Hinged, the app

As a disclaimer, I have no experience with internet dating, so I am in no way qualified to offer a review on a dating website approach. . .  but I am going to do so anyway. 

I just like the concept of Hinged. 

Two fellow DC people I trust explained they tried it and they think they like it.  With that, I am going to go ahead and try to educate the masses. (Just in the name of love really - who doesn't want more love in the world;) 

It is a recent startup that was launched in DC first. (Are you reading New York, LA, Chicago? They picked DC first!) 

Here is how it works. In Hinge's own words. . . 

"Hinge uses the Facebook social graph to connect users with compatible friends of friends. Hinge users answer multiple-choice questions about their friends. Is this friend athletic, artistic or booksmart? Which friend is most your type? Hinge learns the users’ tastes and then suggests friend-of-friend matches. Finally, Hinge anonymously finds out if the feeling is mutual and makes the connection if it is."

That sounds incredibly pragmatic but quite simply. . .

You have an App, everyday 10 friends of friends (who have accepted to participate - no cost) show up on your screen, you see pretty much nothing but a picture (yes, this a very superficial process), and you click whether you would like to meet them.

Within a few days, they will see your picture (if they haven't already), and if you both agreed the other looked favorable . . then the magic happens and Hinged introduces you.

Here is the kicker - you both have a mutual facebook friend in common so in a few years in the wedding announcement - you get to say you met through a mutual friend. 

Maybe less is more. . . 

Car2Go

I have a car. So when I see people in quasi car/quasi go carts, I honestly do not pay much attention. 

This past weekend, as dinner was finishing my friend explained a Car2Go (those little blue and white bug looking cars) was waiting for us. He owns a car so I thought it was odd that he rented a Car2go but. . . 

He explained, Car2Go is cheaper than a taxi, faster than the metro at times, and easier to park.

Hmm. . .I was intrigued. 

Unlike Zip Car which you rent by the hour, you rent a Car2go by the minute. (.32 cents)  

In short, this is how it works. . .

You have an app on your phone. You say I want to get in a Car2go. It tells you where one is within your radius. It holds it for 30 minutes (no charge). You walk to the Car2go. You swipe a little identification card across the car reader in the window. You start driving. You park it at your destination. Any meter (ish) in DC. You swipe out.

So simple. I have a car and I might just register for those nights I don't have the patience to be on the metro and can't get a cab.

The cars are very European looking. This could also be interpreted as looking like little clown cars. However, once you get in, they are very erognomically designed and they feel quite spacious. Of note, this concept was actually implemented overseas.

A few sticking points. . .  they are not always available. It is sorta luck if one is going to be within walking distance.

You don't know how much your ride cost until it charges you.  Why it doesn't tell you on your app? I don't know - maybe they could call Uber app for advice on that. 

You can't park it any meter that is zoned for rush hour. This can be a problem to park it in certain parts of the city. 

Right now they are running a lifetime membership plus a free 30 minutes for $10. . . I have to go, need to register now. :)

Armed Forces Retirement Home/Golf/Gardens

I attended golf clinics last week with the Women's Congressional Golf League.

This is how the conversation started. 

Matt (PGA Pro) : Welcome to the golf clinic. Any questions before we start?

Me : Yes. How did you become a PGA pro? Is there a test I will need to take?

Fast forward to one hour later. 

Me : Excuse me, Matt. How do I hit the ball? 

Needless to say, I am not anywhere near the PGA pro level (maybe give me another year;) But I did learn a tremendous amount from the clinics. And at 4 hours for $35, really how could I not sign up?

As always, what I learned was not what I came for. 

The Armed Forces Retirement Home is a hidden gem. They have a well loved golf course of nine holes which for $550 a year, almost anyone can join. They also have a PGA pro, Matt Kayson who gives fantastic lessons for a reasonable price (somewhere around $40 an hour) or $20 to play a game with you and a friend. Search high and search low but you will find practically nothing about this place on the internet. Give Matt a call - 202 541 7773. 

Also, off in the distance I noticed what I thought was a farm. (Of note, the grounds expand over 270 acres - which is quite the piece of real estate) It was not a farm. It was a community garden. For about $20, you can join too. They actually pair you up with a veteran and you work together on your garden. The garden looked very well maintained and was quite expansive. They do have a Facebook page. I'm looking forward to next year already. 

I plan on being back and am signing off so I can practice my swing.

Golf league starts tomorrow at Haines Point! 

Pretty People Vintage

Last year, I discovered Annie Creamcheese and then within in two months, it was gone. I wanted Mad Men dresses, authentic and vintage even if I had to trek to Georgetown to get them. As soon as I discovered Annie Creamcheese, it closed. The irony. 

Well, according to the urban legend - A breakup left more than just two broken hearts.   Annie Creamcheese ventured out west. Girls throughout DC were left without a vintage shop to love. Annie, the founder who partnered with a boyfriend (love is always so complicated) ventured off out on her own again.

Alas, there was Pretty People Vintage.

Here was my first problem with Pretty People Vintage. It is in Old Town.  I need it closer.

So my very good friend nows lives in surburbia (aka VA). She traded in her high rise, one bedroom for a husband, a yard, two dogs, and a growing belly bump :) On an idle Sunday, I ventured to another state (that sounds more dramatic) and we went to Old Town for lunch.

I figured if we are already here, might as well visit Pretty People Vintage.

It was not as edgy as Annie Creamcheese. Annie Creamcheese was funky and hip. Pretty People Vintage is softer, quaint. To be honest,  I would argue slightly more boring. (Sometimes I can be too honest)

However, the prices were unbelievable.  Where as Annie Creamcheese dresses started in the hundreds, it was completely realistic to find something at Pretty People for under $50.  The selection was smaller (hence so is the space).  Notably though the selection was thought out and unlike anything else you can find in the district.

I didn't find anything to buy. (Every time I went to Annie Creamcheese I had to stage an intervention with myself because I had so many dresses, I wouldn't be able to carry them all home) The store was crowded and there wasn't as much 1950's & 1960's inventory as I would have prefered.

I don't think I will be back anytime soon. If Annie Creamcheese was closer, I would probably find my way there often but I just don't see crossing state lines if the experience is going to be hit or miss ;)

Foot traffic

Driving Shoes by absolutelydc featuring lands ends

Boot season is practically over. And it isn' t quite sandal season. I love wearing my "driving shoes" or "boat shoes". They go with everything, are super comfy, and can bring just enough color to an outfit.

I love my Geox, Sperry's, and Land's End brands. They literally get more comfortable with wear and offer more support/sophistication that Tom's.