How Bizarre . . . How Bizarre

Come on.  I couldn't pass up an OMC reference.  They come along . . . basically never.

Its officially the holiday season.  In my world, that gets rung in with three things.

This little puppy in my office:

These lights strung along my mantle:

And the Bizarre Bazaar at Richmond International Raceway - in particular the Massey Opening Night shopping spree:

If you've never been to the Bizarre Bazaar, its basically a craft show on crack.  But with more than just crafters - every kind of vendor you can imagine is there, selling everything necessary to ensure the happiest of holiday seasons.

It. Is. Bananas.

The night before it officially opens, folks have the opportunity to buy tickets to get a sneak peek (and avoid the crazy crowds the rest of the weekend) while also supporting the VCU Massey Cancer Center.  Its quite the night.  Here are my top 7 loves of this annual event:

#1 - It feeds into my love of eclectic accessories.  In particular, reindeer antlers.

#2 - As with most things Massey, it brings all of my favorite people under one roof for an amazing reason.

#3 - Wine.

(Please ignore that Mike and Carl are holding beer.  And that this picture could also equally come within the parameters of #2, above).

#4 - The unique items you'll find at Biz Baz are hilarious and breathtaking.  And on Opening Night, the vendors have their fullest stock of the weekend - first dibs!

#5 - Those in charge of decorating totally get my love of the whimsical. 

(Its possible that I've been brainstorming how to make this happen in my house since Wednesday).

#6 - There are balloons.  Lots and lots of balloons.

But there is one last reason that by far has a lock on the title of "Kaity's Most Favorite Feature of Biz Baz".

#7 - The Massey Tribute Tree.

For a donation to Massey, people can add the name of a loved one or a message to those fighting, or any other thing they desire, to an ornament that will adorn this tree:

 After the event, the tree is moved to Massey for patients to enjoy throughout the holiday season.

 Of course I added one of my own.

I love watching that tree fill up with notes of love, support, thanks, hope, and optimism.  I love seeing how many people share the same belief that I do.  That we are going to win this battle.

Because we are.

*   *   *

There's an exciting announcement coming tomorrow - stay tuned!

Masquerade for Massey - A Wrap Up

First thing's first - y'all - we raised $5,479 in one night for cancer research at VCU Massey Cancer Center.

$5,479.

That's 20% of my goal.  In one night!

Pictures and videos have been flooding in for the last week, so I will leave you with a sampling of those.  They tell the story better than I ever could.

Just $19,672 left to go y'all!

One Thing I Know For Sure

Last night was the Masquerade for Massey.  I've spent the greater portion of today trying to get my head around that.  And around what that means to me.  And once I do, I will deliver a full report.  And lots of pictures.

But there is one thing I know for sure already. 

Loren and I can still rock out some Ice Ice Baby just was well as we did when we met 13 years ago.

Maybe better.

The Masquerade For Massey (Or, How My Home Became Coated in Glitter)

Tim has been one of my dearest friends for 14 years.  We met in undergrad at Loyola College in Maryland (I still can't bring myself to call it Loyola University), and have been inseparable since the day we met. 

For a long time I frustrated him with a wardrobe that consisted of colors that were primarily from what he called the "mustard family" and with flat, clunky shoes that only came in black or brown.  I think the day I met Stacey in 2003 and she introduced me to eyeliner and stilettos he actually jumped for joy and busted out the cabbage patch.  Tim feels as strongly as I do now on the subjects of glitter, hot pink, and floor length sequins.

So when the idea of planning a masquerade ball to celebrate 10 years since my Hodgkins went into remission, and to kick of the Massey Challenge and my crusade to raise over $25,000, came up I knew Tim was the right sidekick for the job.

(Actually, he didnt give me an option.  He just jumped in full throttle.)

While most times you can find us commutting between D.C. and Richmond to help each other work on our newly-acquired homes, for the past few months, hes driven down from D.C. to help plan what is sure to be a fabulous night on November 3rd.

The location has been throughly scouted:

I mean, really, the courtyard at C Street might be one of my very favorite places in Richmond.

Isnt it so pretty, y'all??  (If you look closely you can see Tim scheming behind the topiary on the left.)

And the boys there sure do know how to rock a table setting.

We have done some dress shopping that Tim found MUCH more fulfilling than some other shopping excursions hes been dragged along on.

I can't reveal the winner now, can I?

And Tim's come up with an amazing project to include the patients being treated here in the night:

I cant reveal that either, but heres a hint:

We've even secured some amazing props to bring the French vibe home:

You know you want to see what we pull together.  And you know you want to come out to kick off the Massey Challenge right, get all dolled up, and support Massey, right?  So go buy your ticket today!!  Just click here.

Afterall, Floyd already got his:

Breast Cancer Is A Witch

Last night was one of my favorite nights of the year - the Breast Cancer Is A Witch Party at the Shops at 5807.

Lots of my favorite people were there:

I got lucky and got to model my beloved owl hat:

The Shops were decked out in their Halloween finery.  It was hard for me to walk away from these shiny cutie-pies:

As usual, the live auction got a little heated - but the lovely models (like Matt!) did a great job showing off their wares.

Of course, I had to come home with something pretty.  I mean - its for Massey, so how could I say no?

This year's event carried a bit more meaning for me than in years past, as I have a friend who was undergoing her first chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer just as we were kicking it off.  I had promised to be a bit extra witchy this year on her behalf.  So when the designer of my hat - Kim Vincze of VERVE home furnishings - read the following toast she had drafted just before it was auctioned of, it totally warmed my heart:

A Wicked Toast to Breast Cancer

Tonight we gather to toast survivors and those we've lost.

We'll drink to them and buy a witch hat, no matter what the cost.

With our friends at Massey and all our support,

we will make sure that cancer no longer holds court.

For those of you who must endure, 

tonight we'll cast a spell of hope and cure.

So "double double toil and trouble"

Raise your wine or your bubbles,

With hope, vigilance and all we've got

we'll get you cancer until you rot.

For as they say, breast cancer you may be a witch, 

but alas, I am the bigger bitch.

It totally made me think of her, so from that point on, that hat had to be mine!

(Its also possible I have a problem with pretty witch hats, as evidenced by the collection from past years that now resides in my office)

I'm going to be a dork and say it - it was a goulishly good time!