shirlington, Ballston and Burke)

This is one of my favorite Lebanese/Middle Eastern restaurants. The Shirlington location makes a great first-date spot, and both have free wi-fi. I’m partial to the chicken salad rolled wrap and salad pita, the fattoush salad, and the hummus. I also love the raspberry sunshine smoothies. You can easily dine here for under $10 per person. They also have a wonderful wine list.

It’s the holiday season, and through all the hustle and bustle, I wanted to take a moment to share some of my favorite memories.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas - the cartoon version will always be a classic. I try to watch it every year.

 

Enstrom’s Toffee - I think I’ve covered that.

Music - I love holiday songs. From Charlie Brown Christmas carols to Mannheim Steamroller and Trans-Siberian Orchestra.  I also love a capella music. Carol of the Bells, Silver Bells, and of course Mariah Carey’s Christmas CD. This year, I got my fix singing with the Alexandria Singers! I also love singing Silent Night with lit candles.

Baking Cookies - Sadly, I haven’t baked anything yet this year…but my go-to favorites are my mom’s lemon-butter cookies (which are like roll-out cookies with some lemon zest - amazing!), and gingerbread cookies. For something a little easier, I’m a fan of the peanut butter cookies with the Hershey’s Kiss in the middle and raw sugar sprinkled on top.

Stocking Stuffers - Stockings are a big thing in my family - and mine is huge! My Grandma made it for me when I was younger…and my favorite thing to do is open stockings first thing Christmas morning. Mine usually have candy, gift certificates, and little gifts (like nail polish, lipstick, socks, etc.). My dog even has a stocking!

 

Traditional Food - Holidays are all about food to me. We usually have lasagna (pictured below) on Christmas Eve and filet mignon on Christmas Day. Last year we experimented and had roast beef tenderloin instead which was really good. It’s pictured below with homemade caramelized onion mashed potatoes and three pepper fresh green beans with parmesan cheese and made from scratch yeast rolls. YUM! The best part was the cake my mom made, which I’ve begged her to make again.  It’s a spice cake with blackberry filling and cream cheese frosting. Simply amazing.

In the past we’ve had a goose on Christmas and even a homemade Buche de Noel. For breakfast, we usually have either a strata, a cherry clafouti (pictured below), or a hashbrown tart with pepperjack cheese and bits of ham. All are really good! I also really love all the latkes that I have had this year for Hanukkah! You really can’t go wrong with fried potato goodness.

Christmas  Eve lasagna

Spice cake with blackberry filling and cream cheese frosting

Beef tenderloin with caramelized onion mashed potatoes and three pepper green beans

 

Cherry clafouti

Decorations - I haven’t really had time and money to decorate the past couple years, but my family has some traditional and new decorations. When I was little I loved to play with a tiny wooden cresh. Nutcrackers are fun too!

What are some of your holiday memories?