Hey Cuties,
I think I told you my week was full and we have a road trip coming up for the weekend. Followed up with Father’s Day; I hope you make time to celebrate the Father in your life. I took the kid’s card shopping last week so they are ready. They spend a large amount of time in the card section selecting the right one. This just lets me know that I’m raising them right. I’m so particular about my cards, and they are the same way. Monday I hung out at the famous Willard InterContinental on Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, DC.
The Willard InterContinental, Washington, DC
I was invited to #TNTDC press event and I received complimentary products & gift cards.
The Style Medic & MimiCuteLips
The Tech & Travel Luncheon was sponsored by The Consumer Technology Association {CTA} & The Willard InterContinental Hotel. As a blogger you know I am a lover of technology and I’m always on the go. Technology and travel go together like peanut butter & jelly, ketchup & mustard, Hall & Oats, and Ruby Woo & my lips. We are always looking for new ways to capture our memories, take selfies in new place and then share it with the world. I’ve got some insider tips from the CTA, we love to be exclusive.
TECH DEMO: I love tech, but incorporating it into fashionable accessories is a tough one. Knomo Elektronista has seamlessly incorporated technology into this tech accessory. I’m a fan of a cross body bag; this is my go to style when traveling. It allows me to carry around the basics and then keep them close.
Inside the Knomo Electronista
This cute soft grain leather handbag comes with a 3000 mAh battery that charges up your device. The leather shoulder strap is perfect for your own the go travels; it unzips on either side and transforms into a flat layout with pockets and other compartments. A girl loves pockets and sections and this thing has plenty of them. This has taken the portable charger to the next level. I so need one of these. It retails for $295.
My Goodies – These I get to keep!
These JVC Tinyphones HA-KD6 are perfect for My Girl. She frequently complains around her headphones falling off of her head. {They are hand me downs from her big brother.} These adorable things are sized for kids. The best part is the volume control limit that prevents hearing damage. You know kids like to turn everything up really loud. Not because they can’t hear but because they just do. They come with stickers so the kids can decorate them; {insert side eye} those stickers will be all over the freaking place. $29.99
The HButler ORBIT is my new best friend. This dope Bluetooth device is for the “forgetter” in your life. It totally is a word, I looked it up I swear. Babe is always losing his dag on keys somewhere in the house. The kids and I get annoyed but are forced to help him find it. Well I’ve got the answer *twerk something, twerk something* Duh, they’ve got an app for that. You download the free app; within seconds it will tell you the last known location and time on the map. Now while I judge him about his keys I frequently miss place my phone. Sometimes I find it up to my face but whatever, stay focused. You can click the ORBIT and it will make your phone ring even if it is on SILENT! I know I just blew your mind, but that isn’t it the feature that is going to make you squeal. The ORBIT is also a selfie remote. REJOICE CHILDREN! No long selfie sticks and such. This retails for $39.95, treat yourself.
Waka Waka Power+, did you say it like Fozzie from the Muppet Babies? I totally did. This one is for my outdoor adventurers, campers, hikers, and the like. If you are then this solar powered charger + light is your thing. It takes 12 hours in the sun to fully charge; then it takes about 2 hours to charge your smartphone, camera. No batteries or outlet necessary, use the USB ports for charging. It retails for $79.99.
Cocktails early in the morning, why not.
COCKTAIL DEMO: Summer cocktail demonstration
Because quality, Green Hat Gin & Maker’s Mark Whisky
You can use any type of summer fruit for these drinks. I bet a nice ripe peach would be amazing.
American Collins or Tom Collins & Mint Julep
AMERICAN/TOM COLLINS: Fruit: Handful of berries, then muddle them. Lemon Juice: 1/2 ounce Sugar: 1 TSP Gin: 2 ounces Crushed Ice: Enough to fill the glass. Carbonated Water: Just a little Garnish: A lemon wheel and a couple more pieces of fruit. Note: You could use rum or tequila if you want to change it up. sparkling seltzer water and garnish it with a lemon wheel and a couple more pieces of fruit.
MINT JULEP: Mint: A handful of leaves, muddle but don’t mash. Simple Syrup: 2 TBS Crushed Ice: Only use crushed ice Bourbon: 4 TBS Stir gently for 30 seconds until frost forms on the side of the glass.
LUNCH: Enjoy a special chef presentation and a gourmet three-course lunch.
L to R: Amanda: Dude Mom – Christine: Moms ‘N Charge – Laura: Sr. Mgr. CTA Tech – Te: The Style Medic – Mi: MimiCuteLips
First Course: Gazpacho Trio: Red, White & Blue
Round 1
Second Course: Grilled Chicken, Steak & Shrimp Kabobs, grilled summer vegetables & skillet corn bread
Round 2
They were all good, but the shrimp kabob was really good.
This corn bread was so good I wanted to put some in my purse. No seriously!
Third Course: Duck Sugar Cookie, White Chocolate Washington Monument, Chocolate Covered Strawberries, Vanilla Bean Fused Milk w/ Miniature Cookie
Round 3
This was all kinds of cute and yummy. The chocolate covered strawberry just melted in your mouth. The duck was adorable and it totally has a back story.
The Lobby
Fun Facts about the Willard Hotel, DC:
The most historic hotel in Washington, DC.
Allegedly in 1870 President Ulysses S. Grant shared a cigar and brandy the hotel’s lobby and grumbled about the “lobbyists” hanging around trying to gain influence with the president.
They’ve hosted almost every U.S. president since Franklin Pierce in 1853.
On August 28, 1963, the Reverend Martin Luther King finished his famous “I Have A Dream” speech while a guest at the Willard.
Other notable guests have included Charles Dickens, Buffalo Bill, David Lloyd George, P.T. Barnum, Lord and Lady Napier, and countless others.
Mark Twain wrote two books here in the early 1900’s.
My State
State symbols fill the ceiling of the Willard Hotel Lobby. This was done in 2011 when they did a lobby restoration. You will only find 48 states; I had to search for VA, that is my home state.
Peacock Alley
Built in 1901 the Willard was one of the first hotels in DC to get an elevator.
Round Robin Bar
Jenny Lind Suite
I liked this one a lot, Jenny Lind, was a Swedish opera singer, known as the “Swedish Nightingale”. This suite is frequently used for bridal parties.
Bathroom view from the Jenny Lind Suite.
Stunning right, I event watched a few planes go by.
Classy!
This view though…
The Thomas Jefferson Suite, is a sprawling 2600 square foot suite. It has several rooms, a closet to die for and a bathroom with a TV in the mirror and more.
Thomas Jefferson Suite
They have a gentlemen that frequents the hotel and always stays in this room. It took everything in me not to slip my business card up under his pillow. Especially since I’ve had a new batch printed professionally by a company like Kaizen Print and they look awesome! I’m just saying!
Thomas Jefferson Suite Closet
TOUR: Get a tour of the historic Willard Intercontinental Hotel and be the first to hear about their new family program.
- The Willard InterContinental Washington, D.C. offers 335 stylishly appointed guest rooms, 41 of them are suites. Guestrooms include views of Pennsylvania Avenue, historic landmarks like the Washington Monument, and downtown Washington, D.C.
- For nearly 200 years, The Willard has been the focal point for many historic events and have hosted almost every U.S. President since Franklin Pierce in 1853.
- This July, The Willard will introduce an official children’s program.
- The Willard Family Package includes:
- Delicious cookies offered for up to two kids upon arrival
- Complimentary valet parking
- Daily breakfast for up to two adults and two kids
- A complimentary Washington DC city guidebook to allow for optimal sightseeing.
Whispers: During your next stay ask them who Millie the Duck is.
What is your must have tech item when you travel? Chat with me in the comment below or FB, IG or Twitter.
It sounds like you had an amazing time at this event. I would love to stay at the Willard Hotel. It is completely beautiful and the Jenny Lind suite has a gorgeous tub. Thanks for sharing this amazing event.
I really did Rebecca, I got to hand out with some of my favorites. That Jenny Lind suite is so nice, I need a reason to stay there.
That food looks really good. That duck sugar cookie is super cute.
Whoops, posted before I meant to. That device to find your keys with your phone would really come in handy to me. I am always losing my keys,
Pam put it on your want list. It is such a great idea.
It was so good, I loved the duck cookie as well.
That is one impressive hotel. That bathroom with the views of the sky is truly breathtaking. I can imagine how relaxing taking baths in there would be! What a great vacation spot!
Jenn it is and the raters are much cheaper in July and August. I had no idea that it could actually be affordable.
Okay so mark me jealous! That view from the Jenny Lind sweet is amazing! I’m loving all the ammeneties at this place. I also really like that find your keys gadget, I totally need that!
Heather it was gorge, I feel like your day would be amazing not matter what with a view like that.
It was way cool.
That Knomo Elektronista definitely sounds nice. It’s awesome that you got to learn about cool tech products like that.
I agree Liz, I think we would be so cute with our own swinging from our shoulders.
What a great event to be invited to. The swag looks amazing. I would love to have one of those bags, very nice. It looks like you had an incredible time.
The swag was all good.
Sounds like you had a really great time! Looks like a lovely event and that food looks incredible! What a fun time!
thanks Jeanine.
Wow! What a beautiful hotel! That Thomas Jefferson closet tho, omg you can have a party in there!
You totally could have a party in there.
Looks like a fun time, glad you were able to go and learn some new things!
Thanks Sarah, there are so man things out there that I just never thought of.
Look at that fabulous experience! I am glad you were able to go and then come back to share with us the time you had there 🙂
It was really cool Brandy, I liked that it was different from a typical event.
The Willard is an amazing hotel!! I saw it last summer when I was in DC and would have loved to go inside!
Next time go in and look around.
What a great event at a stunning location. I always like to hear about the new technology to help life run more smoothly. And, I am a sucker for a gorgeous hotel room.
The location was stunning for sure.
Such a beautiful hotel to stay for an event and all of that food looks amazing. I look forward to seeing more from your adventures.
Thanks Robin, the Willard is an experience in and of itself.
First, the food looks amazing. I would love it. Secondly, l love that Electronista bag. You can fit so many essentials in it and be stylish. Third.. l wouldn’t mind sleeping in that suite.. Haha! You should have slipped your card under the pillow, but you know it would be found by a chambermaid 🙂
The food was really good, I love the thought and creativity they put into it. That handbag is everything, I need that every single time I go to an event. You are so right, he would have never even gotten it.
Lucky you! =) I love all the goodies you got to keep. That must have been really fun.
It was a lot of fun Bonnie.
Fab fun event. I never knew all of that history, beauty and luxury was hiding behind the doors of the Willard Intercontinental Hotel. #SimplyGorgeous
Right, like why don’t they tell more people about this.
I love all the goodies you received and the food and accommodations looked awesome!! I have never heard of this conference before, thanks so much for sharing, and great pics!
Thanks Toiia, it was a dope event.
It looks like it was a great event and you had a good time. Smiling at your morning cocktail:-) The food looks amazing!
I really did and I certainly enjoyed a morning cocktail.
Ooh this looked like such a great event. I wish I were there! It’s right up my alley.
Thanks Kim, you guys have tons of dope events up your way. I’m always jealous.
The Willard hotel is beautiful!!! It looks like you had a great time and I love the electronic goodies you received too!
Thanks Dana, it was something to see.
What a fun and exciting experience. I could use one of those tech accessory bags. And that food looks divine.
Right Terri, they all look dope.
I would’ve loved to go to this! I work in technology and love to travel. lol This hotel looks so nice. I must look it up when I’m going back to DC.
OMG this is perfect for you, I had no idea. Check it out, it is cheaper in July and August.
Cool event. Nice food, drinks handy, beautiful bridal sweet and cool swag! Seems like you hit the jackpot!
Total Jackpot Donna, I look some #FatSnacks.
Oh wow! Everything looks great! And that goodie bag? Fantastic. Looks like a great place to stay 🙂
The event was cool and the goodie bag was awesome.
Looks like such a fabulous event! The Willard is so darn beautiful!!
Thanks Valerie, it was gorge. I must go back.
It sounds like you had a great time! It looks like it was a great time! =) I am loving that closet! It’s a bit fancy for me but the layout of it… Love!! And I am a fan of the food! Making me hungry! =)
The closet was a dream, even if it was only in a hotel room.
Umm, I’ll be on the lookout for that Electronista bag. I’m always carrying around a big bag with all my “stuff” including my chargers, so this would be perfect. This hotel is gorgeous. All I could think about was taking a bubble bath in that tub.
Vashti I know that blogger struggle life. Why can’t we be cute and prepared.