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Explore Local History at Morven Park

September 25, 2015 by

Westmoreland Davis passed away more than seven decades ago, but his legacy lives on at Morven Park. It was once the homestead of Davis and wife Marguerite, a sprawling 1,000-acre estate where they enjoyed peace and quiet away from the public eye. Today, almost 150,000 people get to experience its grounds and museums every year.

There are three historic buildings to explore, starting with the main Governor Davis Mansion. What began as a small stone farmhouse evolved into a Greek Revival mansion over the course of two centuries. Check out the regal entry hall, the nearly overflowing library, and the lavish drawing room. Nearby in the Winmill Carriage Museum, you can see 40 vintage carriages, coaches, and even sleds and carts that have been used in the area over years past. And finally at the Museum of Hounds and Hunting of North America (located inside of the mansion), you'll see works of art inspried by the sport.

Morven Park
17263 Southern Planter Lane
Leesburg, VA 20175
(703) 777-2890
www.morvenpark.org
www.yelp.com/biz/morven-park-leesburg

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Pittsburgh Rick’s: French Fries in Every Sandwich

September 24, 2015 by

Rick Allison has been in the restaurant business one way or another for more than 30 years. He cut his teeth in the early '80s alongside his grandmother, who owned a restaurant in Pennsylvania. Together, she and Rick would handcraft pasta, shape burgers, and do everything in between. Rick caught on quickly, which is why he decided to enroll at the Culinary Institute of America and pursue a career in restaurateuring.

At Pittsburgh Rick's, Allison shows off everything he's learned for the people of Leesburg. Many liken the restaurant to Primanti Bros, a well-known sandwich eatery in Pittsburgh. It serves the same Pittsburgh-style sandwiches—that is, sammies stuffed with French fries. Trye the loaded grilled cheese with bacon, the pastrami and cheese, or the butter-poached lobster. They all have fries built right in to the sandwich's structure.

Pittsburgh Rick's
116 E. Market Street
Leesburg, VA 20176
(703) 737-3700
www.pittsburghricks.com
www.yelp.com/biz/pittsburgh-ricks-leesburg

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Easy Pumpkin Carving Projects for Kids

September 18, 2015 by

Carving pumpkins is a fun fall activity that the whole family can do together, but young children require carving projects that are a bit simpler (and safer) than others. Check out these adorable ideas for kid-friendly pumpkin carvings that your little ones will love.

Candy-Cursed Jack-o’-Lantern [Martha Stewart]
This pumpkin pattern may be simple, but that doesn’t mean that it’s boring. Instead of placing a candle inside, it’s made to accommodate a bowl of Halloween candy. The oversized mouth acts as a serving bowl for the sweets inside, and the kids will love to sneak a few pieces from their pumpkin once it’s complete.

Mini White Pumpkins [Apartment Therapy]
Mini pumpkins are much easier for kids’ tiny hands to navigate, and this project will transform them into something truly unique. By adding beady red eyes and costume vampire teeth, the kids can create an army of cute pumpkin vampires to put on display.

Cat Face [SheKnows]
This cat face pumpkin carving pattern is a bit more modern than most. It features a splashy silhouette of a scary cat face, and animal-loving children will get a kick out of carving it after a visit to the pumpkin patch. Although some of the smaller details may require some assistance, it can be a fun collaborative craft for parents and children.

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What’s Your Interior Design Personality? Find Out Here!

September 17, 2015 by

Are you partial to chic, modern furnishings, or is your interior design style more of the cozy, vintage-inspired variety? Knowing exactly what types of furnishings you like best will make it much easier for you to decorate your home at BLVD l Loudoun Station. Here are a few great online quizzes that will help you to zero in on your specific interior design personality.

What’s Your Decorating Style?
This quiz from Coastal Living asks a series of very abstract questions about your lifestyle, your drink preferences, and even your preferred clothing style to help you figure out your interior design style. It also makes recommendations for decorating ideas once your results are in.

Style Maker Visual Quiz
Take this visual quiz from Stylish Home is best for visual learners, as it shows you a series of photos in order to help you determine your home decor preferences. Instead of simply asking you what types of furnishings you like, it actually shows them to you to help get a more accurate response.

Decorating Style Quiz
Better Homes & Gardens offers this fun mix of visual and word-based questions regarding your decor preferences, your personality, and your unique needs. Once you complete the quiz, it offers a general idea of your home decor personality.

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Weight Loss Tips for New Dieters

September 11, 2015 by

You’ve never had to watch your weight before, but it seems like all of those years of eating whatever you want are suddenly catching up with you. If you’re about to embark on your first diet, use these simple tips to stay on track and maximize results.

  1. Think about it in the long-term. Instead of thinking of your diet as something that will eventually end, consider it a lifestyle change. That way, you’ll be able to maintain your results and even indulge in the occasional treat.
  2. Aim for realistic goals. Instead of starting an extreme diet to lose a very large amount of weight each week, set realistic goals that you can safely and healthily meet. For example, aiming to lose 2 pounds per week is a healthy and attainable weight loss goal that will still yield major results.
  3. Skip the fad diets. Instead of falling for a fad diet that cuts out a major food group or involves complicated meal plans, opt for a healthy diet that includes whole foods and balanced meals.
  4. Keep it simple. Fill your diet with fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and the occasional healthy whole grains and you’ll have no problem shedding those extra pounds.

Healthy Weight Loss and Dieting Tips [HelpGuide.org]
The 25 Best Diet Tricks of All Time [Health]
Jillian Michaels: Weight-Loss Tips That Work [Health]

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Herndon Community Center: A Community Destination

September 10, 2015 by

There are no more excuses for not exercising: since it's open from early morning to late afternoon, you can easily afford to spend a few hours at the Herndon Community Center, the fitness and recreational center located within Bready Park. For a low $7, non-Herndon residents can purchase a day pass while Herndon residents pay only $6 and have full access to all its amenities. The Community Center has all the basics in free weights, fixed equipment, and cardio equipment. There’s also a 25-yard indoor heated pool (with a training area for children), spa, sauna, full-sized gymnasium, and basketball, tennis, and racquetball courts. The Center also offers plenty of classes, ranging from swimming to tennis to dance to art. If you have somewhere to go after working out, there are large locker rooms with showers. If you have a child and are only staying for two hours, there’s a drop-off childcare center run by friendly staff.

Herndon Community Center
814 Ferndale Avenue
Herndon, VA 20172
(703) 787-7300

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Feel a Cold Coming On? Load Up on These Surprising Vitamin C-Rich Foods!

September 4, 2015 by

If you feel a cold coming on, there are few better natural remedies than to eat foods that are high in Vitamin C. Orange juice is a popular option, but you can also take advantage of the high levels of Vitamin C in a wide variety of other fruits and vegetables. Here are just a few of the best sources of Vitamin C for the next time you’re feeling a bit under the weather.

  1. Papaya. Papayas are just as sweet and refreshing as oranges, and they contain 95.6 milligrams of Vitamin C in just one small fruit. Papayas are also rich in Vitamin A and dietary fiber. To get even more of this valuable vitamin, mash enough papaya to fill one cup; it provides about 140 milligrams of Vitamin C.
  2. Broccoli. Whether you toss it into a stir fry or eat it raw as a snack, broccoli is another great source of beneficial Vitamin C. One 148-gram serving provides about 132 milligrams of C vitamins that boost your immune system and prevent illness.
  3. Kale. Kale isn’t just a trendy so-called “superfood,” it actually does provide a whole slew of health benefits. Just two cups of chopped kale offers 160.8 milligrams of Vitamin C, as well as large amounts of Vitamins A and K, phytonutrients, and fiber.

Surprising Sources of Vitamin C [Berkeley Wellness]
7 Surprising (and Delicious) Sources of Vitamin C [Care2]
7 Foods With More Vitamin C Than an Orange [Huffington Post]

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Fire Works Pizza: Craft Pizza a Cut Above the Rest

September 3, 2015 by

Offering pies that take the art of pizza to a whole new level, Fire Works Pizza delivers exceptional flavors and fresh ingredients that are sure to impress. Each pizza is cooked over a wood-burning fire which adds an incredible amount of flavor! Start off with a bruschetta with unique toppings like brie with honey or their homemade tomato jam. Specialty pizzas like the French Connection with prosciutto, chicken, brie, apples, and onions will definitely wow taste buds. Many of the ingredients are organic and locally sourced from farms and produce providers in the area. An extremely popular hangout in Market Station, Fire Works Pizza is often crowded around dinnertime, but the food is always worth the wait. And the laid-back atmosphere and swanky interior makes guests feel both relaxed but pampered. The outstanding service and delicious pizza at Fire Works Pizza makes it an unbeatable gourmet treat.

Fire Works Pizza
201 Harrison Street SE
Leesburg, VA 20175
(703) 779-8400

Filed Under: Restaurants Tagged With: , , ,

How to Add Mixed Patterns to Your Apartment’s Decor

August 28, 2015 by

Think it takes a decorator’s eye to mix patterns? Think again! With a few smart tips and some simple rules to keep in mind, you can mix patterns like the pros in any room in your home.

  1. Choose a color scheme. First, pick a color scheme that you’ll stick with throughout the room. Whether it’s basic black and white or something brighter, like yellow and blue, this will make your pattern mixing much easier.
  2. Limit the number of patterns. While it may seem overwhelming to mix a dozen different patterns, even the most novice home decorator can work with three or four. Keep things simple, but still incredibly impactful.
  3. Decide where you’ll mix your patterns. Adding a variety of different throw pillows on the sofa or the bed is one of the most popular ways to incorporate a few different patterns in a room, but you might also want to add even more fun prints. For even more depth and dimension, try a temporary wallpaper in a big, bold pattern, or use a funky rug with simpler throw pillows and curtains.
  4. Make your own. If you’re having a hard time finding pillowcases or curtains in patterns that go together, try creating your own! It’s very easy to sew these items at home, and some tutorials don’t even involve any sewing at all.

How to Mix Patterns in a Room [For Dummies]
Learn How to Mix Patterns [BHG]
10 Easy Ways to Mix and Match Patterns in Your Home [Freshome]

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The Thai Pan: Get Your Fill Today

August 27, 2015 by

Located adjacent to a gas station, Leesburg’s Thai Pan restaurant is as well known for its unique location as it is for its standout authentic Thai cuisine. The extensive menu at this hole-in-the-wall hot spot has something for everyone. Favorites like lemongrass soup, drunken noodles, and crispy duck will satisfy even the most die-hard Thai food fans. Vegetarians will appreciate that almost the entire menu is available meat-free upon request. Serious spice-lovers especially love the many hot and spicy specialties like curry bowls or crying tiger flank steak. Every dish is made to order, and the kitchen staff will go out of their way to accommodate diners’ taste preferences. Visitors say Thai Pan really proves the adage “Don’t judge a book by a cover.” In this case, the welcoming staff, charming décor, and made-to-order dishes put even the biggest skeptics at ease.

The Thai Pan
2 Harrison Street SE
Leesburg, VA 20175
(703) 777-9487

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