#BraDropNOVA 2014 ... happening now!

 October has ironically been declared both Breast Cancer Awareness Month as well as Bra Recycling Month.  Our goal is to bring the community together to celebrate two very important causes that we believe in here at Belle Mode Intimates. 

Last year during our 2nd Annual Bra Drop we collected just over 800 bras ... this year we are aiming for 1,000!  Come donate used bras before the month is over and get a free Pinkberry coupon for your efforts.  Bras of any condition, good, bad, or ugly, are welcome.  Bras that can still be used will be sent to our lady friends at New Endeavors by Women, a local shelter in DC to be put to good use.

A portion of the bras that are donated will be hung throughout the Fairfax Corner shopping center on October 26th to commemorate those who have suffered through Breast Cancer and to grow awareness about our Bras for Hope event that is taking place at the store from 12pm-6pm on the 26th.

Thank you to the Alpha Omicron Pi's from George Mason University that volunteer with us each year

At the event we will be handing out information regarding breast health and encouraging ladies of all ages to take preventative measures and start performing self examinations regularly.  We will also have two CMF's (Certified Mastectomy Fitters) here at the store doing Mastectomy bra fittings for anyone who has undergone or is undergoing Breast Cancer treatment.

Introducing Mastectomy Fittings at Belle Mode Intimates 

The 3rd Annual Bras for Hope event will also feature ...

Thank You To Our Sponsors, Miss Vietnam DC, and Other Local Businesses!

We are excited to announce that Miss Vietnam DC 2014, Loney Nguyen, will be in attendance at our 3rd Annual Bras for Hope event this Sunday 10/26!

Loney's effort to collect used bras from ladies in the community and help spread the word to young ladies about the importance of breast health has been tremendous, we can't thank her enough!  Having such a lovely role model in the Asian community get involved with our event is exciting and empowering for young ladies to help support a cause that they believe in. 

Gift w/purchase sponsors for the event:  The following designers that we do business with have donated gifts for us to give out when something from their company is purchased.

Hanky Panky - Signature lace thong

Chantelle - Lingerie wash bag & detergent

Natori - Socks

Wacoal - make-up case

Panache - Beach tote & mirror for your purse 

Fleur't - Lulu boy pants

Montelle - Cheeky panties

Cosabella - Never Say Never thong

Dr. Marie Quinn, a trained radiologist and breast imaging fellow from from George Washington Univeristy Hospital, will be in attendance to talk to our guests about the importance of maintaining your breast health, self examinations, and more! 

Homemade delicious treats locally made!  Aurora's Table is a local business owned by our one and only Natalie Ortiz here at Belle Mode.  Natalie has a B.A. in Culinary Arts & Hospitality Management and has worked at one of the largest catering companies in the DC area.  Her cooking is fantastic and she will be providing us with mouth watering pink mini cupcakes.

Other local businesses that are donating something to our raffle drawing and SWAG bags: TBA

Belle Mode Intimates Launches Mastectomy Fittings

Belle Mode Intimates will officially be the only lingerie boutique to provide products & services to women who have undergone breast cancer treatment in all of Fairfax County.  Our launch for this venture will be during our 3rd Annual Bra Drop & Bras for Hope Event on October 26th so SAVE THE DATE and come out to celebrate.

Supporting Breast Cancer Awareness Month has become a trend throughout the country during the month of October and we are indeed on board.  It's a blessing to be able to expand our product line and services to such an under-served crowd in the lingerie industry as they deserve to feel beautiful and be comfortable along with the rest of us.  Belle Mode has chosen to carry a very well known German designer Anita Care to work with in doing so. 

Sneek a peek at Anita Care 2014

READ UP MORE ON ANITA CARE HERE

Change of Season Blowout Sale!

As the seasons change we see colors come and go, our designers discontinue styles, and we're ready to make room for new merchandise.  This weekend at Belle Mode Intimates, we will be doing just this!  Join us Saturday August 23rd - Tuesday August 26th for some great deals on some of your favorite bras and all of our cup sized swim wear.

Below are some of the styles that will be marked at 40% off their original price.

The Little Bra Company Nicole Bra

Wacoal Full Figure Alluring Bra

Eberjey Heather Slouchy T-Shirt and Short Set

Wacoal Retro Chic Bra and Panty
 

Chantelle Orsay Bra

Wacoal Embrace Lace Chemise

Betsey Johnson Wild About You Bra and Panty

Elle Macpherson Bare and Bold Bra

Natori Lotus Edge Bra

Natori Reflex Racerback Bra

Wacoal Embrace Lace Underwire Bra and Panty

B.Tempt'd Full Bloom Bra

Panache Halle Plunge Tankini

Freya Cha Cha Halter Bikini

Panache Britt Swimsuit

Wrap Up by VP Beach Cover-Up

... AND MUCH MORE!

Why Lingerie Makes the Perfect Gift for Every Occasion!

Always keeping your lady happy should be your #1 priority and gifting her with lingerie can certainly help you out with this ...

 

 

Gifting lingerie is a HUGE COMPLIMENT.  It says you are attractive to her physically and that she still turns you on.  It's hard not to feel special after given this compliment by your lover, which can definitely spice things up in the bedroom and possibly lead to a better sex life.  Most importantly, there's pleasure for everyone here!

 

Giving her this ultimate compliment does much more than step up your bedroom game, it makes her feel loved.  When a woman puts on lingerie gifted by her significant other, her confidence sky rockets and she feels extra special.  She knows she is wearing something that turns you on and that you desire her enough to have treated her to this. 

 

As we all know, in relationships not all days are lingerie and Marvin Gaye, but when a woman is gifted this sweet gift and knows you adore her, this creates a feeling that never goes away.

 

 

Buying lingerie is something you both can appreciate, but it must be done correctly or else it can be a big headache.  The goal is for you both to be able to enjoy the pieces fully without any hesitations or regrets.    

 

Advice on how to succeed here:

Know that lingerie can be a controversial gift if given at the wrong time or in the wrong way so be careful and considerate when picking it out.  Sending mixed signals is never anything you wan to do to a woman, so let's avoid this at all costs.

 

1.  Make sure you are only gifting lingerie if your relationship is in a healthy place.  For example: Giving lingerie too soon in a relationship or when fighting is a no no for the obvious reasons.

 

2. Be unselfish when picking out the piece and get her something that caters to her style.  For example: DO NOT buy her white if she constantly is mentioning that the color white drowns her out.  Instead get her something that compliments her personality and that she will genuinely love as well.

 

3.  Do your research by checking her size and fishing around to find out what style lingerie she enjoys best.

 

4.  Go somewhere classy, not trashy to buy for her.  Simple and elegant is all she needs to get in the mood and feel beautiful.  If you do not gift classy, it can lead to all sorts of problems!

A Little Valentine's Day Teaser For You ...

These gorgeous Valentine's Day styles will all be arriving at the store any day now

My Great Grandma's Spanish Stuffing

The best part of celebrating Thanksgiving or Christmas with the Martin Family is my great grandma, Eta Quintana's, stuffing.  Ever since I was a kid this was something I would look forward to and now that I am an adult, I can't imagine a holiday without it so I simply had to carry on the tradition myself wherever I go.

WARNING: This is no average stuffing, but is rather a mouth watering dish that everyone will fall in love with
  

This recipe originates from Santander, Spain where the Quintana family is from!

Ingredients

1 1/2 Cups of Ground Pork

1 1/2 Cups of Ground Beef - 85% lean

1/2 pound of Boiled Ham

1 Green Pepper

3 Eggs

1 Jar of Roasted Red Peppers

1 1/2 Jars of Green Spanish Olives
Juice from the Roasted Red Peppers and Olives

Supplies

Large pan

Small pot

Food processor

Knife

Large mixing spoon

Strainer

Steps

1. Hard boil all three eggs and let cool.

2. Cook the ground pork and ground meat together in the same large pan until all of the meat is done.

3. Drain the grease from the pan into the sink.  Put the meat back into the pan and cook slowly with low heat. 

4. Chop up the ham, green pepper, and eggs with the food processor and add these all into the pan with the meat.  If you have the patience to chop up the ingredients it will make for a chunkier and quite possibly better tasting stuffing.  I personally use the food processor because I'm not a very domesticated chef!

5.  Add the juice from the olive and pepper jars into the pan and stir thoroughly.  Chop the olives and peppers up in the food processor and add into the pan of ingredients.

These are the two most important ingredients.  The juice from the red peppers and olives is really what makes this recipe full of flavor so make sure you don't go light on either of those.

6. Cover the pan and heat on low for 30-45 minutes stirring it every 5 minutes or so.  Make sure you don't forget about the dish as it will burn and then your perfect stuffing would go to waste!

The stuffing is best if served fresh, but if stored in the refrigerator with a closed container it will keep very well.  This dish goes great with mashed potatoes, green been casserole, turkey, gravy, ham, lasagna, cranberries, and all the other delicious holiday dishes!  It also makes for great leftovers.

THE BEST STUFFING EVER