Just Like Heaven...or 1989

I keep a mental list of people I want to see perform before I, or they, die. In recent years I've been able to marked several names off the list. Like U2, Dolly Parton, and Ricky Martin (OK he wasn't on the list but he sure put on a great show). Topping the list is Neil Diamond. I nearly lost it when a few weeks ago I heard he was coming to DC. I sat in my car open mouthed staring at the radio in disbelief until someone honked and I had to pull myself back into reality. I will be having my moment with Mr. Diamond come August 5th. Another list topper has been The Cure. I was able to scratch that name off my list a few weeks ago. Anyone, no no, any white person who was a kid or teen in the 80's and 90's is familiar with the dark eyeliner, red lipstick and spiked black hair of lead singer Robert Smith. I am happy to report that he is still sporting all 3 key elements of his signature style. However he has not aged well and gained some weight making his costumed appearance even more effective/frightening. The show was awesome. I went with 2 of my good friends and had a great time. One of the best parts was standing in the hall people watching. I love people! They're nuts. The band sounded great and performed all of my favorite songs: Just Like Heaven, Friday I'm In Love, Pictures of You etc. Should you get the chance I highly recommend going. Don't forget the black eyeliner!

My new best friend

Just up the street from my sister's house is a ghetto shopping center that plays host to a giant beauty supply store called "Beauty 4 U." One of my fellow white girls once ventured inside said store and was told she was too white, they didn't have anything for her there. I usually try to avoid this shopping center and, lets face it, most of the other stores in Oxon Hill. My sister once pointed out that there was a small bakery next to Beauty 4 U and suggested we try it sometime. I imagined it having a few stale donuts and M&M cookies under some glass guarded by a 400 lb former lineman named Gerard. Needless to say it wasn't a top priority to try it. But my mind was quickly changed when my friend Sam, a recent graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, gave a high recommendation to "Desserts By Gerard." Turns out Gerard is not a 400 lb lineman but a culinary French genius whose delectable creations make me weak in the knees. The best thing are his mini tarts. Its so hard to chose one so why not go with 1/2 a dozen? These bite-sized treats are small enough that you can eat several and not feel guilty. This way you get to make an educated decision on what tart to purchase on your next visit. Desserts By Gerard is like an oasis in the dessert, not only is the food amazing but the ambiance of this bakery is fantastic too. Walking through those doors makes you feel like you've stepped right out of Oxon Hill and into a little taste of heaven. If you want to see for yourself come on by...I'll be there drooling on the glass http://dessertsbygerard.com/home.htm