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La Lou Bistro: Eclectic Tastes of the Mediterranean

August 13, 2014 by

The comfortably cozy dining room of La Lou Bistro may be reminiscent of a chic Parisian eatery, but the cuisine is purely that of the Mediterranean. Flavor is showcased in a variety of tender kebabs, served with sides of rice and ratatouille, a medley of sautéed vegetables, and the seafood paella (one of their specialties) is also well-regarded. Italian food specialties are represented in an array of hot brick-oven fired pizzas, including classic margarita pies and a signature La Lou pie topped with lump crab meat, cherry tomatoes and garlic.

La Lou Bistro is open daily for lunch and dinner, with a special brunch service on Sundays. During the warmer months, be sure to take advantage of their outside seating overlooking the picturesque Leesburg Town Hall Green where lucky weekend diners can take in the weekly Acoustic on the Green summer concert series.

La Lou Bistro
19 West Market Street
Leesburg, VA 20176
(703) 771-0072
http://www.laloubistro.net
http://www.yelp.com/biz/la-lou-bistro-leesburg

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Planning a Vacation? Here’s How to Pack Lighter and More Efficiently!

August 8, 2014 by

You want to be prepared for everything from a fancy dinner to an afternoon of snorkeling on your upcoming vacation, but so many different activities on your itinerary may make packing your suitcase seem very daunting. Here are four simple ways to pack your suitcase a bit lighter on your next big trip.

  1. Become familiar with the laundry service. Sure, no one wants to do laundry on a vacation, but it’s much more enjoyable than breaking your back from lugging around an impossibly heavy suitcase or backpack. Look up your hotel or hostel’s laundry amenities beforehand, and if there are none, check for the closest laundromat.
  2. Take full advantage of the carry-on. Many travelers are intimidated by the carry-on because of airlines’ strict weight limits, but this smaller bag is a very underutilized space for extra clothes. Just weigh your bag as you pack to avoid paying extra baggage fees.
  3. Mix and match. By packing clothes in neutral shades that can easily coordinate with one another, you cut down on the need to pack separate outfits for each day.
  4. Cut down on shoes. Shoes obviously take up the most space in your suitcase, so be sure to only pack ones that you really need. After all, do you really need stiletto heels on a backpacking trip?

Packing Smart and Traveling Light [Rick Steves]
The Carry-On Challenge: How to Pack Light Every Time [Independent Traveler]
How to Pack Light: 9 Tips to Lighten Your Load [Huffington Post]

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Mom’s Apple Pie: Locally-Sourced and Hand-Made Baked Goods

August 6, 2014 by

Known for their hand-peeled Shenandoah Valley apple pie, Mom’s Apple Pie’s quaint Leesburg location offers a potpourri of fruit flavors, including Shenandoah peach, Virginia blackberry, sour cherry and red raspberry. Mom’s ensures that only the finest ingredients fill their delicately flaky, buttery crusts by growing their own fruit and harvesting it at its seasonal peak. Regional offerings such as lemon chess, bourbon walnut and pecan pie are executed by Mom’s dedicated bakers with authentic expertise. Not limited to just pie, hearty breads and a wide variety of hand-held treats are baked in-house, including coconut macaroons, novelty-size “monster cookies” and cinnamon rolls perfect for pairing with a hot cup of coffee.

Stop in during the week from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. or on Sundays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to browse their dessert cases and treat yourself to a sweet slice of authentic Virginian flavor near BLVD l Loudoun Station.

Mom’s Apple Pie
220 Loudoun Street, SE
Leesburg, VA 20175
(703) 771-8590
http://www.momsapplepieco.com
http://www.yelp.com/biz/moms-apple-pie-bakery-leesburg

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Refuel and Replenish by Eating These Foods After a Workout

August 1, 2014 by

The foods that you eat before your workout help to increase your energy level, but it’s the food that you eat afterward that’s really important. What you eat after exercising helps to repair muscle tissue and to replenish glycogen, which is an important aspect of building the lean, toned body that you strive for. Here are some of the best foods to refuel with after a workout.

  1. Bananas. Bananas are high-glycemic carbohydrates, which provide you with an instant boost to replenish your energy quickly. Try slicing one up and eating it with peanut butter on top of a rice cake.
  2. Greek yogurt with berries. Greek yogurt is packed with protein, which is very important in building muscle. Your muscles are depleted of their usual amino acids after lifting weights or performing an intense cardio workout, and this healthy snack helps to build them back up.
  3. Tuna sandwich. The combination of healthy carbs and proteins is one of the very best things to eat after working out. Spread some tuna on whole wheat bread to refuel after that gym class.
  4. Water. Replenishing your body’s fluids is just as important as replenishing its food supply. Be sure to drink plenty of water after working out to avoid becoming dehydrated.

6 Smart Snacks to Eat After Your Workout [Fitness Magazine]
What to Eat After You Work Out [Spark People]
Food as Fuel – Before, During and After Workouts [American Heart Association]

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Two of Washington, D.C.’s Must-See Museums

July 29, 2014 by

Our nation's capital is home to some the most visited museums and attractions in the world. Take advantage of D.C.'s diverse cultural scene with a visit to these fascinating museums, which are two of the city's very best.

Smithsonian Museum of Natural History
Marvel at more than 126 million natural science specimens and cultural artifacts at The Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. Some of the must-see attractions include the Hope Diamond, an incredibly old, mummified cat, and the Neanderthal exhibit. Take a journey through the past at this fine American institution and see with your own eyes why it's the most visited natural history museum in the world.

International Spy Museum
Since 2002, the International Spy Museum has engaged the public with the largest collection of international espionage artifacts ever to be on display. Attempt to stay as stealthy as a spy when you participate in the exhibits and learn the important role of espionage throughout history.

Public Domain/Public Domain
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School’s Out! How to Keep Your Kids Entertained This Summer

July 25, 2014 by

Now that school’s out for summer and the kids have nowhere to be all day, it can feel overwhelming to keep your little ones entertained. You want them to have fun and make the most of their summer off, and these four activities are sure to help.

  1. Make outdoor art. Take their usual arts and crafts outside into the sun with this creative idea. Spread an old, light colored bed sheet on the ground and let the kids go wild with colorful paints. There’s virtually no cleanup involved, except on the kids themselves!
  2. Bake gingerbread cookies. If you think that gingerbread men are just for the holidays, think again. When you let the kids decorate gingerbread cookies with summer-themed outfits, these bathing beauties become a fun summertime treat as well.
  3. Create your own obstacle course. When you want the kids to have fun while also getting in some physical activity, try creating your own obstacle course in the backyard. Lay down a wooden ladder for them to run through, tie a rope swing to a tree, and even make your own balance beam using a simple two-by-four beam.
  4. Visit the farmers market. Teach your children about the value of good nutrition by taking them with you to pick up fresh produce at the farmers market.

50 Outdoor Summer Activities for Kids [Six Sisters’ Stuff]
Summer Activities for Kids [Martha Stewart Crafts]
101 Things to Do with Kids This Summer [Care.com]
100 Summer Fun Ideas for Kids and Parents [Work-at-Home Moms]
Free (or Almost Free) Summer Fun Ideas [Camp PBS Parents]

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Traveling on a Budget? Check Out These Kid-Friendly Attractions in Washington, D.C.!

July 22, 2014 by

Washington, D.C.'s Smithsonian Institution provides some of the most visited museums in the world, and they cover a wide variety of topics to suit any person's interests. Their vast collections have something for everyone, including the kids! Here are two of the best kid-friendly attractions in our nation's capital. Bonus: Both offer free admission!

Smithsonian National Zoological Park
Also known as the National Zoo, the Smithsonian National Zoological Park is home to more than 400 species of animals. They offer daily tours and interactive exhibits just about every day out of the year. Stop by the Asia Trail to see the famous giant pandas, clouded leopards, and sloth bears. Go on safari through the African Savanna exhibit to find cheetahs, Cape buffalo, black rhinos, and more. The National Zoo is dedicated to providing a fun learning experience for everyone who visits, so admission is always free!

Smithsonian Museum of Natural History
See for yourself why the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History is the most visited natural history museum in the world. The kids will never grow tired of the more than 126 million natural science specimens and cultural artifacts. Enjoy a guided tour that will take you back in time, or set your gaze upon the world famous Hope Diamond. The little ones will love to walk among mummies and grow their minds with one of the richest collections of historical artifacts in the world. The museum is open 364 days a year, and admission is free of charge.

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Washington, D.C.’s Must-See National Parks

July 18, 2014 by

The national parks in Washington, D.C. encompass both the rich history of our forefathers and the beauty of the land as it was centuries ago. Visit some of the most famous monuments in the world and stroll through the majestic forest, both of which are within reach of our nation’s capital.

National Mall and Memorial Parks
Popular landmarks like The Washington Monument, The Lincoln Memorial, and The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial are just a few of the famous destinations within National Mall and Memorial Parks, which are located in the heart of Washington, D.C. Visitors enjoy taking walking tours through the National Mall, guided bike tours starting at the Jefferson Memorial, or teeing off at the East Potomac Golf Course. All of the tours are free, and the park is open 24 hours a day.

Rock Creek Park
Rock Creek Park intersects the northwestern side of Washington, D.C., providing the beauty of nature as well as a range of public park amenities. It was one of the first National Parks in the country, and the park is known for how closely it brushes with the massive urban area that is our nation’s capital. See a show at the Fort Dupont Summer Theater, catch a concert at the Carter Barron Amphitheatre, or visit Linden Oak, the largest known white oak tree in the United States.

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El Sol Azteca: Mexican Fare in Ashburn, Virginia

July 15, 2014 by

For authentic Mexican cuisine and a pleasant ambiance in Ashburn, come to El Sol Azteca. When it comes to atmosphere, this place does it right. Everything from the tables and chairs to the colorful decorations on the walls make this a fun place to enjoy a meal, and there's even occasionally music to make an even more festive atmosphere.

If you want something from the bar, two popular drinks are the margarita or sangria, and the food for lunch and dinner is classically made from fresh ingredients. (Try the taco salad or the fajitas, both popular choices.)

El Sol Azteca is open Mondays through Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; and Sundays, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. The restaurant also features occasional specials on food and drink, so visit the website to learn more!

El Sol Azteca
42830 Creek View Plaza
Ashburn, VA 20147
(703) 724-1603
http://www.elsolazteca.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/el-sol-azteca-ashburn

Public Domain/Public Domain
Filed Under: Restaurants Tagged With: , ,

Beauty Is in Bloom at These Botanical Gardens in Washington, D.C.

July 11, 2014 by

Washington, D.C., is home to some of the most treasured museums in the world. These two garden-based collections are certainly the greenest, and many D.C.-based plant lovers may even say they're the most beautiful.

United States National Arboretum
Located in the heart of Washington, D.C., the United States National Arboretum is a calming retreat from the hustle and bustle of the nation's capital. Walk through numerous elaborate gardens, admiring the countless species of trees and plants. The arboretum is not only home to plants, but also houses several pieces of fine art, including "Split Ritual," a beloved American sculpture by Beverly Pepper. This historic site is also home to the National Capitol Columns, which were once an original piece of the Capitol Building's architecture.

United States Botanic Garden
Enjoy a tranquil walk at the United States Botanic Garden, which occupies the grounds of the United States Capitol. Here, you'll be reminded of the large role that plants play in our every day lives. The garden is open 365 days a year, and it frequently provides interactive classes that are both fun and educational. Stroll through the peaceful gardens on your own, or take advantage of one of the many tours this living museum has to offer.

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