To all my philanthropic and fashionable friends in Chicago, the gro – Giving. Real. Opportunity., thrown by the beautiful ladies behind Seeds of Africa, is the event to be at this weekend.

Show your support for the darling children in Ethiopia in need better education and after school program and also the homeless on the South Side of Chicago. Mingle with models over matters that will make a difference in many children’s futures.  Also, enjoy the open bar in the lovely atmosphere of the Orangeskin swank showroom while opening your hearts and wallets for the silent auction.

I personally got involved with Seeds of Africa, a nonprofit organization, for the inspiration and support they provide to children, young adults and their families in Africa. The foundation has created community enhancement and development programs to help shape these young citizens into future leaders.  These underprivileged children are at the top of their class, yet their families do not have the means to provide them with the support for their most fundamental needs.  Sometimes we take for granted the simplest luxuries that these children are not able to have.

Make a difference… and hey, you can also say you got to meet Miss Ethiopia, the founder of Seeds of Africa.  

Orangeskin, 223 West Erie Street, Chicago
Saturday, Nov. 13th, 7-11pm
Silent Auction and Open Bar, $25 tax deductible entry, tickets available at the door
RSVP:gro2010rsvp@gmail.com

Here’s a heads up to all you skincare fanatics and freebie lovers – On July 22nd from 5pm – 9pm, Estee Lauder will be doing a 360,000 10-day sample giveaway at their counters of the Advanced Night Repair products (serum or eye). The event is called America’s Night to Repair, which is a repeat of last year’s event, but this time including the new Advanced Night Repair Eye Synchronized Complex. If you haven’t heard all the praise from the masses already, stop by and give it a try.

Late nights and insomnia have taken a toll on my tired eyes, so I’ll be giving their new Eye Complex a test drive. Find more information on the event on Facebook and more about the Advanced Night Repair line on Estee Lauder.

During these tough times, it’s been hell on everyone’s wallets even for the most frugalistas. While the economy may not be changing, but thanks to Frédéric Fekkai, your hair care ritual will. The brand known synonymously for luxury hair care products is pleased to announce their “Shampoo Swap” day, exclusively at Saks Fifth Avenue.

Celebrating the launch of the new Fekkai Advanced™ hair care line, Frédéric Fekkai is inviting you to any of the participating Saks Fifth Avenue stores nationwide listed below on Thursday, September 17th. There you’ll say goodbye to any full sized shampoo you currently use and exchange it for one fantastic full sized 8oz complimentary Fekkai Advanced shampoo of their choice, a $23 value, while supplies last.

Participating Saks Locations – Store hours may vary for each location. Please call stores for details.

Headed to see the show tonight at 7:30pm at the Cricket Wireless Amphitheater in Chula Vista thanks to Halloran of FM94.9. Street Sweeper Social Club opens, then NIN and Jane’s Addiction closes – interesting lineup as I thought NIN would be headlining.  Quite excited to see NIN in action (I’m not that huge of a fan, but hey I can’t argue with free tickets).  In the past, I’ve seen Perry Farrell perform with his darling girlfriend at the Florida Room and Dave Navarro at the Bacardi B-Live event.  Not bad, but both have a penchant for performing topless.

Download unreleased and exclusive tracks from all three bands including some cover art.
Free Download Track Listing
01. Chip Away (JA)
02. Not So Pretty Now (NIN)
03. Clap for the Killers (Street Sweeper)
04. Whores (JA)
05. Non-Entity (NIN)
06. The Oath (Street Sweeper)

Follow my tweets for pictures and up-to-date action on tonight’s concert.

To my fellow San Diego recessionistas and recessionaires, the Pearl Hotel in Point Loma is offering another theme event at the uber-cute boutique hotel. This time around, BYOB (bring your own bowl) and feast up on some tasty soups and breads while conversing with your cohorts about the lacking job market. All with cocktails in hand of course. Remember to RSVP.

We all have been affected by the beloved recession, so The Pearl Hotel and DiscoverSD have teamed up for our 1st Soup-Line Party (BYOB) on Sunday, April 26th, 2009 from 6 PM till 9PM. This is a free event and BYOB stands for Bring Your Own Bowl. We will be filling your bowl with a serving of your choice of three different mouth-watering soups created by Executive Chef Spencer Johnston, accompanied by delicious bread. Not all things in a downed economy have to be bad, so come enjoy a free meal on us and partake in an evening of friends, conversations, and cocktails. This is a RSVP only event, so please email kparker@thepearlsd.com along with your name and phone number to be included. (Max reservation: 2 per RSVP)

Remember, the Pearl shines brightest when you are here!

The Pearl Hotel / 1410 Rosecrans Street / 619.226.6100 / www.thepearlsd.com