How to Get the Most Storage Space Out of Your Freezer

If you’re looking for a way to add extra storage space to your current freezer, these smart tips may be of service.

  1. Know what to freeze. Start streamlining what you freeze in the first place by knowing what will last and what won’t. In general, leafy vegetables, dairy products, and fried foods are not meant to freeze.
  2. Separate items into portions. If you’re freezing something that would otherwise stick together after freezing, such as chicken breasts or soup, separate it into serving-sized portions so that you can easily thaw only the part that you need.
  3. Use containers. Instead of piling all of your food into one large pile in the freezer, invest in freezer-safe storage containers from the local home goods store.
  4. Use labels. Label everything in the freezer, from individual food items (unless they’re still in the original packaging) to your storage containers.
  5. Mind the door. The door of the freezer is the warmest part, so don’t store things that can easily melt on its shelves. Save this space for less delicate foods, such as nuts, alcohol, or frozen fruits.

Fridge and Freezer Organization [The Container Store]
The Best Way to Organize Your Freezer [The Kitchn]
8 Better Ways to Keep Your Freezer Super-Organized [Good Housekeeping]

South Street Under: A Modern Herndon Bakery Surrounded by Old Town Charm

Originally an extension of Leesburg staple Tuskies, South Street Under has come into its own as a popular casual eatery and top-notch bakery. Ideal for a quick lunch, this hidden Market Station gem has received attention for the bite of their airy, moist, yet crisp ciabatta, which accompanies an array of warm and cold sandwiches on the menu, including classics such as the rueben, BBBLT (triple the Bs, triple the bacon) or the popular chicken ciapini, topped with havarti cheese, spinach, tomato and zesty pepper mayo. Treat yourself to a hot cup of the soup du jour, including a mystery “Chef’s Surprise” selection on Thursdays, or warm up with one of their daily regulars, including hearty beef chili and vegetarian fan favorite potato-leek.

For early birds stopping in for a snack on the fly, consider pairing a jumbo éclair, moist blueberry muffin or any of their other tasty baked good offerings with a hot cup of coffee to go. Not stopping at handheld pastries, South Street Under is also known for their signature truffle cake, layering ribbons of chocolate truffle cream with dark chocolate ganache and your choice of fillings.

South Street Under
203 Harrison Street SE
Leesburg, VA 20175
(703) 771-9610
http://www.southstreetunder.com
http://www.yelp.com/biz/south-street-under-leesburg

Get Up Close with Critters at Leesburg Animal Park

If you have a family full of animal lovers, Leesburg Animal Park is the perfect spot to spend a day. The local zoo plays host to a wide array of critters, from native barnyard animals to more exotic creatures from across the ocean. Explore all of its 21 acres with your youngsters this weekend to see everything that it has to offer.

Start at the petting zoo, where little ones can get hands-on with donkeys and llamas, bunnies and ducks, cows and goats, lambs and sheep, and even deer. Then check out the exotic animal exhibits, which house everything from African serval cats to zebras to lemurs. Kids can also take a pony or camel ride, and the whole family can enjoy a wagon ride. There's even a three-story play zone inside, as well as private rooms for birthday parties.

Leesburg Animal Park
19270 James Monroe Highway
Leesburg, VA 20175
(703) 433-0002
www.leesburganimalpark.com
www.yelp.com/biz/leesburg-animal-park-leesburg

The Ice House Cafe: A Cool Place for Seafood

There are few dining experiences more enjoyable than listening to live jazz while having a seafood dinner, and that’s just what you’ll find at The Ice House Cafe. This seafood restaurant and oyster bar offers a large menu of inventive dishes for lunch and dinner, and its historic Herndon location makes it a great place for a special occasion.

The ambiance in the Ice House Cafe is equally charming, from its dark wooden walls and eclectic artwork to its handsome bar and intimate dining room. There are also live jazz performances to accompany your dinner just about every night of the week. The menu includes classic seafood options like jumbo shrimp and Ahi tuna au poivre, as well as more unique, non-seafood items like Thai-style beef, ostrich steak, and Creole jambalaya.

Order a glass of red or white from the extensive wine list, and then settle in to the relaxing sounds of jazz.

The Ice House Cafe
760 Elden St
Herndon, VA 20170
(703) 437-4500
www.icehousecafe.com

Bring Fall Indoors With These Festive Wreath Tutorials

Who says that a wreath has to hang outside? There are a number of fun and creative ways to make DIY wreaths that bring the beauty of fall indoors, and many of them don’t cost a dime to make. Here are three great wreath tutorials for you to try this weekend at BLVD l Loudoun Station.

DIY Apple Wreath [thewoodgraincottage.com]
While an actual apple wreath would likely be too heavy to hang, this one uses faux apples from the craft store to achieve the same effect. All it takes is some hot glue, a Styrofoam wreath mold and some burlap to hang it.

Glitter Wreath [homemadebyjill.blogspot.com]
If you’re looking for a fun wreath project that the kids can do, too, this one is a great choice. They’ll enjoy cutting out the small leaves from heavy cardstock, and they’ll enjoy it even more once it’s time to sprinkle glitter all over.

Fall Wheat Sheave Wreath [bhg.com]
If you prefer something with a more natural look (and a quicker preparation), this tutorial is one of the simplest you’ll find. Simply gather some dried wheat and tie it together with a piece of oversized ribbon in a fall color, then attach the whole thing to your door (or anywhere else that can use a bit of decoration).

Where (and How) to Shop for Groceries Online

You shop for clothes, shoes and books online… but what about your groceries? If you hate battling the crowds at the grocery store (or simply can’t find the time to make it there), online grocery shopping may be the answer to your problems. Here are a few great places to shop for groceries online!

Peapod
Whether you want to pick up your groceries on the way home from work without ever leaving your car or simply have them delivered straight to your door, Peapod offers custom options for all types of anti-grocery shoppers. Browse the site’s large selection of organic produce, high-quality meats and seafood items, and fully prepared meals, and be sure to take advantage of its frequent sales and coupons.

Amazon
Your favorite place to shop for electronics may also become your go-to place to shop for groceries. By using the Prime Pantry option, you can fill a box with your favorite snacks, spices and fresh groceries—all for a flat shipping rate of $5.99.

Fresh Direct
Fresh Direct offers one of the largest selections of grocery items of any site, including deli meats and cheeses, bakery items, baby foods, and even wines and spirits. There are new products being added daily, as well as frequent sales just like the ones at the traditional grocery store.

Fabbioli Cellars: Local, Sustainable World-Class Wine in Leesburg

Operating from their Loudon County winery and vineyard since 2000, Fabbioli Cellars has received international praise for their Northern Virginia wines. Indulge your senses and partake in one of their wine tastings in the charming, cozy atmosphere of the tasting room.

Tastings include pours of seven of their monthly-rotating wines paired with tasty gourmet bites crafted by local chefs. Sample deeper flavors like a bold, yet crisp, Rosa Luna or a fragrant, oaky Cabernet, laced with notes of aromatic red raspberry. For those who prefer lighter blends, their fruity, tart Something White offers notes of green apple and tropical fruit and sweet wines, including an award-winning Aperitif Pear Wine, are also available.

Fabbioli Cellars places an emphasis on building a positive relationship with the local community and educating guests on the art of winemaking. The winery is open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tours of the vineyard (leashed pets welcome!), bookings for groups and private events are also available.

Fabbioli Cellars
15669 Limestone School Road
Leesburg, VA 20176
(703) 771-1197
http://www.fabbioliwines.com
http://www.yelp.com/biz/fabbioli-celars-leesburg

Treat Yourself to Something Sweet at Amphora Bakery

Whether you stop in for a breakfast pastry or for a large order of specialty desserts, Amphora Bakery offers something sweet for any occasion. This sweet local bakery is friendly and stylish, and its knowledgeable employees are always on hand to offer assistance with ordering a custom birthday cake or a dozen cookies for the office.

Amphora Bakery’s celebration cakes feature your choice of professional-quality decorations, from floral and fashion designs to sports and even your favorite entertainers. There are cookies made especially for seasons or holidays, as well as custom cookies with a personalized message or picture. If you’re planning a party, Amphora Bakery can create a complete dessert table styled according to your theme and made with your choice of sweets.

Amphora Bakery
294 Sunset Park Drive
Herndon, VA 20170
(703) 964-0500
www.amphorabakery.com

O’Sullivan’s Irish Pub: A Place to Unwind in Herndon

Looking for a place to unwind after a long day at work? Look no further than O’Sullivan’s Irish Pub in historic downtown Herndon. Offering daily specials (like the $8 fish and chips special on Mondays) and events (team trivia on Wednesdays), there’s always something to do here. The menu is full of traditional Irish grub as well as newer Irish favorites like the Guinness Burger and Beef and Guinness Stew. Be sure to pair one of the Guinness entrees with Guinness beer, of course. It’s quiet during the weekdays, but it gets relatively loud during Happy Hour and the weekends. If you want the complete traditional Irish pub experience, O’Sullivan’s features live Irish music in the evenings, and the staff is friendly, fast, and takes the time to know your name.

O'Sullivan's Irish Pub
754 Elden Street
Herndon, VA 20170
(703) 464-0522

Breathe New Life Into Your Bedroom’s Decor With These Simple Tips

Your bedroom should be a place of rest and relaxation, but in your effort to keep things understated and minimal, you might make the décor seem a bit boring. Here are some ways to breathe new life into an outdated bedroom—while still getting a good night’s sleep.

  1. Switch out your side tables. One of the most affordable ways to update your bedroom is by switching the side tables with something unique. Opt for slim shelves mounted right to the wall if your room is small, or go for something larger than a nightstand, such as a full-sized desk, if you have the space to spare.
  2. Add a duvet cover. If you want to change your bedding without investing in an entirely new set, cover your existing comforter with an affordable duvet in a bold, fun print or spa-like white.
  3. Add a headboard. If your current bed doesn’t have a headboard, create one using a large painting, a rectangular tapestry or even an antique door.
  4. Put some art on the walls. Many people forget about decorating the walls in the bedroom, but it can make all the difference. Frame some black and white family photos or even pretty vintage wallpaper squares in colors that match your décor.
  5. Switch the window treatments. Brighten up a bedroom with sheer curtains—it may even help you get out of bed in the morning.

5 Decorating Ideas for Bedrooms [Real Simple]
5 Small Ways to Give Your Bedroom a Big Boost [Oprah]
Freshen Your Bedroom with Low-Cost Updates [Better Homes & Gardens]

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