Posts Tagged ‘Northern Virginia Magazine’
Posted by Hilary Adleberg / Wednesday, May 23rd, 2012
In need of a vacay this Memorial Day weekend? Check out these tempting travel deals that will have you returning to work next week relaxed, tan and the envy of all your co-workers. Whether you’re searching for a family-friendly vacation destination, a trip for the peaceful pair, or an exciting adventure that’s a little out of the ordinary, there’s something for every style!
Photo courtesy: shutterstock/liseykina
For the Golfer
Looking for a golfing getaway? Well, Perfect Drive Gold Villas in Port St. Lucie, FL is offering a two night stay in a one bedroom villa that fits up to four occupants for $109. The villas provide a home-away-from-home ambiance with complimentary Wi-fi, fully equipped kitchens and private laundry facilities. It also includes some features that your home may not, like heated swimming pools and an on-site six hole golf course.
For the Night Owl
The Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort & Casino is reducing their rates by $70 per night from May 23 to 31, so act fast! Take advantage of the hotel’s three pools, four restaurants and two bars. For a little adventure, Crystal Palace casino and Nassau nightlife are only minutes from the resort.
For the Tranquil Twosomes
Lansdowne Resort is offering 40 percent of regular prices. The resort is known for its extraordinary spa and 45-hole golf course. Use of the resort’s gym and indoor pool are available with the purchase of any spa service. Enjoy all the amenities the resort has to offer for only $179 per night and receive a free breakfast for two. This deal is only available Sunday through Thursdays.
For Family Fun
Set on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach Resort invites families of two adults and two children for an all-inclusive stay. For as low as $599 for three nights, this deal includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, unlimited cocktails, free use of bikes, kayaks, sailboats, live entertainment, daily fitness classes, and more!
Photo courtesy: gaylordalert.com
The Gaylord National Resort is hosting DreamWorks-themed festivities featuring characters from DreamWorks Animation films like Shrek, Madagascar and Kung Fu Panda. Rates per night start as low as $109 and there are activities in and around the hotel that will entertain every member of the family.
Tour the Memorials for Memorial Day
Posted by Matt Basheda / Wednesday, May 23rd, 2012
Memorial Day in Washington, D.C. is a big deal.
After all, the city houses many of the country’s famous memorials. So as part of your celebratory plans, why not take a day this weekend, brave the traffic and tour the memorials?
The Air Force Memorial. Photo: Shutterstock.com/Jason and Bonnie Grower
Three of the four branches of the U.S. military have major memorials in or near D.C. These broad memorials are good places to start honoring those who serve.
Since you’ll be starting in NoVA, begin your trip at the Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington. The monument is outside Arlington National Cemetery.
The spectacular Air Force Memorial is also in Virginia, on the other side of Arlington National Cemetery from the Marine memorial. Its eye-catching design is a part of the metropolitan skyline, and can be seen from many spots on both sides of the Potomac.
Of course Arlington cemetery itself cannot be–and should not be–overlooked. Arlington is one of Memorial Day’s national centerpoints.
Inside the district, the magnificent Navy Memorial pays honor to all seafaring servicemen and women. The Navy Memorial, featuring “The Lone Sailor,” stands on Pennsylvania Avenue.
But the more specific war memorials also deserve attention. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is a tremendously popular destination for D.C. visitors, and this weekend should be no different. The famous wall sits along two blocks of Constitution Avenue, between 21st Street and 23rd Street.
The relatively recent World War II Memorial, located directly on the National Mall, honors all who contributed to the war effort with a regal monument.
If you’re looking for something a little off the beaten path–especially since those major attractions will be jam-packed–D.C. has a few less-known, but no less poignant memorials.
The D.C. War Memorial. Photo: Shutterstock.com/Caitlin Mirra
The Korean War Memorial and D.C. War Memorial both sit in quiet corners of the Mall, adjacent to the biggest draws in the city. However, their slightly secluded location provides a comforting respite from the occasionally frantic downtown bustle.
And the African American Civil War Memorial, commemorating all African Americans who fought for the Union in the Civil War, sits apart from the hectic mall on U Street. Its welcoming, circular design is well worth a visit.
The Navy-Merchant Marine Memorial is one of the city’s oldest; dedicated in 1934, this extraordinary structure honors Merchant Marines who died in World War I. The unique design–seagulls on a cresting wave–combined with the aquatic location on Columbia Island makes this monument one of D.C.’s hidden memorial treasures.
The Peace Monument is highly visible, but not a frequent destination, probably owing to its location in the middle of a roundabout. But the magnificent Greco-Roman memorial should be visited by all. The huge memorial honors naval soldiers in the Civil War. It is a few hundred feet in front of the U.S. Capitol.
This is not a comprehensive list. D.C. offers even more opportunities to remember our heroes from all eras of American history. And this weekend is the perfect time to go out and pay respects.
Posted by Lindsey Leake / Tuesday, May 22nd, 2012
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
State Fair of Virginia site sells for $5.35 million
I-95 crashes leave two dead, one hurt
Body found in Leesburg pond thought to be missing man
Husband and wife steal from charity jars at Culpeper CVS
Arlingtonians love their services
(Compiled by Lindsey Leake; photo courtesy of Shutterstock/maryo)
Posted by Lorin Drinkard / Tuesday, May 22nd, 2012
Go for a dip. / Photo credit: Shutterstock/ Stacie Stauff Smith Photography
For a former Floridian who moved up to the great state of Virginia and read a sign in her apartment that says, “Pools close: Labor Day,” let’s talk about how confusing that was. And still is. No water in The Sunshine State ever shuts down or is covered. Ever. (Proof: I went to/hosted several pool birthday parties in December throughout my childhood. True story.)
But finally! The day we’ve been waiting for all spring is right around the corner: Pool Opening Day.
If this is your first time (like me!) navigating through the maze of community waters, here are a few good tips I’ve picked up along the way:
Splash into Summer at Lou Lou With Blogger Kate Julian
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Tuesday, May 22nd, 2012
Discounts on fab accessories plus free sushi and sweets? Much better than lemonade. (Photo: Shutterstock.com/AlexAnnaButs)
When life hands a man lemons, he may make lemonade, but ladies handed lemons head to Lou Lou. When life hands Kate Julian lemons, however, she pays it forward, writing a blog called Then, Life Gave Me Lemons and gearing up with Lou Lou to sweeten the pot for everyone.
Thursday, May 31, from 6-8 p.m., join Julian — whose beauty expertise will soon be shared in our mag monthly — for an exclusive one-night-only 10-percent discount at Lou Lou Alexandria (132 King St.) along with free sushi from Flying Fish and bite-sized decadent desserts from Treats by Erica.
It doesn’t get much sweeter than that! Register for the free event now.
Then again, did you hear about the fashionable, SWAG-filled event we’re sponsoring at The Fashion Centre at Pentagon City this Thursday?
Happy shopping!
–Natalie Kaar
Posted by Lindsey Leake / Monday, May 21st, 2012
Monday, May 21, 2012
Area high schools among nation’s best
Virginia Railway Express considering wifi service on trains
Dulles Rail board spends nearly $1 million studying itself
FCPS educators call for 4 percent salary boost
Arlington OKs $1.5 million dog park improvements
Fairfax County social services agency facing cuts
Wolftrap Elementary alum donates $800,000 in honor of beloved teacher
(Compiled by Lindsey Leake; photo courtesy of Shutterstock/Neil Shapiro)
Style Sense with Professional Organizer Michelle Houlihan
Posted by Hilary Adleberg / Monday, May 21st, 2012
It’s time to declutter your closets! Get those clothes that are out of season and out of style out of sight with helpful tips from professional organizer, Michelle Houlihan.
"A clean space promotes a clear mind," says Houlihan. (Photo courtesy: organizedbydesignbymichelle.com)
Q: What inspired you to start your organizing business, Organized by Design?
A: I’ve always been very organized and very systematic in the way that I keep my home and my closets. My business really started in the summer of 2010 after I spent a few months with my sister in California. She was moving from California to Oregon with her family. She has three kids and we had so much to do! It required a very organized process. While I was helping her through that, she said to me, “You need to be doing this for a living.”
Q: In what ways do you believe an unorganized environment can affect one’s lifestyle?
A: I feel very strongly that a disorganized life leads to feeling more unsettled or insecure in your environment because you have that anxiety of not knowing where things are. You may feel stressed or run late more often because you’re unable to get to your things quickly. You may forget things because they aren’t where they need to be to make your life easier. You’re home should be the most relaxing place for you and if it’s filled with clutter and piles of stuff everywhere, it just doesn’t create a comforting atmosphere.
Q: Why do you think closets become cluttered in the first place and how do you recommend minimizing an over-packed wardrobe?
A: I think the first step is always to just go through your things and really be honest about what you truly need. This process will create a closet that reflects your lifestyle. A lot of people keep clothes that they think someday they’ll need, or they think someday might come back in style, or might fit eventually. If you really can’t let those things go, at least store them in a separate place and if someday you do want them, that’s fine, you’ll have them. I won’t force anyone to throw things away or give things away. But it’s important for your closet to be a functional display of what you need for work, what you need for the weekends and what you really do like and wear. Once you start pulling out those extras, then you can have an opportunity to see how much room you really need, how hangers can make a difference and how some racks on the inside of the door may help display items.
Photo courtesy: organizedbydesignbymichelle.com
Q: What is your favorite organizing tip?
A: I’m a big fan of having things seen. Not in drawers and not in baskets even, but so that you see what you have because you probably won’t wear it unless it is out where you can actually see what you have. With accessories like necklaces, belts and scarves, if they’re in a big box somewhere you’re going to end up wearing the same necklace every day. But if everything is out you’re going to have a better sense of what you have and can create outfits with ease and confidence!
Q: What do you suggest for people who have smaller spaces to spread out in?
A: Most of us don’t have space to have everything that we own out. It’s very hard to find certain garments if you’re shoving your winter clothes and summer clothes into the same space. So it’s important to clear out everything that’s not in season. Doing so creates a much bigger and much simpler space to stretch things out in. That’s the first thing I suggest, if you don’t have a huge space to occupy. The best thing about ridding your closet of the unworn and unwanted, is that you can display the beautiful things that you own and have them accessible and ready for any occasion!
-Hilary Adleberg
Our Vintage Film Comes to Jammin Java
Posted by Hunter Woodall / Monday, May 21st, 2012
Indie pop rock group Our Vintage Film will take the stage at Jammin Java this Tuesday, May 22. The band released The Midnight Sun EP in July of 2011.
According to their website, the EP represents the journey the band members faced during their college years. The band’s goal is to release music with themes that tie into “meaningful everyday concepts.”
The group originally started out as an acoustic band, but over time has grown to become a seven piece band. The current lineup features a cello, violin and piano. On the bands website, the group refers to their sound as both “power pop” and “indie-pop progression.”
The band is working to increase fans exposure to their msuic through online marketing, as well as a kickstarter campaign to help fund their 2012 Summer tour.
Our Vintage Film will take the Jammin Java stage Tuesday along with openers Bonaventure, The Offset and Money Can’t Be Eaten. Tickets are $10 prior to the show and $13 at the door. Doors open at 6 p.m.
Posted by Sally Traynham / Monday, May 21st, 2012
IriskinoFoto/Shutterstock
Hot weather and picnics are on this weekend’s hit list. Round up the family, pack some grub and enjoy the summer weather at one of these perfect picnic spots:
Bluemont Park, Arlington
Nestled in Arlington, this beautiful 70-acre park offers everything from frisbee golf to paved trails and natural streams. A picnic shelter is available for rent and picnic tables are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Entrance fee: n/a
Great Falls Park, McLean
A pet-friendly national park with staggering views of the Potomac River with falls and nature at its best. Picnic tables and grills are available on a first-come, first serve basis (no reservations accepted). Entrance fee: $5 pp
Bull Run Regional Park, Centreville Read the rest of this entry »
Spacious fields with scenic woodland trails a picturesque stream are hard to beat. The large outdoor pool will open Memorial Day weekend. Picnic shelters available for reservations. Entrance fee: $7 per vehicle
Posted by Lindsey Leake / Friday, May 18th, 2012
Friday, May 18, 2012
Virginia takes a swing at school bullies
Silver Line testing will cause Orange Line delays
Woman arrested at GMU graduation
Historic Culpeper house gets funds for quake repairs
Virginia hosts National Kids to Parks Day
(Compiled by Lindsey Leake; photo courtesy of Shutterstock/Gary Paul Lewis)