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Things to do in Dayton | Restaurants, Theatre, Music and More

Nikki Nett

Local Love – A Mobile Boutique

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Love Local, Local Love

By now, we’re all familiar with the food trucks, bringing deliciousness to where ever our hearts desire. Of course, we’re also very familiar with the joys of online shopping. And, we’ve been touting the wonders of local business since we started here at Most Metro.

What if we told you there was a new venture bringing all of those things to life – in one spot? We know, mind = blown.

Welcome to Local Love A Roaming Boutique!

Boutique Shopping On Wheels

Boutique Shopping On Wheels

How It Started

Owner, Beth Presher, thought she found her “forever job”, one she loved. Due to unforeseen circumstances, she (like many) soon saw that forever job fall victim to downsizing. While it would have been easy to sit around and be sad, our girl Beth became inspired! She quickly embraced the spirit of entrepreneurship and combined a passion for fashion with the on trend concept of mobile retail. After a chance conversation with a friend of a friend, she began her research and unearthed a world of resources, including getting in contact with the American Mobile Retail Association. The Roaming Boutique concept was born.

Put The Local In Local Love

Not content to just roam out in the world stockpiling loads of cash, Beth felt inspired to give back to her community. She created a special line of t-shirts with proceeds going to a local non-profit doing fantastic things in the area. Bogg Ministries has a motto: “We love people, we feed people” and feed them they do! They load up their food truck and deliver essential meals to those that are in need. (Stay tuned for an upcoming story about these guys soon!). Just imagine the good you can do when someone asks you where you got that awesome Local Love t-shirt you’re wearing and you tell them that it is actually helping to feed dozens of people! Who knew being stylish could make such a difference?

Fashion Forward

So now you’re intrigued and ready to shop. You’re ready to fill your closet with the Spring essentials such as adorable sundresses, chevron tops, magnificent maxis and scarves for days. Where to begin? For the time being, you can click around until your heart is content at roamingboutique.com. There you’ll find some must-haves for the upcoming months.

The Truck Has It’s Big Debut

Now that you and your girlfriends have found something fun to wear while shopping their online boutique, get ready to head out for a night of fun! The “roaming” part of the Roaming Boutique makes it’s big debut on March 29th. It’s Girls Night Out at Victoria Theatre. The store on wheels will be there with exclusive finds you can’t find online. Do a little shopping then head in for one of the funniest musicals you’ll see in a long time!

We hope you join the adventure that Beth and Local Love A Roaming Boutique are about

to embark on. Here’s a sneak peek at some of their fun, flirty spring looks: 

mobile boutique chevron multi mobile boutique floral mobileboutique bow mobileboutique stripe maxi

Love Local Mobile Boutique

Love Local Mobile Boutique

See The Vision, Feel The Funk ** Ticket Contest**

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Most Metro is giving away tickets to see The Ohio Players

Most Metro is giving away tickets to see The Ohio Players

Get Funky

The arctic temperatures have us all in a bit of a funk. The best way to warm your weekend up is with some fire. Fiiiire. It’s in your head now. Don’t be ashamed to stand up and sing it. Pay no attention to your co-workers staring at you awkwardly. They want to sing, too. Invite them to come along to the Love Rollercoaster (unless that violates your company’s HR policy, of course).

This weekend, funk is alive right here in Dayton, where it all started. Our very own, Ohio Players will take the stage at The Schuster Center to kick off the interactive Visual Voices art exhibit. 

A collaborative effort between The Victoria Theatre Association and EboNia Gallery, Visual Voices: Visions of Dayton Funk tasked artists  to create visual art pieces that reflect the feel of the “Dayton Sound”.  To further examine that sound, students from Dayton Public Schools at the Ponitz Career Technology Center have interviewed the artists to provide the history which will allow the funk sound to move into the future with younger generations.

The night begins with The Dayton Funk All Stars bringing the Dayton sound to the stage.  A brief intermission will allow more time to take in the art exhibit before the Ohio Players close out the evening as only they can.

Tickets for the event on Sunday, February 9th are on sale at ticketcenterstage.com.

The Ohio Players will perform Feb 9 at the Schuster Center

The Ohio Players will perform Feb 9 at the Schuster Center

 

 “Upside down on the big dip dipper

1,2, 1,2,3 I´ve got a ticket come ride with me…”

DMM has your ticket to see the Ohio Players, if you’re our lucky winner! Just like this story and fill out the form below, winner will be posted Wed night.  [form 55 “DMM Contest Entry – Generic”]

 

How Sweet It Is!

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sweetestdaytonSweetest Day: Born In The Heart Of It All

Close to 100 years ago, in the land of Cleve, long before the Rock N Roll Hall of fame was even a figment in anyone’s imagination (rock n roll didn’t exist yet), 12 savvy businessmen concocted a new holiday. With their incomes tied directly to the greeting card and confection industries, they invented Sweetest Day. Fast forward to October 2013 and Sweetest Day is still alive and kickin’. While some may view a corporate-created faux holiday a waste of time, let’s face the reality, everyone likes to feel loved…or maybe even liked. So let’s jump into some of the local gifty options for your sweetie on Saturday, Oct 19th…

Back To The Basics, With A Modern Twist

Sweetest Day began with candy and cards, so let’s start there. While most Daytonians have fallen in love with the chocolatey goodness chocolateheartsinside the magic gold box with the classic red bow, did you know that Esther Price carries other sugary confections, like chocolate covered potato chips? They even have some delicious sugar-free options. Another yummy choice comes from Winan’s . Their dark chocolate meltaways are divine, and let’s not forget about the local favorite, BUCKEYES! No sweet tooth? No problem! Sometimes the greatest gifts one could receive are your handwritten thoughts and feelings. Since most of us have graduated from the intricately folded footballs passed in study hall, why not pick out a unique card? Some of the coolest ones can be found in the Oregon District, at Peace On Fifth. You can ignite your passion with compassion by knowing that the card or other gift you choose is fair-trade.

The Way To A Man’s Heart…

In all fairness, that phrase seems sooooo 1950’s, and really, everyone loves a good meal. While our Dining Guide has all the details for restaurants in every part of the Miami Valley at every price point, we thought we’d throw out a couple of options as a reminder that you may want to pick up the phone and make a reservation.

A sexy Saturday night downtown should probably include a meal at one of our favorites:

Olive, an Urban DiveddlogoHEARTS

Salar

Roost

If you prefer to keep it casual: 

Lucky’s

Blind Bob’s

One of the amazing food trucks or popular local breweries

If You Like It Then You Shoulda Put a Bow On It

Even the most selfless person can admit, gifts are fun. Thoughtful gifts can be super fun.

For the fashionista: Tom Ford sunnies from Gamine, sky high stilettos from Integritas, a Big Buddha bag from Merchant 31, or a fun & funky vintage jacket from Clash.

For the stressed: a massage gift certificate at your sweeties favorite salon / spa, a round of golf before the weather gets too cold, or a mini staycation at home!

For just about anyone: a nice bottle or gift certificate for Arrow Wine!

For the adventurous: Red Ribbon tickets to Saturday’s MasqueRAGE!

We hope this is helpful, or at least gives you inspiration for your own personalized ideas.

 

 

Comedy For A Cause at Funny Bone

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ok2We have all seen the destruction caused in Oklahoma by the recent tornadoes. Many have wondered what they can do to help. Well, it looks like you can laugh to help out.

No, we aren’t being mean. The Dayton Funny Bone is donating proceeds from not one, but TWO shows this week.
Thursday, June 6 and Sunday, June 9 the always hilarious, Vince Morris will be headlining these fundraiser shows.
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Dave Glardon will be the feature comic both nights. Chris Alan with be the emcee on Thursday will Adrian Cosby filling that role on Sunday.

The Funny Bone is even allowing 2 guest comedian spots for these shows. One slot is being filled by Tracy Cooper, and the other spot will be filled by a local comedian that is really trying to get the word out via social media. Who might that be? The organizers say they will award that spot who doses the best job promoting this show and they will  announce that soon (in the meantime, comics…they’re watching you).
Tickets are $5 each, and all proceeds will go directly to the United Way in Oklahoma.  If you can’t make it to one of these shows but would like to make a donation, you can call the Funny Bone at (937) 429-5233 and tell the ticket agent you’d like to “buy” tickets (at $5 each), but will not be able to attend.  That way they can take your donation, but leave the seats open for somebody who will be able to attend.  The club will also accept donations at the door if you feel inclined to give a little extra.

Eddie Griffin at The Dayton Funny Bone

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Eddie-Griffin-6When you’re voted class clown 3 times during high school, it’s only natural that you grow up to be a comedian. In the case of Eddie Griffin, his Kansas City, Missouri classmates certainly predicted the future for him.

Eddie Griffin has created a comedy career that includes roles in movies such as Deuce Bigelow: Male Gigolo, Date Move, Scary Movie 3, and Norbit. His most memorable movie role was the title character in Undercover Brother.

On stage, his comedy has been described as  an interesting mix of intelligent, provocative, and not for the faint of heart. There are no topics that are off limits and he is not afraid to offend on the way to the punchline. Yellow Springs resident Andre Kinley had this to say, “Eddie Griffith is crazy funny! Tons of intellectual insight that would catch the attention of just about everyone. He has great delivery and his approach is cunning! I would definitely go to another show…money well spent!”.

Local comedian, Doug Morgan, shared his own Eddie Griffin story. “12 years ago me and 6 white friends sat front row at Dayton Memorial Hall to see Eddie…the whole show was on us. It was awesome especially when he found out my buddy’s sister’s name was Bobbi Jo…when we told him..he just dropped the microphone and said “BOBBI F’N JO…the crowd went nuts.”.  It seems as if Mr. Griffin leaves every audience with something memorable to talk about after the show.

Eddie Griffin is appearing this weekend at the Dayton Funny Bone. Showtimes are Friday and Saturday 7:30 and 10:00. Tickets run $30 and can be purchased at daytonfunnybone.com or by calling 937-429-5233

 

I’d like to thank the Academy…

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Have you ever wanted to walk the red carpet? Does the idea of having your own personal ‘glam squad’ send you into daydreams of the beautiful life from the confines of your cubicle? Well, I’m here to tell ya- Hollywood glamour is right around the corner…

I recently had the pleasure of spending a few bliss-inducing hours with Kimberly McCabe at Bangs Salon in Centerville. Kimberly is an Xtreme Lash Stylist. Yes, Lash Stylist. I always thought I was blessed with pretty darn great lashes. I loved trying out new mascaras, and prided myself on being the go-to girl for my friends smokey eye technique troubles and lash definition dilemmas. Little did I know that Kimberly was about to open my eyes (pun intended) to a new world of lash-liciousness.

Being a 16 year vet of the beauty industry and successful salon owner, Kimberly was always on the lookout for new ways to help clients take beauty to the next level. She stumbled upon Xtreme Lash Extensions and, with a little skepticism, decided to learn more. In doing so, she was instantly smitten and became so passionate about lashes that she decided to sell her salon to her business partner and take the lash world by storm! Since that time, she was chosen by the founder of Xtreme Lashes, Jo Mousselli, to accompany her to the 2010 Academy Awards to provide the starlets with their lash extensions, as well as becoming a National Certified Xtreme Lash Trainer.

Admittedly, although I was impressed with her experience, I just wasn’t sure if I really needed lash extensions. Always up for an adventure, I decided to give it a go. I met Kimberly at Bangs  and got settled in on the comfy table. I was instructed to come with a clean face (no makeup?!?!?) so I was relieved that I made it there without the trauma that leaving the house “undone” could cause. She placed cool, moisturizing gel pads over my bottom lashes and let them work wonders on my under-eye area while I was relaxing and my upper lashes were prepped for the extensions. I couldn’t see what was going on (mostly because I was on my way to catching some zzzzz’s) but Kimberly did a great job of telling me step by stop what she was doing. Using tweezers, she singled out individual lashes, then chose an appropriate length extension and adhered it to my natural lash. Fast forward an hour- I woke up from a relaxing nap, almost forgetting that I was having a beauty treatment done. One look in the mirror and WOW!!!!!!! I was literally taken aback at what a difference the lash extensions made. The fact that I had on NO makeup was not even noticeable. My eyes were defined by long, luxurious lashes that really made my golden-brown eyes pop.  Kimberly pried me away from the mirror and sent me on my way with makeup remover and mascara that were safe to use on the extensions and wouldn’t break down the adhesive. Behold- a lash addict was born.
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I knew I was amazed by my new obsession, but was curious if friends and family would notice. Let me tell you, the compliments just started rolling in. “Your eyes look great”, “do you know how lucky you are to have such long eyelashes?”, even the ‘guys’ commented on how great they looked. What guy do you know that notices eyelashes? That’s how awesome they are. Since I have had them, I have had fun playing with a more natural eyeshadow look, the smokey eye has become less of a need and more of a special occasion look. I never thought that would happen. Ever. EVER.

I would recommended going to Kimberly for Xtreme Lash Extensions to anyone I know. Though lash extensions are starting to become more popular in this area, if you have the opportunity to go to the best right here in Dayton, go for it! She really did a fantastic job.

If you have any specific questions about the lash extensions or girly girl questions about the Dayton area, comment below or come find me on twitter @Nikkisayswhat

Til next time, lovelies…

More Adventures of Nikki Nett

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…and I’m back!

So, the adventures haven’t been so adventurous lately- I know, I know. Life happens and we all get a little busy, which ties right in with this adventure. Maybe that’s over stating it…we’ll call this one a series of mini adventures. Between work, school, networking, volunteering, kids activities, or whatever it is that keeps you busy, you still have to find a little time here & there to connect with your peeps. Whether it’s your oldest friend on the planet, work buddies, or a favorite family member, find some time- these are the connections that feed your soul. Here are a few thoughts on the hows & wheres to make it happen!

Alfredo Wrap from Flavors Eatery

If you’re south of town, stop in to Flavors Eatery right across from Centerville High School. They have a huge and eclectic menu with a little bit of everything. On a recent visit, I tried the alfredo wrap (yummo!) it came with a side of chips drizzled in their famous garlicky dressing (to die for!). I think I may have developed a slight addiction to their coconut-pineapple smoothie while I was there. Make sure you take a sec to check out the funky art that surrounds you while you’re grabbing a quick bite with your girlfriends!

Downtown? Make a quick little journey over to Butter Cafe on Brown St. Please leave your diet at the door so you can enjoy their ever changing array of  cupcakes and other sweet treats. This is a great option for those of you going the organic route. So many delicious choices on the menu, but I zeroed in on the chai french toast.   Excellent choice, I must say!  A little birdie told me their grilled pb&j is the way to go, perhaps I need to venture back down there to try it?

Do you prefer to catch up while shopping? If you haven’t yet, you HAVE TO stop in at Charming Charlie at the Greene. It’s pretty much the Disneyworld of accessories. Everything is grouped by color and the best part about it is the afford-ability!  This is a great place for gifts as well as funky/trendy pieces that don’t qualify as investment jewelry. I really prefer to highlight locally owned places and stay away from the chain stores, but Charming Charlie just needed to be mentioned. I’m in love, I really am.

Would you rather sip while you chat? Yes, please.  Head out to Cork & Vine right off of Miller Lane. They boast an extensive wine list (adding new wines weekly!) as well as 30 different martinis and a selection of  craft and domestic beers. Pull up a seat near the fireplace and discuss McDreamy’s hair last Thursday or how much you loved the Britney episode of Glee. Oh wait, that’s what I like to do, I’m sure you have your own topics of conversation.

Now, I don’t know about you, but during the fall, my favorite way to connect with friends is over FOOTBALL!!!!! I love it. I reaaaalllyy love it. Over the past few weeks, we have established my love for heels and lipgloss, let’s just say football completes the trifecta. Frickin Chicken Chunks, cheddar balls and Miller Lite is the standard meal of choice while complaining about my Fantasy Football team or saying loudly (over and over, as a self-calming measure) that the Browns can turn their luck around any minute. Many a Fricker’s have been graced with my presence (and that of my crazy friends) while we revel in the atmosphere of too much testosterone, hot sauce and the sensory overload of a million (give or take a few) tv’s.

This week, I am most looking forward to getting together with friends at Masquerage! This annual party of parties raises money for AIDS Resource Center Ohio and is hands down, one of the best events the Miami Valley has to offer. I have been obsessing about my costume for weeks and can NOT wait to see what everyone else is wearing! Do YOU have any Heavenly Pleasures or Sinful Delights you’d like to share with the world? Masquerage is the place to do it! I hope to see some of you there!

There you have it, some fun stuff to do while getting together with your peeps. I’d like to add that any food or drink mentioned in this article is fat-free, carb-free, calorie-free and has anti-aging benefits.  This is a fact that I will firmly stand by (until challenged, at which point I will crumble like a stale cookie with the realization that maybe blatantly lying to myself doesn’t really work). As always, if you know of any place that merits checking out on my adventures, comment below or find me on Twitter- Nikkisayswhat. Until next time, lovlies…

The Adventures of Nikki Nett

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Well, hello there! Thanks so much for coming back this week! This week’s adventure takes us to Preen Apothecary in Oakwood.

*Please note: friends, family, and employers- if I am ever missing for more than several hours and you can’t reach me by phone/text/facebook/twitter/foursquare/email/BBMessenger, etc., there is a VERY strong possibility that I am at Preen. Seriously…look there before filing a missing persons report.

As you will find out if you continue reading my blog in the upcoming weeks, you will learn quickly that I LOVE make-up. I said last week that I love shoes, but I love make-up more. Much more. Whether it’s a highly pigmented, finely milled eyeshadow in the ‘right now’ dramatic shade, or the blackest black mascara with a big fat brush, or maybe the yummiest, sheerest, not too sticky gloss that leaves just a bit of color, I love it all. Is it the excitement of getting something new & shiny? The creativity of trying new colors and techniques? The ability to be up to the moment without dropping $700 (or more) on this season’s Louboutains? Heck if I know. All I know is it makes me sublimely happy and I have discovered my new little slice of heaven about 5 minutes from my house!!

Preen Apothecary is located at 2508 Far Hills Ave. For those of you (like me) who need landmarks, it’s right by DLM. Although they have received national attention in several magazines, if you don’t know it’s there, you might just drive right by (sometimes several times a day as I have apparently done for the last few years!). I finally stopped by there recently and instantly dubbed it my favorite place. Or in dramatic Nikki fashion, “my most favoriteist place eveerrrrr”. Although it is located right on 48 with traffic buzzing by outside, the moment you walk in, you feel the calm. No bass loaded techno and bad fluorescent lighting, no army of sales people ready to pounce, just a sunfilled menagerie of girly-ness and 3 lovely ladies who could be your best friend.

Nicole Gianuglou, owner of Preen

One of these great women is Nicole Gianuglou, Preen’s owner. Nicole spent many years in New York City working in the Beauty Industry, more specifically as a National Makeup Artist for Nars. Some of you may already be familiar with the Nars brand and even if you don’t have any of the sleek black packages residing in your make up bag, you have probably heard of his cult favorite blush, Orgasm (the perfect peachy pink that perks up almost any complexion). Nicole spent a lot of time traveling the country for Nars & while at a small shop in Nashville, the idea of opening her own store started to form. Upon returning home to the Miami Valley, Preen became a reality. With fingers crossed, Nicole soon discovered a loyal customer base (you’ll understand why after spending 30 seconds in the store!).

During my most recent visit, I had the opportunity to have my makeup done by Tracy. She is described by Nicole as “beyond belief as an artist”, after she did her magic, I certainly agree! We started off with the basics. All skin prep was done using Peter Thomas Roth’s line which included: Max Sheer Defense SPF 30 (weightless on my skin), Unwrinkle Primer & Foundation (loved them both- even though we were layering, there was no masky, heavy feel at all), Intense Anti-Aging Eye Cream & Bronze Instant. Tracy was so knowledgeable in regards to the products themselves as well as technique. Most women skip eye cream on their upper lid in hopes of getting more staying power from their shadow….well guess what? Stop doing that! Whether you are opting for some sparkle or a matte finish eyecolor, moisturizing first keeps it all smooth (and younger looking!). My other favorite tip from Tracy was the choice of brush used to apply the foundation. It was a blush brush! Nars brush #6! It provided a lighter touch and more blendability than a standard ‘foundation’ brush would. Love it!!

So once we had a nice finish on my face, it was time to move on to the fun stuff. I gazed longingly at the very extensive collection of electric purples, insane blues, deep burgandies and glittery blacks lined up like little soldiers in the Nars display. My imagination was running wild with thoughts of an intense smoky eye that would make even Adam Lambert jealous. It was rock star time…or was it? Tracy was gathering some shimmery champagnes, soft pinks and copper colors. Huh?? Let me just say that I’m sooooo glad I just shut up and let her do her thing. She worked a new look for me that I never thought I would try….very natural. I felt a little confused when I checked out my reflection and shrieked “OMG- I LOVE IT!”. As a self-proclaimed smoky eye fanatic, I was half tempted to run home & toss all of my super dark shadows. Mmmm hmmmm….this lady is THAT good! As a new brunette after spending my entire life as a blonde, I hadn’t yet realized that by toning it down, I was actually enhancing certain features. Thank you, Tracy for that (literally) eye opening experience. I could have happily skipped out of the store & been on my merry way, but no ma’am, we were not done. After gushing over our mutual love of mascaras with a big brush (not the plasticy ones that have become so popular lately) Tracy applied just a couple coats of Lash Fusion Mascara. There are polymers in there & some science stuff and blah blah blah,,,,all I know is my lashes were long & full & lovely! Then, just to kick it up another notch (and put me in my comfort zone again) Tracy took my day look into night with just a touch of a deep eggplant color along my lashline. Perfection.

I intentionally left out the part about the brows as well as creating the perfect pucker because those will be future installations of my Adventures. I think I have been blessed with pretty good brows, but we’ll see if that holds true once I sit down with Beth, the Brow Guru. She is one of the dynamic Preen trio and I’m so excited to chat with her next. There’s no doubt I’ll learn something new

Rest assured, Preen Apothecary will make regular appearances in The Adventures of Nikki Nett! I left out so much….all of the ‘gifty’ things, the Alexis Bittar jewelry with it’s cult like following, the hair products and, the subject closest to my heart…the obscene amount of lipglosses & color.  I need to stop before I slip into a hazy makeup coma.

Nicole, Tracy and Beth have worked hard to make sure all of Preen’s customers feel appreciated, pampered and heard. I think they have done a remarkable job with that! When asked what the best beauty advice she ever received was, Nicole quoted Francois Nars and said “Don’t be so serious, it’s only make up”. AMEN to that! With the turning of the leaves and transitioning from tank tops to turtlenecks, find a minute to stop in and see what new looks can take you into snuggle season.

Can’t wait to find out more? Have a suggestion on where the Adventures should take me next? Comment below or let me know via twitter @Nikkisayswhat