Storm Chaser- Tim Samaras

One of the many perks of my job is that I get to attend fascinating scientific lectures.  I have attended some amazing lectures, but one that really "blew me away" (pardon the bad pun) was the presentation by  Tim Samaras, National Geographic Emerging Explorer and Storm Chaser. 

Most kids watched the Wizard of Oz and buried their heads during the scary tornado scene.  Tim saw the beast of a storm and developed a fascination that would fuel a life of discovery and daredevil storm chasing.  Tim and his team use their incredible technology (and a whole bunch of bravery) to drive directly into the path of the storm in hopes of collecting data that can lead to breakthrough discoveries.  Tim and his team have developed an instrument called the "turtle" to collect data in the lowest 10m of the storm.  This information is critically important because this is where the storm presents the most danger to people in the path of the storm.  (Source: ThunderChase.com)

The science, photography, and video presented during Tim's lecture were fascinating, but I was most impressed by Tim as a person.  Not only does he willingly risk his own life to track these deadly storms, but he and his crew also race to the scene after the tornado to lend a hand to the first responders. During his presentation, in a room filled with high-ranking scientists, Tim's attention was directed to the kids in the audience, who were granted a front-row seat.  Every child's question was answered with kindness and a thorough explanation. He captivated the kids in the audience- not an easy task.  

Tim is part of the JASON project: a Virginia-based organization that was founded by Dr. Robert D. Ballard in 1989.  Dr. Robert Ballard is known for many breakthrough discoveries, including the wreckage of the RMS Titanic. The JASON project uses curriculum developed with NOAA, NASA, National Geographic, to connect students with scientists and researchers.  (Source: Jason.org)

To find out more information on the great work of Tim Samaras and The JASON Project, please visit these links below.  

http://thunderchase.com/

http://www.jason.org/public/whatis/start.aspx

Tickled Toes!

Anyone in search of an adorable, creative gift for kids will love the products at Tickled Toes!  Owner and creative genius (and incredibly nice person), Sherri Osborne hand paints shoes for kids of all ages.  Sherri is the mother of two wonderful twin girls, who make sure all of her designs pass the "cool" test before they hit her site. 

How perfect would these shoes be for a birthday girl?

Source: Tickled-toes.com

How about these lion shoes for a little man?

Source: Tickled-toes.com




There are a zillion ways to customize these shoes from the style of the shoe, paint theme, fancy laces and clips- you name it, she does it! Support a local business and check out the Tickled Toes Website for fun Christmas gift ideas!

Cool Cuts- Hair Port LTD

Behind a rather non-assuming facade in the Countryside Shopping Center in Sterling, VA hides a fabulous salon.  Hair Port LTD does it all- hair, nails, and spa treatments that will make you melt.  Their philosophy focuses not just on outer beauty, but on overall wellness. This salon is not just tranquil and beautiful, but it is also very clean!

I by no means have luscious locks, but I have received countless compliments on my hair cuts thanks to the scissor magic of Matilda (she is "my girl", but everyone is great).  Hair Port did all of the hair and makeup for my wedding.  I didn't know it would be possible to make those girls any more beautiful, but Hair Port pulled it off!

I could go on for days about all f the great products and services featured at this salon, but the most wonderful thing about this salon is their commitment to charity and philanthropy.  Hair Port has an annual cut-a-thon to sponsor City of Hope.  The staff donates their time for the day and all of the profits go to support the cause.  Hair Port also recently held a Pink Carpet Affair to support breast cancer research. 

Here is the link to Hair Port Salon and Spa!

http://www.hairportltd.com/index.php

Ah Nuts!

Just when I was looking for inspiration, .my work has an afternoon "tea party" (aka snacks before a company-wide science lecture).  This month's caterer: Catoctin Popcorn Co.!  I practically sprinted down the hall when the announcement was made.

I munched on delicious, hot, fresh kettle corn, while I stashed a bag of Bavarian Style Cinnamon Roasted Cashews in my pocket "for Blair"....yeah right, I did bring them home to him, but the bag was slightly lighter when I got home.  I can't be held responsible for this sort of thing. Blair devoured them (see the pic below), and while licking his fingers he managed to get out "mmm...these are delicious!  I'm gonna eat the whole bag!"  He wasn't kidding.

The popcorn and sweet, vanilla coated nuts are simply to die for!  This Maryland-based, family-owned company simply knocks it out of the park with their delicious gourmet treats.  Stop by and see them, or check out their website!


http://catoctinpopcorn.com/About_Us.htm

A very happy husband

Seeking Inspriation

I have sort of fallen off the Local Loves wagon recently.  I am still passionate about supporting local businesses and organizations...however, Blair and I have been anything but "local" lately.  When we have been home, we have been going to our old standby's such as Moca.

I am also toying with the idea of rolling my Local Loves post into my other blog: A Grain of Salt....

Seeking inspiration...

Pumped Up Kicks- Potomac River Running

At the suggestion of my physical therapist, I headed over to Potomac River Running  to get some new kicks.  My old running shoes were shot, and I needed a new pair that would help stabalize my foot strike (don't I sound fancy?). 

Yesterday, I took a trip over to the Leesburg PR store, where I met Kristen.  Kristen put me on a machine that analyzed the pressure points of my feet and then had me jog on a treadmill to have a look at my gait.  A few minutes later she returned with several pairs of shoes for me to try. 

I picked out a pair of Brooks Ravenna 2's, which I loved.  She had me jump back on the treadmill, and presto, chango! my footstrike was dramatically improved. 

I gave them a test run this morning and they felt great!  Thanks to Kristen and the rest of the helpful staff over at Potomac River Running  for great service! 

Happy Running!
http://www.potomacriverrunning.com/

Love At First Bite- Chantel's Cakes & Pastries

"Love at First Bite." This little phrase is not only the company's slogan, but it is also the perfect way to describe the delicious sweets made by Chantel's Cakes & Pastries, in Sterling, VA.  Tucked away in a little office/industrial park off Sterling Boulevard, is a team of bakers cranking out some of the most decadent and beautiful sweets around.  I may or may not have ordered a cookie to take with me (or...to eat as soon as I got in the car) when I last visited because after spending 5 minutes in their bakery I was so overcome with the aromas of all that deliciousness.

The best part about this place?  Not only are their baked goods out of this world, the people there are incredibly wonderful to deal with.  The staff is very friendly and more than happy to help you pick out the flavors and designs to make sure your order is fabulous.  Chantel's also specializes in all sorts of specialty cakes for those with food allergies such as non-dairy, non-egg, non-soy, gluten-free; you name it, they make it!

Give them a shout for your next event, or sweet craving: http://www.chantelsbakery.com/

Check out the beautiful cake Chantel's baked up for my Nana's birthday!  Hard to believe this beauty tasted even better than it looked!