Posts Tagged ‘Northern Virginia Magazine’
Posted by Lindsey Leake / Wednesday, April 11th, 2012
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Manassas native George Zimmerman to face charges in Trayvon Martin case
EpiPen bill nears passage in Virginia
McDonnell: Santorum should endorse Romney
Prince William’s Corey Stewart announces run for Lt. Gov.
Report says new Virginia retirement program could cost millions
Fairfax approves Silver Line station names
(Compiled by Lindsey Leake; photo courtesy of Shutterstock/Ira Bostic)
Enticing Elopements at Old Town’s Morrison House
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Wednesday, April 11th, 2012
Get the best of both worlds, elopement and a traditional wedding, at Old Town's Morrison House. (Photo: Morrison House)
Hello there, shoppers!
If most of your shopping — not to mention all your thoughts? — these days involve anything and everything to do with getting hitched, and you’re way over all of the hullabaloo, you may be eyeing up elopement options. But before you run for the hills and get hitched, leaving your family and your lifelong dreams of what your big day would be in the dust, take a look at the “Simply Charming Elopement Package” available at Old Town’s Morrison House through Aug. 31.
With the $6,000 package, all the thinking is done for you, and you can still have a very special, super-classy day with your dearest (up to 18 guests).
Included in the package are the following amenities for the bride, groom and up to 18 of their favorite family and friends in tow:
Ceremony
- Ceremony in the four-star hotel’s lovely Parlor
- An officiate to perform your wedding ceremony
- Beautiful bouquet and boutonniere for the bride and groom
- Choice of violinist, guitarist or cellist to play at the ceremony and reception
Reception
- Cocktail reception with butler hors d’oeuvres for 1 hour in the Parlor, Library and Courtyard
- Full premium bar and selection of house wines, cocktails and soft drinks
- Champagne toast
Dinner
- Morrison House’s Louis XVI Room set for 20 with ivory linens, chivari chairs, votives and gold chargers
- Floral centerpieces by Enchanted Florist in Alexandria
- Three-course dinner with wine pairings and coffee service
- Delicious petite wedding cake or choice of dessert
Accommodations
- 10 beautifully appointed guest rooms, including a suite for the bride and groom at the Morrison House, a Kimpton Hotel
- Complimentary wine hour in the Living Room from 5 – 6 p.m. for all hotel guests
- Valet parking or free shuttle to and from Reagan National Airport
- Champagne and strawberries for the wedding night in bride and groom’s suite
Intrigued? For more details, contact Annee Gillett at events@morrisonhouse.com or call 703-842-2796.
Happy shopping!
–Natalie Kaar
Posted by Hilary Adleberg / Wednesday, April 11th, 2012
I see London, I see France, I see sales on underpants! Lookout for some upcoming lingerie events that are offering deals that will make you smile and designs that will make your significant other blush.
For more details or to schedule an appointment with a lingerie stylist, call your nearest Nordstrom store. (Photo courtesy: nordstrom.com)
Nordstrom is hosting the Frill Seekers event on Friday, April 20 and Saturday, April 21. Get a peek at the newest lingerie styles for spring and feel free to enlist the help of a lingerie stylist for advice on what looks are best for your specific size, shape and style. Spend up to $50 and receive a free gift with purchase while supplies last. Nordstrom will have you covered—sort of—in styles from brands such as Betsey Johnson, Natori, Chantelle, Wacoal, Kensie and Freya.
Nordstrom and participating brands will donate $2 for every bra purchased at the event to Susan G. Komen for the Cure® to help support research and lifesaving community programs.
For more information, contact Bloomers’ owner Kim Putens at 202-297-9090 or kim@shopbloomers.com. (Photo courtesy: shopbloomers.com)
Bloomers is an underwear, loungewear and sleepwear boutique that believes beautiful lingerie should be functional and financially friendly for women to enjoy every day, not just on special occasions. In celebration of the re-launch of the Bloomers website, the new Shirlington store and the introduction of the store’s mascot, Betsey Bloomers, the store will be hosting events from April 15 to April 28.
“Betsy is a great addition to Bloomers,” said Kim Putens, Bloomers owner. “And, finally our website really portrays the look and spirit of our stores and the Bloomers brand.” (Photo courtesy: shopbloomers.com)
Participate in the special events with Betsey Bloomers and you will be eligible to win great prizes and discounts! Below are the contests and events leading up to the in-store event on Saturday April 28.
Where is Betsy Bloomers? – Between April 15 and April 25, follow Betsy’s blog to learn where Betsy will be popping up in the Old Town Alexandria or Shirlington areas. Guess all the venues she is at and submit your answers by April 27 to win a Grand Prize Gift from each of the venues Betsy visits. Submit answers to betsy@shopbloomers.com in order to be eligible to win the Grand prize.
Panty Radar – Share with us your funniest underwear story. All of us have an embarrassing moment like when we wore those red panties under a pink dress thinking no one would notice. Post your stories on Bloomers’ Facebook page by April 27 and the story that gets the most likes will win a FREE 3-month Panty of the Month club subscription, a $60 value. The winner will be notified on April 28. The rules: keep it clean but make it funny.
Pick a Discount or Gift – Come into either Bloomers location on April 28, pick out a pair of undies from the grab bag, and learn your on the spot discount or gift. Each pair of panties in the grab bag will have a secret discount or gift listed on the tag. Discounts or gifts will be honored on April 28 only.
Happy shopping!
-Hilary Adleberg
McLean Silent Film Series Continues
Posted by Matt Basheda / Wednesday, April 11th, 2012
Rudolph Valentino is now more myth than man.
His name still reverberates in pop culture’s collective memory. He was the hottest of Hollywood sex symbols, and died at age 31. But his actual films remain largely forgotten.
However, McLean Community Center’s wildly popular silent film series, riding “The Artist’s” groundbreaking waves of success, provides a glimpse of Valentino’s acting abilities tonight, April 11, at 8 p.m.
“The Eagle” is one of a handful of Valentino’s blockbuster films, and one of the most critically praised. Valentino plays a Russian bandit in love with a princess. Complications ensue–to say the least–but it works out well. This is no tragedy.
The film’s pace is brisk, and its length only about an hour.
As usual, tickets run a cheap $10, and famed movie musician Ben Model provides live accompaniment.
Posted by Sally Traynham / Wednesday, April 11th, 2012
Sushi-making robots for the future. [Inside Scoop SF]
Did you catch Food Network’s Chopped last night? David Guas, chef mastermind behind Bayou Bakery in Arlington, competed in this secret ingredient cooking competition. Don’t worry, we won’t tell you what happened. Check out a rerun to see how it ends. [Eater]
Hop Chef! No, we didn’t mean Top Chef. Seven local chefs will be challenged to prepare dishes that pair well with a Ommegang beer. The local winner will then move on to the grand Hop Chef competition. NoVA chefs include: Jamie Leeds of Hank’s Oyster Bar, Mark Marrocco of Magnolias at the Mill and Will Artley of Pizzeria Orso. [WaPo]
Burger King unveils a bacon sundae that will go for a test run in Nashville (and hopefully not make its way to NoVA) amongst other new menu changes. [Huffington Post]
David Weber, President of the NYC Food Truck Association, releases The Food Truck Handbook, a how-to-succeed in the mobile-food scene, a bound-to-be best seller in our food truck-crazed society. [SF Gate]
Restaurant 3 opens for patio pig roasts next Thursday (4/19) with $5 pulled pork sandwiches, $3 Porkslaps and $5 Bacon Bloody Marys. [NVM Wire]
Pie charts get a tasty new meaning. [Mostly Cabbages]
Photo: svry/Shutterstock
[tips for the food desk]
Posted by Lindsey Leake / Tuesday, April 10th, 2012
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
It’s illegal for bars and restaurants to advertise happy hour in Virginia
Metro paid employee charged with murder to stay home
Two women assaulted in Alexandria after responding to apartment ad
Event to host all nine living Virginia governors
Prince William’s advertised tax rate equals $9.2 million for schools
(Compiled by Lindsey Leake; photo courtesy of Shutterstock/Judy Kennamer)
From The Green Room With: Mandisa
Posted by Lorin Drinkard / Tuesday, April 10th, 2012
Mandisa = American Idol
alumna + 3 Grammy noms
+ 4 albums + a nationwide tour
For Christian singer/songwriter Mandisa, this short list just begins to describe her musical accomplishments in the recent years. We chatted with the bubbly, Zumba-loving artist about faith, fitness and what she has up her vocal sleeves (the Girls Night Live tour, also featuring Laura Story, stops in Woodbridge this Saturday!).
We’re excited about your upcoming tour coming to Woodbridge, right here in Northern Virginia. What led you to be a part of the Girls Night Live events?
For Your Breadless Sanity: Gluten Free Matzo for Passover
Posted by Stefanie Gans / Tuesday, April 10th, 2012
Hallelujah people. Hallelujah. I found a way to help you get through the lonely bread-free days of Passover.
My uncle recently started a gluten-free diet and decided to continue it during Passover. He brought over a gluten-free matzo that I was sure would taste even worse than what my mom usually buys. Somehow, this gluten free “matzo-style” matzo is so much better.
It’s crisper. It’s saltier. It actually has some flavor. It’s like more like a cracker and totally feels like cheating.
I’m not exactly sure why this gluten-free matzo is not allowed for “sacramental purposes” (see box above) but it is labeled as kosher for Passover, so we’re going with it.
Treat it like a cracker and top it with a slather of avocado and a smidge of sardine. Leave the real stuff to matzah brei, either savory or sweet.
Photo: Stefanie Gans
[tips for the food desk / follow @gansie]
Sure Things: Kiehl’s Creme de Corps
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Tuesday, April 10th, 2012
An unbelievably awesome body moisturizer, starting at $11. Score it for free at the new Kiehl's store in Tysons.* (Photo: Kiehl's)
Hello there, shoppers!
When it comes to body moisturizers, do you feel like you’ve run the gamut in terms of options, from bargain buys at drug stores to pricey products at department stores and dermatologist offices, only to be left thinking, “There must be something better”? Well, don’t be discouraged. Soon your super-frustrating quest for soft, supple skin sans greasiness and stinky smells may be dunzo.
Yours truly, on a search for the perfect body moisturizer for decades, was given a sample of Kiehl’s Creme de Corps recently, only to realize that the illusive ‘something better’ has been at Kiehl’s all along. If I had only been paying attention; 61 out of 64 customers would recommend this moisturizer to a friend on kiehls.com, and reviewers have given Creme de Corps 4.5 out of 5 hearts.
Why?
The magical stuff turns dry, alligator-like skin into soft, baby bottom-like skin in no time — sans stickiness (it may feel sticky at first, but that diminishes once it dries), greasiness and strong scents. In other words, think skin you can’t wait to show off to the world, thanks to a lotion that doesn’t rub off on clothes or overpower your perfume, just in time for warmer weather.
The only con as far as I can see with Kiehl’s Creme de Corps is the price; prices start at $11 for a 2.5 fl. oz. bottle, with a one-liter pump bottle coming in at $72 and various sizes in between. But a little goes a long way, so a big bottle should last and last.
Some reviewers, including at least one pregnant woman, complain that they can’t deal with the lotion’s smell. Honestly, I’d argue that the stuff is practically unscented.
Dying to try it? With every purchase at kiehls.com, receive three complimentary samples — plus free shipping through April 15. But even better, score a free full-size sample (up to a $20 value) with any purchase of $100 or more at the new Tysons Corner Kiehl’s store, the first in Virginia, through May 16. Just print out the offer and bring it to the store.
Of course, a great time to visit would be the grand opening on April 24.
Happy shopping!
–Natalie Kaar
Posted by Lynn Norusis / Monday, April 9th, 2012
Dear Little Red Book and Panelists:
My wife and I have a pretty good relationship except my commute is the worst. I work long hours like everyone in this area and have a two hour commute to and from D.C. every day. My day starts at 5 a.m. to catch the VRE, transfer to the metro, and then walk to work. It’s usually 9 p.m. by the time I get home. I then crash on the couch and watch sports to zone out. Did I mention that I have three kids? My wife works part-time, so I pay the mortgage and feed the kids. The daily grind is killing me and my relationship. Sex is definitely not a priority and it doesn’t happen much. Suggestions please.
– Jason, 34
Master Matchmaker Kristen: Move or get a different job. It is really that simple. I know you are going to say “I can’t; I make too much money” or “I can’t afford a home close to my job” or “I have three kids to feed” right? I have five kids so I get it, however in life you have to make choices, and you NEED to choose your family over a particular job or a house. Relationships all need nurturing and attention and there is no way you are giving your wife or kids the attention they deserve. Think of it in terms of a garden. You can plant beautiful healthy plants, but if you are not around to water, feed and tend to the garden, weeds will take over and eventually everything you planted will die. A relationship is very similar to a garden. I guarantee your wife feels like a single mother and your kids feel like they are being raised without a dad. Both these relationships are suffering. Your weekend relationship with your wife may be fine right now, but your family deserves more. YOU deserve more. You deserve better than to live half your life commuting and not spending any time at home with your family. Sixteen hours away from home everyday—really? You can’t live like that either. Your quality of life has to be defined by time spent with your family and not accumulating “stuff.” You have to make life choices to adjust to a lower income if necessary. If your mortgage is too high, then get a smaller, cheaper place closer to your job. Take a renter into your basement, cancel your cable TV, get an older cheaper car, do whatever you can to make it work. The bottom line is you need to be home more…period.
In Your Shoes: I, too, have a lengthy commute into D.C. everyday which includes the VRE and a lengthy walk to my office building. And, when I get home there are three beautiful children greeting me at the door. Needless to say “alone” time with my wife does not happen nearly as much as I would like. That is the key though; despite our hectic workdays and home life we ALWAYS make time for us. Even if it turns out to be only 10 minutes at the dinner table after the kids fall asleep. I cannot stress to you how important it is in a marriage to fight through the day-to-day grind and life’s distractions and all the stress to focus on each other. I have found this ongoing emotional connection to pay dividends in the bedroom department as well. Mandatory “Date Night” once a month goes a long way towards maintaining that chemistry, which is so vital in a good relationship.
Little Red Book: You have serious decisions to make. Your marriage and sex life (and perhaps health) have suffered and chances are they won’t improve unless you make necessary changes. Start spending your two-hour commutes looking for a job closer to where you live. In addition, share your frustrations with your wife and urge her to look for full-time work to increase your combined income. Perhaps you could move your family closer to the district with the extra money. You have the makings of living the American Dream. But none of it matters if you can’t enjoy it. The good news is that you are young and have plenty of life ahead of you if you choose to take advantage of it.
“In Your Shoes” serves as a guest panelist this week who is in a similar situation as our reader. Offer your suggestions and opinions to Jason by commenting below or e-mailing me at littleredbook@northernvirginiamag.com.
-Katie