You are here: Home / Archives for riverstone

The History of Loudoun County Is on Display at Loudoun Museum

July 8, 2014 by

The rich history of Loudoun County is celebrated at Loudoun Museum, a private, non-profit corporation in Leesburg. Housed in buildings dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries, the museum is the only of its kind in the county, home to 8,000 artifacts that paint a picture of the county's storied past and its inhabitants.

Exhibits rotate but consistently promise something interesting for kids and grown-ups alike. Adults will enjoy taking a peek at Civil War-era artifacts, old manuscripts, historic textiles, and much more. The museum's Discovery Room offers kids a chance to dress up in period clothing and play make-believe in the 19th-century period kitchen.

Loudoun Museum is open Fridays and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $3 for adults and free for members and kids four and under. Don't skip the museum's popular Hauntings Tour, a 90-minute walking tour of downtown Leesburg's haunted establishments that takes place every October. It's a spooky good time!

Loudoun Museum
16 Loudoun Street SW
Leesburg, Virginia 20175
(703) 777-7427
http://www.loudounmuseum.org/

Public Domain/Public Domain

Filed Under: Things To Do Tagged With: , ,

Cooking Without Eggs? Bookmark These Webpages!

July 7, 2014 by

Eggs are a staple in just about every recipe, but many people can’t consume eggs due to food allergies or a vegan diet. If you want to cook the delicious foods that you love without eggs, these websites offer simple tips and clever substitutions that can help.

Chef In You
The Chef In You Egg Substitutions page features just about everything you need to maintain an egg-free kitchen. A detailed chart describes things that you can substitute for eggs in a variety of dishes, including products like tofu, bananas, and commercial egg substitutes. There are even recipes that show you how to make desserts, breakfasts, and entrees without using eggs.

Kids With Food Allergies
Whether you have a child with a food allergy or not, this informative website will show you how to cook without eggs. The detailed articles describe alternatives for using eggs as a binder, a leavening agent, or a glaze, and there’s even a list that tells you some uncommon foods to avoid if you have an egg allergy. If you want to make an egg-free dish at home, Kids With Food Allergies also provides a few free recipes for baked goods without eggs.

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: , , ,

Avoid the Itch: How to Identify Poison Ivy

June 27, 2014 by

"Leaves of three, let them be." It's sage advice when it comes to poison ivy prevention, but it doesn't really help to take the guesswork out of differentiating the plant from other, harmless varieties. If you're unsure exactly which three-leafed plants are off-limits, memorize these identifying traits:

1) Poison ivy has compound leaves.
Each compound leaf consists of three leaflets that share a stem, with the center leaflet always having the longest stem. The leaflets are usually jagged around the edges, but you might come across smooth-edged poison ivy leaflets from time to time. All poison ivy leaflets taper to a narrow point.

2) Poison ivy is usually glossy.
The leaves typically sport a waxy appearance. In the spring and summer, the leaves are bright green, while in the fall, they turn red—but they are always poisonous. The plant forms flowers in the spring and berries in the fall. The itchy blisters caused by poison ivy are an example of contact dermatitis; the reaction is due to urushiol oil present within all parts of the plant.

3) Poison ivy takes many shapes.
Shrub, bush, or vine, poison ivy takes on many forms, and it's not picky about where it grows. You might find it crawling up or tree or a fence or snaking across the dirt as a ground cover. Also note that poison ivy is found commonly all over the U.S.!

Do you have tips for identifying poison ivy or for treating the rash? Share them below!

How to Identify Poison Ivy [About]
The Mighty Poison Ivy Plant [Mayo Clinic]
How to Identify Poison Ivy [WikiHow]

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: , , ,

Track Your Mileage With These Apps for Runners

June 24, 2014 by

Keep track of your run every time you set out on the trail or treadmill with these great smartphone apps designed especially for runners. With built-in GPS, pedometer, and map features, each of these apps will significantly improve the way you record your workouts.

MapMyRun
MapMyRun is a simple GPS app that’s made to help runners record their times and distances. Whether you’re training for a marathon or simply trying to beat your own personal record, this app will provide a complete map of the area you run, deliver stats like time and speed, and even enable you to compare your current run to your times from the past.

RunKeeper
Map your runs and connect with fellow runners all on the RunKeeper app. This app operates just like many other GPS running logs, but it lets you see where your friends have been running, as well. Follow pre-planned routes to maximize the roads in your area, and even receive pace, speed, and mileage audio alerts as you run.

Runner’s World
The popular magazine’s app version offers the same invaluable running information and interesting articles just for avid runners. Read up on things like the right foods to eat before a big run, and check out the latest outdoor running shoes and other product reviews.

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: , , ,

How to Treat the Itch and Burn Caused by Poison Ivy

June 20, 2014 by

You've likely heard the saying "leaves of three, leave them be," but accidental brushes with poison ivy, oak, and sumac happen to even the most careful of outdoors enthusiasts. An example of contact dermatitis, the rash is caused by an allergic reaction to urushiol, an oily resin present in all parts of the offending plants. If you find yourself afflicted with the telltale itch and blisters of poison ivy, keep these treatment tips in mind:

1) Wash it off.
As soon as possible after exposure, soap up in the shower using lukewarm water. This will help remove any remaining oil that might be present on your skin. Before you hop in the shower, though, toss your clothing into the washing machine. If you don't, the oil poses the threat of infecting you—or someone else—upon contact later on.

2) Ease the itch.
Popping an antihistamine can help alleviate your symptoms. Cold compresses and oatmeal baths are also known to reduce the itch, especially when followed by an application of calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream. As tempting as it might be, resist the urge to itch, as aggressive scratching can cause infection!

3) Call your doctor.
If your rash becomes infected, you have a fever, or if your rash affects a large area of your body, seek the advice of a medical professional.

Poison ivy: Tips for treating and preventing [American Academy of Dermatology]
Poison ivy rash [Mayo Clinic]
Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac [MedicineNet]

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: , , ,

Want to Become a Better Cook? Start by Learning These Culinary Terms!

June 17, 2014 by

When you encounter a recipe that’s full of complicated cooking terminology, it’s easy to feel intimidated. What if your chopping instead of dicing leads to a flop of a soufflé? These kitchen terms will teach you a few things about proper cooking techniques, and they’ll make you feel more confident about your next culinary endeavor.

  1. Beat. To beat a mix or batter is not the same thing as mixing it. Beating involves briskly whipping with a spoon, wire whisk rotary beater, or electric mixer, and it incorporates air into the ingredients in order to obtain a light, fluffy consistency.
  2. Blacken. Blackening a piece of meat or vegetables is a popular Cajun cooking technique that chars seasonings onto the food in order to give it a crunchy, spicy coating. This involves cooking over high heat in a heavy skillet.
  3. Fold. If a recipe calls for you to fold one ingredient into another, it means to combine them without decreasing their volume. Use a rubber spatula in vertical swipes across the mixture, pulling some of the mixture from the bottom to the top each time.
  4. Garnish. Once your dish is completed, you may garnish it by adding a decorative bit of fresh herbs, fruit or greens.

Glossary of Basic Cooking Terms [Les Petites Gourmettes]
Cooking Terms [Recipe Goldmine]
Glossary of Cooking Terms [UMN]
Glossary of Cooking Terms [Better Homes & Gardens]
Culinary Terms [About.com]

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: , , ,

How to Get More Folic Acid in Your Diet

June 13, 2014 by

Folic acid stimulates cell growth and regeneration, enhances red blood cell creation, and even prevents against depression, which is important for people of all ages. Pregnant women benefit even further from folic acid because it prevents against fetal deformities. If you want to take advantage of the many benefits of folic acid, here are a few of the best food sources.

  1. Dark, leafy greens. Dark green colored vegetables like spinach, kale, and collard greens are some of the very best sources of folic acid, and even just one large salad filled with these leafy foods can provide you with enough folic acid for the entire day. Spinach is especially beneficial, as it contains 65% of your daily value in only one cup.
  2. Citrus fruits. Oranges, grapefruits, and other citruses have more folic acid than all other types of fruits. One papaya alone offers 115 mcg of folic acid, which is about 29% of the average person’s recommended daily intake.
  3. Beans, peas and lentils. While not all of these foods are high in folic acid, there are a few beans, peas, and lentils that contain impressively large quantities of the B-complex vitamin. Lentils are especially high in folic acid, containing over 90% of your daily intake in just one cup. Pinto beans, garbanzo beans, and black beans are also very good sources.

Surprising Sources of Folic Acid [Yahoo! Shine]
Foods High in Folic Acid [Prenatal Vitamin HQ]
15 Foods High in Folic Acid [Global Healing Center]
18 Foods High in Folic Acid to Prevent Cancer & Birth Defects [Bembu]

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

Polish Your Look With a Manicure at Beauty Bar and Spa

June 10, 2014 by

Look better and feel better after visiting Ashburn’s Beauty Bar and Spa. A salon and spa at the Goose Creek Village shopping center, Beauty Bar is a full-service salon that's run by friendly professionals. It doesn’t matter how many times you come in for nails or other services, the folks who work here always seem to remember your name.

Here, the gel manicure is a big favorite, and the reflexology foot massage is also very popular. Whether you need your eyebrows thinned or getting ready for the beach, the waxing services are always on point. Cleansing and exfoliating facial treatments are also on the menu.

Beauty Bar and Spa is open Mondays through Fridays, 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Sundays, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Beauty Bar and Spa
21040 Sycolin Road
Ashburn, VA 20147
(571) 918-4460
http://www.beautybarspava.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/beauty-bar-and-spa-ashburn

Filed Under: Things To Do Tagged With: , ,

3 Websites for Avid Rowers

June 6, 2014 by

If you’re an avid rower, you know just how challenging and how rewarding the sport can be. Few sports build teamwork as much as rowing does, and communities of rowers are some of the most tightly-knit of all athletes. Now you can even find rowing communities online! Here's where to start:

USRowing.org
The website for the U.S. Rowing organization offers a number of truly impressive benefits for rowers of all ages and skill levels. The organization is open for both individual and team memberships, and members receive things like entry into high profile races, medical coverage, and more. If you’re not a member, you can still access the website’s event calendar, race recaps, and safety tips for free on the site.

World Rowing
If you’re interested in keeping up with competitive rowing worldwide, World Rowing is the place to look. This attractive website features athlete bios and the latest news from rowing competitions, from university level to continental teams. Training tips can help you improve your own personal times.

Rowing Magazine
Whether you already read the magazine or not, the Rowing magazine website is a great resource to keep up with the latest news from the sport’s main publication. Check out a free digital issue to read this month’s fascinating stories, or even subscribe to the print version right on the site.

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: , , ,

Worldgate Centre: A Convenient One-Stop-Shop for Entertainment and Fun

June 3, 2014 by

Conveniently located near Dulles International Airport and with a Marriott Suites hotel on-site, Worldgate Centre is an excellent option for out-of-town visitors, as well as a convenient all-in-one entertainment destintaion for locals. Perfect for a night out or a much-needed stop just off the bustling Dulles Toll Road, guests may wish to take in a film at Worldgate’s AMC cinema and follow it up with a meal at one of the many on-site restaurants offering a wide range of cuisine options from around the world, as well as classic all-American fare.

If you’ve had your fill of on-site eats, consider breaking a sweat at the Worldgate Sport and Health Club, where members can take advantage of a sprawling array of fitness equipment, join a team sport, register for personal or small group training or drop in on one of their many fitness classes, including aerobics, yoga and pilates. To reach a more relaxed state of mind, unwind with a visit to the Serenity Day Spa. Other convenient services at Worldgate include a cleaners, barber, florist and FedEx office.

Worldgate Centre
13025 Worldgate Drive
Herndon, VA 20170
(571) 382-1200
http://www.worldgatecentre.com
http://www.yelp.com/biz/worldgate-centre-herndon

Filed Under: Things To Do Tagged With: , , ,
« Previous Page
Next Page »

Pin It on Pinterest