Events « Adventures of a Frugalista

26Apr/122

Event: Mystery Authors Book Signing

Tonight, Salt & Pepper Books in Occoquan, VA, hosted a Mystery Readers' Event featuring the authors Krista Davis, Avery Aames, Lucy Burdette, and Sheila Connolly. The store is primarily a cookbook shop, but they also have a nice selection of novels, particularly mystery ones, that have a food focus -- think the mysteries with recipes in the back. The four authors were there promoting their food-related series: Davis' Domestic Diva series set in Alexandria, VA; Aames' Cheese Shop series set in Providence, OH; Burdette's Food Critic series set in Key West, FL; and Connolly's Apple Orchard series set in Granford, MA.

In addition to signing their books, the authors had free goodie bags for all attendees, and Salt & Pepper provided refreshments -- cheese & crackers, juices, and delicious cupcakes.

Read on for photos and lots of details!

Tagged as: $5 or Less, 2nd & Charles, Andréa, Books, C&W, Free, Salt & Pepper Books Continue reading

15Oct/110

Event: UMD Midnight Madness 2011

I love free events, so last I was psyched to go to the University of Maryland's free Midnight Madness event last night, Friday, October 14. Last night's event, which is a scrimmage / pep rally type event to open the basketball season, was the university's 40^th Midnight Madness so, in addition to the usual festivities, there were video reminiscences from past coaches and players.

What's great about this event is that there's something for everyone. The night included various competitive games for the students, who could win Under Armour apparel, gift certificates to the book store, and other goodies; an alumni basketball game featuring some great players from the history of the school's basketball program; performances by the cheerleaders, the dance team, and Gymkana, a gymnastics group open to all students that made it to the semi-finals on America's Got Talent this season; and, finally, the introduction of both the women's and men's basketball teams followed by scrimmages. The stadium's food booths were open and serving their (expensive) fare of hot dogs, pizza, and soda. And it appeared there were giveaways, too, as I saw many students with posters and new T-shirts.