HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL MY FRIENDS…………………………………………………………….

I am back for the New Year after taking a brief break for the holidays. My new website: ECOVOGUE365.COM will be live in February 2010 (it has taken us 6 months to get the site up) with a brand new format where my RUSSET’S RAVE will reside along with my 2 pledges, and my 3 collections plus pics and other goodies. Become a fan of our company on FACEBOOK at (www.facebook.com/byrusset) which will let you know updates and ongoing happenings before the website launches live on Feb 1. Follow us on TWITTER at www.twitter.com/byrusset

Thank you all for attending my “Winter Wonderland” Party on Dec 19th and making it the best party I have ever thrown. My estimation was about 200 people came thru the house that evening. All the guests were well behaved and polite. The variety of people that attended made up such an eclectic element along with the outdoor ambiance and indoor wonderland full of twinkling lights and candles.  Drummers showed up later in the evening with hulahoops and even a didgeridoo. The music was awesome and Brian had the big Yamaha speakers cranked up. The cops came at 1:30 instead of their usual midnight but we still partied on till around 4 am. I think I may do it again in May or early June.

THURSDAY, JAN 7

SIESTA KEY ARTS AND CRAFTS SHOW  at Siesta Key Ball Field, 948 Beach Rd from 10 am to 4 pm.  508-737-0998

 

FRIDAY, JAN 8

MUSIC ON MAIN at Lakewood Ranch Main Street from 6-9 pm. Leased pets welcome. www.mainstreetatlakewoodranch.com

THUNDER BY THE BAY “Born to be Wild” kickoff party featuring the Greg Billings Band and Tucci located at Pal Sailor Circus starts at 7:30 pm and cost $15-20  www.thunderbythebay.org

SATURDAY, JAN 9

WELLNESS FESTIVAL 2010 live music, workshops, treatments, food, exhibits from 10 am to 4 pm at Edison Keith Mansion at Phillippi Estate Park.  Kettle of Fish and Hymn for Her plays from 4 – 8 pm. www.celebratingwellnessfest.com

SARASOTA ORCHID SOCIETY 53rd Annual Show and Sale from 9 am to 5 pm at the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium.  $5 and free under age 8. www.sarasotaorchidsociety.org

THUNDER BY THE BAY Bikes, Bands and BBQ at Payne Park from 11:30 am to 5:30 pm. Food, drinks, bike demos and live music from Hangman Jury as well as Tribute Bands Highway to Hell and Nuttin Fancy.

 

SUNDAY, JAN 10

THUNDER BY THE BAY starts with an excursion at 9 am at Centennial Park. Then onto Five Points Park for the Downtown Festival and Bike Show beginning at 11 am along Main St. Features food, bike show, demonstrations, the Clydesdales and music by Bobby Friss Band, Tucci and Marc Anthony Roman. This festival raises money to help the Suncoast Charities for Children.

FUTURE EVENTS

ART CENTER OF SARASOTA, Jan 15 presents “Artists at Work” where dinner, libations and entertainment will be provided from 6-9 pm.  707 N. Tamiami Tr. $40 www.artsarasota.org

YAPPY HOUR AT THE RANCH, Feb 4th is a fund raiser for Nate’s Place Pet Adoption Facility at the Woof Gang Bakery, 8314 Market St., Lakewood Ranch. Wine Tasting and Appetizers. $5. Looking for a companion animal take a peek at this center which adopts out shelter animals.

Russet, Carone and Susan’s birthdays will be celebrated on Fri, Jan 15 at Lonjevity Cafe. Music, cake and lots of love.

COCKTAILS AT THE CA D’ ZAN Jan 21 from 6-9 pm. Yesterdayze is playing.

BUSINESS BUZZ 

ARTpool Vintage Boutique located at 919 1st Ave. N., St. Pete, FL, 727-324-3878.Owner, Marina Williams, store was selected as one of the top vintage shops in Creative Loafing 2009 Best of the Bay. It carries affordable, unique, and retro wares, as well as top designer names, local designers, costume rentals. Next time your are in St. Pete, check it out. 

Elite Repeat, 2300 Bee Ridge, is one of the best consignment stores in Sarasota. Mary Coker, owner and super stylist, has a little of everything and so affordable.

Samba, 1652 Main Street. Owner Kate Alton carries quality, classic, contemporary lines of solids that you can mix and match made by individual unique designers. You will not see yourself walking down the street in one of her garments.