Community Blog

The Bachelor maybe over, but in a few weeks ABC starts off Season 10 of Dancing With the Stars. This season has quite the cast with: Olympic medalist, ESPN star, actors and actresses, an astronaut who stepped foot on the moon, and even a football star!

Here’s the pairings of this season:

• Astronaut Buzz Aldrin and Ashly Costa
• Baywatch babe Pamela Anderson and DWTS newbie Damian Whitewood
• ESPN’s Erin Andrews and Maksim Chmerkovskiy
• 90210 star Shannen Doherty and two-time winner Mark Ballas
• TV mom from John & Kate Plus 8 Kate Gosselin and Tony Dovolani
• NFL star Chad Ochocinco and two-time winner Cheryl Burke
• Olympic gold medal figure skater Evan Lysacek and Anna Trebunskaya
• All My Children star Aiden Turner and Edyta Sliwinska
• Nicole Scherzinger and season seven champ Derek Hough
• Reno 911 star Niecy Nash and Louis Van Amstel
• The Bachelor: Jake Pavelka and Chelsie Hightower

I’ve got a feeling it will be between Evan Lysacek and Nicole Scherzinger. Who do you think will win? Great job in pairing ABC, I cant wait for March 22nd!

Thanks to its rich history, there’s a great deal to explore in Manassas.

First, a visit to historic Old Town Manassas is a must. You’ll find wonderful art and antique shops, as well as great restaurants and sidewalk cafes such as Okra’s Louisiana Bistro and La Capilla.

The Manassas National Battlefield Park is another must-see attraction. The park preserves the site of two major American Civil War battles. Be sure to see the famous Stone House, used a hospital during both battles.

Touring the Ben Lomond Manor House & Rose Garden, located at 10311 Sudley Manor Drive, is another great way to spend an afternoon. The house dates back to 1832 and boasts a spectacular rose garden featuring varieties developed before the 20th century.

Last but not least, check out The Manassas Museum. The 7,000-square-foot building houses temporary and permanent historical exhibits and artifacts from the Northern Virginia Piedmont area.

Remember when your parents said, “Don’t forget to eat your vegetables?” They weren’t lying, because veggies are good for your diet.  Living on your own gives you the freedom to buy whatever you want. No one holds your hand and says, “It’s not good for you”, “We’ll get that next time.”, or “It costs too much.”  It’s important to eat healthy, but everyone says it’s expensive which is not true!

Here are a few ways to save your grocery budget and still manage to eat right:

1. Blanch Veggies – It helps preserve the flavor and easy to do!
2. Drink H20 – Healthy & Cheaper… Remember you’re suppose to drink 8 cups of water a day!
3. Eat Eggs- They have protein, they’re cheap, and have a lot of vitamins.
4. Tuna – Canned tuna is cheaper and contains as much protein as meat.
5. Frozen Veggies – Cost less and easy to prepare.
6. Fruits Gone Bad – Throw them in the blender and make a smoothie.
7. The Generic Brand -  Saves you money and tastes like the name brands.

Remember your coupons when you go to the store, avoid impulse buying (bringing your grocery list will prevent this from happening), and buy everything from one location. Using these tips will save you money and prevent you from buying the foods you don’t need!

Do you play Foursquare? Not the game kids played at recess, but the game that allows to unlock your city and become mayor. Foursquare is spreading like wildfire with people finding their friends, sharing their location, and earning points and badges.

With Twitter and Facebook overpopulating, Foursquare allows you to find your friends easier. It helps small businesses and can even get you free things.

The New York Times posted an article sharing the benefits of Foursquare:

“For a small business with a limited advertising budget, it’s a great way to promote ourselves,” said Olivia O’Neal, owner of Sugar Mama’s. The shop offers Foursquare mayors a free cup of coffee each time they come in, and regular patrons receive their 10th cupcake free. “There are about 67 people currently working on those offers, and for a small family-owned business like ours, that’s a really big number,” Ms. O’Neal said.”

If you’ve never seen it, check it out – it’s definitely worth it!

Cruise in style and save money this year on gas! Are these small cars for you? For 2010 the Daily Green just announced 7 fuel efficient cars that cost less than $20,000….

1. 2010 Kia Rio – $11,495 can get 31 mpg without a hybrid engine
2. 2010 Toyota Yaris – $12,355 can drive up to 32 mpg
3. 2010 Smart For Two – $11,990 is the most fuel efficient non-hybrid car with 36 mpg
4. 2010 Hyundai Accent Blue – $13,645 a gas friendly that drives 31 mpg
5. 2010 Honda Fit – $14,900 the best 5 speed car with 31 mpg
6. 2010 Mini Cooper – $19,500 rides in style with 32 mpg (love these!)
7. 2010 Honda Insight – $19,800 as Honda Hybrid that gets 41 mpg

If I had to chose one, it would be between the Honda Fit and Mini Cooper…. Which car do you like the best?

Who would’ve guessed it? Most expected a loss, but more were surprised of this victory.  Team USA defeated Canada last night in the Vancouver Winter Olympics with a  5-3 win! USA’s team, filled with new players, shocked everyone with expectations on Canada to defeat the US.

Demonstrating true leadership, Brian Rafalski scored 2 goals in the first period. Ryan Miller, the best goalie in the Olympics, was a major component to USA’s victory. USA had not beat Canada since 1960.  Canada must win on Tuesday against Germany to play in the quarter finals… The Canadians will really need to fight to win their chance of a gold medal on their home turf. Read more details from the Chicago Tribune on last night’s win.

Way to go Team USA – we’re cheering for the gold!

Do you feel at ease when you come home or do you not like the look of your apartment? Danielle Chapman provides 5 make over tips to freshen up your apartment. All you need is a little money, time, and effort!

1. Get rid of the clutter: If you don’t have space for it, get rid of it. If you haven’t touched it in 3 months it’s time to let it go.  Anyone heard of the saying, “Less is More?”
2. Makeover your furniture: A simple slipcover comes a long way. Feel free to put a throw or pillows for accents on your sofa.
3. Design the walls: No worries if you can’t paint the walls, instead buy a inexpensive cloth and drape with chic and classy hooks. Pictures also give personality to the walls.
4. Use a screwdriver: Replace the hardware from your drawers, cabinets, light switches, and curtain rods.
5. Lay it on: Bringing in a rug can really pull a room together. It adds color and unifies the room.

With these tips, it will make it easier to enjoy your new living space! If you have any tips – feel free to share!

Rachel Ray’s Nanny, Esther Grace Moore, supplied this wonderful Basic Pecan Pralines recipe for Fat Tuesday! It’s very easy to make and it takes 15 minutes of cook time.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup white granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 1/2 cup whole pecans
• Butter – to grease the cookie sheet

Directions:

Place sugars, water and cream in a heavy, medium saucepan over moderate heat. Stir often and cook to a soft ball stage, about 8 to 10 minutes. Use a candy thermometer; the soft-ball stage is between 234 degrees F and 240 degrees F.

Follow the rest of Nanny’s Basic Pecan Pralines recipe to make 18-20 pralines for Fat Tuesday.

Need an event for the weekend? Visit Claytime Cafe – a paint your own pottery studio!

Fun Friday w. the Family (Tonight):

Take your whole family and create a memory for Valentine’s Day. Each member can create a “special family plate” or other pieces of pottery. Claytime will serve punch and Valentine treats at 6pm. Call to reserve a table 703.393.1700!

For Adult’s (Saturday Night):

On Saturday, Feb 13th adults can reserve a table for Valentine’s evening. Bring your special someone and a bottle of wine  and Claytime Cafe will take care of the rest! Gentlemen trust me, your significant other will love you forever by taking her to paint pottery on Valentine’s Day.

Call 703.393.1700 to reserve a table before it’s too late ($25 deposit due to hold reservation).

I love layering up in the winter, but Spring makes me happier. The colors are brighter and a change of attitude takes place for everyone. I’m sure everyone agrees with me in wanting this winter wonderland to be over!  So on a lighter note,  I’ve chosen my favorite stores for with their Spring line.

Ann Taylor Loft comes in first place for the ladies. Ann Taylor Loft always has warm tones and great prints. You can still layer cardigans with button up shirts, but their basic tees are the best. I never leave this store without buying something.

JCrew is the winner for the gentlemen. Preppy causal or American prep is the theme for men’s clothes at JCrew. You can mix and match shirts and the prices are definitely reasonable.

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