MD/DC/VA gals

[Jane&Andy]

I just thought I'd start a thread for us since I've run across so many local gals here. I've been chatting with mharris and howebrook from the WC about getting together sometime in late July (either of the last two weekends). Would anyone else be interested in joining us? We could meet up for lunch somewhere or have a cookout.

[evagatesgreen2]

Not sure if I count since I am so far down in VA. LOL.

[Alicia]

Just dropping in to say HI :) I'll be out of town the end of July but thanks Jane for creating this thread so that we can all catch-up with one another!!!

[Jane&Andy]

Hi Alicia and evatesgreen2. :D

evatesgreen2 - of course you count, although I'm not sure you'd want to drive all the way up here. My SIL lives in Hampton so I know its a long drive.

[maggieb]

Hi ladies!! I live in DC and would love to get together, but am due to give birth mid July. Maybe the next time around??

[Jane&Andy]

maybe we could try for another GTG in Aug/Sept.

[pride&prejudice]

Hi! I never got around to finding any "locals" when I was on the WC. Thanks for starting this thread though. I'm an hour north-east of Baltimore.

[camberne]

*will drive for weekend GTG*

I'm a Va Beach gal, but I adore the Mall and have driven round trip after work just to walk the Mall at night. So, if you do a weekend thing (not overnight, but just on a saturday or sunday), count me in.

Andrea, I'll swing by and kidnap you if you want.

[bensgirl1222]

I am located in Annapolis :D

[ezl247]

Hi Gals! I was an occassional poster and a constant lurker on the WC. I live in MD and am looking forward to getting to know you.

[babylove]

Hi ladies...I'm a Baltimore gal and I have never met and fellow WCers/CCers face-to-face. I would love to have a GTG!

[Jane&Andy]

this is great. I hadn't realized there were so many local gals here. :D

Camberne - meeting up in DC would be a lot of fun.

[young lioness]

I've never met any other local ladies either.

I'm just outside of Baltimore, to the northeast.

[evagatesgreen2]

Andrea, I'll swing by and kidnap you if you want.

LOL! You don't have to kidnap me. If we ever did a gtg that would be a perfect time for DH to see his old school friends in the area. Since we are always looking for a reason to go to DC. ;)

[tigger8402]

count me in. im in camp springs/clinton area

[Kimberland30]

DC wouldn't be too far for me either. As with Alice, I'm a beach girl (hi Alice!! :p ).

[pride&prejudice]

I'm just outside of Baltimore, to the northeast.

Yeah someone else from my "neck of the woods"! :D

DC's not bad for me. Trips are good every now and then. :)

[Jane&Andy]

Do we want to start thinking about potential dates to meet up in DC and what we'd want to do there?

I'm out of town the weekend of July 15th.
DH's birthday is Aug 6th (Saturday).
I'm out of town the weekend of Sept 9th.

[camberne]

My preference is any weekend after 4th of July and before Labor Day. My son will be gone for the summer to NY and I'll not have to worry about that!! :D Other than that, I can be quite flexible.

[Jane&Andy]

Potential dates:

July 23 or 24
July 30/31
Aug 7 (Sunday)
Aug 13/4
Aug 20/21
Aug 27/28

[emschwar]

I'm in columbia, md.
I'd love a GTG (as long as my kiddo can come). I'll be out of town July 30/31 and Aug 13-21. I also have other plans 7/24

[LLB0526]

Hey all! I had no idea there were so many "DC" girls on the boards. I'm in Maryland. Unfortunately my summer is already jam packed with 2 family vacations (one with each side, of course), birthdays (my husband's and my nephews), and on the off weekends, laundry. :) But it's great to know there are some local peeps around.

[keska]

I'm in Bethesda. I'm studying for the bar, though, so I won't be free until August.

Does anyone in this area know why they are setting off fireworks tonight?

[Alicia]

Keska - so i wasn't going crazy a little while ago- was just down at bd mongolian's grill on 355 and thought i heard thunder, my friend said no that's too strange to be thunder, so my next thought was fireworks- didn't see any though. i'll poke around at work tomorrow and see if i can find out if anything organized was planned.

[Jane&Andy]

emschwar - your kiddo is welcome to come. :)

we could always do a summer GTG for those that have some free time now and then again in the Fall for everyone else.

[octoberkate]

Hey it's Kate - I've met a few of you and "talked" with a few more... this is my first constant chatter post, still learning my way around here but I'm psyched to have a DC/MD/VA group of ladies! I live in VA (Arlington) and would love to do a GTG at some point.

[young lioness]

We will be having OOT visitors here the last two weekends in July, and I will be in Ohio for my HS reunion the weekend of August 27th. But all of the other dates Jane posted work for me.

[oceaneast]

Hi! I'm moving to Annapolis July 29th. It's great so many of you are from the general area!

[Katy]

Jane,

Okay, I was doing a little board housekeeping and to be honest, I'm not sure where to move you guys. Are you SE or NE (in my teaching days we called MD and DC north, but VA was southeast). Drop me a PM and let me know which way to go.

Katy

[Reebs]

Yeah!! Its back! Thanks Jane...we can always count on you.

I know I was not as active on this Board when it was on the WC, but now that there are so many MD/DC/VAer's I have to join in the fun.

emschwar, you are in my next of the woods...sort of. I live in Woodbine...the boonies!!

It would be great to do a GTG!

[andrew&shannah]

I had no idea we had this many DC area people on here. I'm in Arlington (until the end of July and out a little further so I can actually afford a house) and I'd love to meet up with everyone!
As far as date requests though, July is REALLY bad for me because we should be finishing up our build, closing and moving. Other than that, August 20th is my only "not free" date so far :)
Look forward to getting to know you all better!

[babylove]

Katy ~ Technically, MD is considered SE...(I looked at the map on cnn.com--it breaks down the states by region)...hope that helps!

[maggieb]

I consider DC and MD to be NE, but VA to be SE. How's that for confusing? I think since it's the DC metro area I would say NE.

[emschwar]

How about mid-atlantic? That's what I've always seen it referred to as.

Technically, it's below the mason-dixon line, so it's SE.

[Millie03]

I'm another DCer! emschwar, I live around Columbia, MD, too. My summer is flying by fast and is booked but it's great to know that there are so many of you around!

Maybe next GTG?

(And I always considered it Mid-Atlantic, too. But I guess we are technically South because we are below the Mason-Dixon line.)

[babylove]

Just got back from the beach...anyone ever vacation in Bethany Beach, Rehobeth Beach, Ocean City, MD or Dewey Beach? We (and by "we" I mean, DH's grandfather, who lets us use it whenever we want) have a condo in BB and I love going there!!!

[Reebs]

Hey Babylove, I'm jealous you got to go to the beach. We got to Dewey Beach over Memorial Day weekend every year. Well actually I have only gone for two years since I moved to MD two years ago. I love it there. It is so much fun. A bunch of us (about 25 people) go and rent two houses.

A lot of my friends parents have places in OC or Bethany. They go almost every weekend.

Did you have a good time?

Millie03, I live outside Columbia as well. Do you work in the area too? I have to commute to NoVa..its horrible!

[babylove]

Reebs ~ Hi! We had a great time. How fun that you rent a house w/ a bunch of people!!

[Millie03]

Millie03, I live outside Columbia as well. Do you work in the area too? I have to commute to NoVa..its horrible!

Oh, you poor thing! I am EXTREMELY lucky; I work out of my house (I'm a remote employee). But I used to commute from Laurel to Arlington and I HATED it!

Do you at least like your job? Why NoVa? I hope you have some books on tape or you listen to a really good CD or radio program to keep you sane! :eek:

[KaliLily]

Hello MD/DC/VA gals! I'm a relative newcomer to Virginia. I moved here from the Seattle, WA area with my husband and 2 cats right after Thanksgiving. My husband works in Dulles, but we live in Berryville (10 miles east of Winchester) - the single family homes in Loudoun county were WAY too expensive. Whew! Talk about sticker shock!

Fortunately, the peacefulness of our quiet town and the lovely house we found here makes my hubby's 45 min - 1 hour commute a little easier.

I noticed there's been chatter about a GTG. That would be great as I left my friends and family back in Seattle. I'm not desperate - I know making friends in a new area takes time - but I think my hubby is growing weary of being the only person here I have to talk to. Tee hee. :D

I look forward to chatting with you and learning about my new home region!

~Kim

[emschwar]

Grrr...I haven't been getting notifications!

Reebs and Millie03 - where do y'all live? I'm in Hickory Ridge.

[Reebs]

emschwar, I actually live in Woodbine...a little ways outside of Columbia. Only 10-15 minutes really. I work out in Columbia, well, basically we do tons of things in Columbia. Its so nice to have all that stuff right there. And I know exactly where Hickory Ridge is, a short shot to the mall!!

We used to live in Waverly Woods right off 70. We sold our TH May of '04 and had to move in with my ILs in Ellicott City because we couldn't find a hosue we liked. We finally settled on Woodbine because we got 1.25 acres and a good size house for a lot cheaper than anywhere else in HoCo.

How long have you lived in Columbia?

[emschwar]

Is woodbine still in Howard Co? We're looking to buy a bigger house in a couple years, but we want to stay in HoCo. But man, things are expensive around here!

We moved to Jessup in 2002, and then bought a townhouse in columbia (the one we have now) in may 2003.

[Reebs]

emschwar, yeah, woodbine is still in HoCo. Actually part of its in Montgomery and Carroll counties. At least that's what DH says. I'm from NJ originally so I'm still getting to know my way around (which really shouldn't be an excuse since I have been with my DH for almost 8 years and have spent almost all of the 8 years basically in MD visiting and such)

Woodbine is nice because there is still a lot of open land left and now they are building all these million$ + houses so our value is going up. And its still relatively close to everything. It takes us 25-30 minutes to get to B-more, 40 minutes to get to Annapolis, and like I said only 10-15 to get to Columbia. Not too bad.

[emschwar]

Thanks for the info, Reebs! It's always nice to know another place to look for housing, once we need it. (Although the million+ houses doesn't sound like they'll be in our budget)

[jimmysgirl424]

Hi ladies! Just wanted to chime in here..I live in Baltimore; the area is called Rosedale. :D

[twainny]

Hello everyone- I too am from the area, Falls Church to be exact. I would love to be part of the GTG, as long as it is sometime after July. I will try to check back to see when the date is set!!!

Anne

[sravenne]

Hey girls! I live in Ashburn, VA. (by Dulles Airport). Glad to see so many girls from the area!

Kim

[KaliLily]

Hey girls! I live in Ashburn, VA. (by Dulles Airport). Glad to see so many girls from the area!

Kim

Welcome, Kim.

[MsPeachy]

Hi everyone - I'm a Northern Virginian myself ;)

When I first started reading through this thread, I was worried that you all lived in MD but I'm glad to see a few NoVa folks here.

As for me, I live in Prince William County, near Manassas

[Jane&Andy]

Potential Summer GTG:
(if someone has listed a conflict and I missed it I'm sorry, I'm not trying to snub anyone!):

August 28 (Sunday)

Does that work for anyone?

[Aletheia]

Hi all-
I'm a Baltimore city resident (sorry if my armpit description offends anyone. It's meant in the kindest possible way!) and am glad to see there are so many girls in the area! As far as the GTG, we'll be out of town that weekend, but I'm happy to catch the next one.

I sought this board out today because someone in my neigborhood association is trying to get rid of a kitty, and I'm worried they won't be able to since he needs medication.


Here is the message from my neighbor:
We are relocating to London at the end of this month. We have decided not to take our cat, Brutus, as we'll be living in a small apartment and traveling often. While we are quite fond of him, we believe that he'll be unhappy under the new conditions. If you yourself aren't able to give Brutus a new home, but know of someone who might, please pass along this message.

Brutus (named for the famed Roman) is a low-key, adaptable, and friendly animal--independent yet cuddly. He is great with children and gets along with other animals. He is litter-trained and eats both wet and dry food (not picky). Presently he spends some time outdoors each day, and stays pretty close to home. He has spent time completely indoors, but prefers to go out regularly. He is FIV and Feline Leukemia free and is up to date on those and other vaccines.

Brutus is about 9 years old and in good health, although he does have a hyperthyroid condition and some arthritis in one knee. He takes medicine with his food every 12 hours, and so needs some regularity to his schedule. In addition, he tends towards compulsive eating, and so his diet should be watched carefully (or he gets really fat and unhealthy). Because hyperthyroid is a chronic condition, Brutus does visit the vet every three months for monitoring. The cost of the medication is reasonable and easy to administer (flavored drops on food). An excellent mouser, Brutus has all of his claws intact. He was neutered as a kitten.

He is a great cat, and we're very sorry to leave him, but we hope to pass him on to another loving home!

Contact me if you, or any other soft hearts you know, might be interested! Thanks. :)

[Jane&Andy]

Hi Aletheia. I already have 3 cats so my DH would disown me (and the cats) if I tried to take in another. I hope they can find a home for their cat.

[twainny]

Aletheia- we too have cats, but I would kill myself if I took on another!

Jane&Andy- is that labor day weekend??? I don't have a calendar. If not, that would work for me. Where are we going to meet? And who is invited? kids too?

[Jane&Andy]

Twainny - that's the weekend before Labor Day.

In the past when I've met up with WC girls we met at a restaurant, just the girls - no hubbies. None of the girls I met had kids to bring.

Its up to the group, who does everyone want to bring? Where do we want to meet? DC?

In the past I've met up with girls for lunch at the Columbia Mall and White Flint Mall and another off of 270 (can't remember the name of the shopping center but its a big one with a two story Target).

[pride&prejudice]

I'll have to check on that weekend. We didn't make it away for the 4th, so we might do something that weekend.

[Boopy]

Hi everybody! I live in the Owings Mills area of Baltimore. I think it would be fun to have a GTG. I'm not sure August 28th would work for me, but I'll keep checking back incase the date changes.

Jane&Andy - I just had to say your dog is so cute! I also have a golden. Aren't they just the best dogs?!

[Jane&Andy]

thanks Boopy. :D He's the sweetest dog ever - he just LOVES everybody.

August 28th is just a tenative date. I scanned through the various dates people posted and that seemed to work for the most people. If it doesn't work for anyone we can always pick another date.

[KaliLily]

I should be free on Aug. 28th. It'd be nice to meet some people from this neck of the woods.

[PG-rated]

Hi there!
I rarely posted on the DC boards over at you-know-where because I got married in CT, but I've been living and working in NW DC for almost 6 years now. Looks like there's only one other District resident so far, though, right? I'd really love to meet more area people - most of my friends have moved out of the area, since I met them in grad school in an International Development program. As you might imagine, most people tend to go overseas with a degree like that. I stuck around for DH. :)
I'd love to get in on the GTG, if possible (and especially if it's near me ;) ), but either way I look forward to getting to know all of you!

[Jane&Andy]

Welcome PG-rated. :)

[kcjaime]

Hey Girls! I'm in the DC area and looking for some ideas. DH & I are considering a mini-vacation following the Labor Day holiday. I have only lived here for a few months and so I am clueless. What is within a 2-3 hour driving distance of us for a fun mini trip? I would REALLY APPRECIATE any suggestions, as I have no idea what's around here! :)

Thanks!

[camberne]

August 28th works for me!! The following weekend my kiddo comes back home from his summer with the grandparents and the weekend after that is another GTG with the southern girls in SC. :)

I love GTGs!!

kcjaime - Natural Bridge, VA is supposed to be really nice and we're going to be going there in October finally. Everyone has been telling me to go there!! It shouldn't be more than two hours for you. In the other direction, we spent our honeymoon in Havre de Grace, MD which is a cute little town with some nice antique shops. Right over the border into PA, though, was Longwood Gardens, which were gorgeous!! That whole area up there in northern MD/southern PA is very nice. Find a nice B&B and do some exploring. :)

[KaliLily]

kcjaime - Another place you could go is Hershey, PA. There's an amusement park and Hershey Chocolate World, which is a simulatation of the Hershey factory. The tour of the "factory" is free. I took my parents to Hershey Chocolate World and we all loved it. It was about 2 1/2 hours away from me. Probably closer to 3 hours from you.

That and the ocean (either Virginia Beach, VA or Ocean City, MD) is all I know about. I've only been in No. Virginia for 7-1/2 months.

FYI - We haven't been to the ocean yet, but DH's co-workers say the better of the two locations is Ocean City, MD.

Have fun wherever you go! :)

[keska]

If you like hiking and camping, you could always go to Shenandoah National Park. Dh and I drove through there last summer and it was beautiful.

[andrew&shannah]

There are tons of fun places that distance apart :)
- Charlottesville (UVA campus which is beautiful, historical stuff, etc)
- Williamsburg (shopping, history, W&M campus, Busch Gardens)
- Richmond (Kings Dominion, some historical stuff like the canal walk, etc)
- Baltimore (harbour and lots of neat little neighborhoods)
- Annapolis (lots of history...naval academy is there too)
- VA Beach

[Reebs]

I totally second Annapolis. It might be crowded that weekend but with the Naval Academy there and all it'll be very patriotic! Oh they also have this thing I heard about from one of my friends in which you take a boat ride from Annapolis to St. Micheals. And there is food and drink on board. I think its about $45/person. DH and I and some of our friends where thinking of doing it. The trip is about 2-3 hours and then you have 2 hours to walk around St. Micheals which has some quaint shops and then you hop back on the boat and go back to Annapolis.

Also, B-more is a lot of fun. There is the Discovery Zone, the zoo, lots of shops, good restaurants. You could take a ferry ride around and see the sights.

Can't wait to hear what you end up doing!

[kcjaime]

Thanks everyone for all the great ideas! I'm going to check into all of these! I really want to go somewhere with DH, even if its just for a night or two. There is so much cool stuff around us and I want to make sure we start checking it all out. :)

[gizzyntaz]

I'm so late to this Constant Chatter site... blame it on the kid... :D

I'm in Columbia, MD, too, and I'm always up for a GTG (of course, Alan always comes with me)! August 28 is free so far...

- Alison :)

[Jane&Andy]

So far for August 28th we have:

Yes:
Jane&Andy
twainny
KaliLily
camberne
gizzyntaz

Maybe:
Boopy
pride&prejudice

[octoberkate]

Hey DC/MD/VA ladies - I don't know if any of you are interested, but I'm trying to sell two season tickets to the Washington Redksins. Well, actually they are my parents' extra tickets, but I'm hawking them everywhere I can. I already put up a note on the classifieds board, but if you're interested the tickets are in section 450, we're selling them at face value for $1180. Email me at kstr111 at yahoo dot com if you're interested.

Kate

[emschwar]

I think that day will work for us!

[babylove]

OMG! I've missed so much! I would love to come on the 28th! Where is the GTG?

[Jane&Andy]

Update:

Yes:
Jane&Andy
twainny
KaliLily
camberne
gizzyntaz
emschwar
babylove

Maybe:
Boopy
pride&prejudice

Where: hasn't been decided yet? Any suggestions?

[Aletheia]

Hiya ladies!

I'll be out of town for the GTG. :( But I'm looking for suggestions for another trip out of town, on the weekend of August 7th. That's our first year anniversary, and we'd like to

a) go camping somewhere really pretty
b) go to a local summer festival or fair in a small town
c) go to a recommended but not too expensive bed and breakfast.

Does anyone have any suggestions for any of these possible plans? I'd really appreciate leads that are close to our jumping off point of Baltimore.

Aletheia

[camberne]

Where: hasn't been decided yet? Any suggestions?Somewhere easy to find and with decent parking!! :) Gotta drive three hours, don't want to get lost at the end of the trail.

[Lolly]

Whoa am I far behind! Put me down for maybe on the 28th. My planner looks clear but I don't know what is on the calendar at home yet. I know DH has a softball tournament around that time.

[ezl247]

The 28th works for me so far.

[nolagirl]

Hi everyone,

I hope its okay if I post this here. My husband and I are considering moving and Baltimore is one of our top choices. I was wondering if anyone from the area would mind posting or PM-ing me so I could ask a few questions. I really appreciate it. Thanks in advance.

Abby

[Jenga019]

I'm interested in the gtg!!! I would love to meet some of my fellow B-more ladies like Babylove!! :)

[rosa727]

Well although no one actually lives anywhere near me in Virginia (I'm almost 4 hours south of DC), I figured I would subscribe over here anyway. We just moved from Charlottesville (both DH and I are UVA grads) to Lynchburg. For the few of you that mentioned short trips in the area, Charlottesville is a gorgeous place to spend a weekend - great restaurants, lots of history, vineyards nearby. I look forward too getting to know you all and I'm still holding out hope that some south-central VA girls will show up on here :D

[Jane&Andy]

Yes:
Jane&Andy
twainny
KaliLily
camberne
gizzyntaz
emschwar
babylove
Lolly
Jenga019
ez1247

Maybe:
Boopy
pride&prejudice

Where to meet? Do we want to aim for someplace in DC? Or in MD? Do we want to meet up for lunch? It sounds like there's a big enough group of us that we should make a reservation if we're meeting up for a meal.

nolagirl - I'm not very familiar with Baltimore but if you have some questions you want to post here we can all try to answer them.

[camberne]

Personally, I vote for somewhere in DC... Baltimore adds another hour to the hike for me. Lunch is good. I'm allergic to seafood, but most seafood places have something I can eat so, I'm pretty open.

Edited... just re-read your post. Somewhere in MD outside of DC would be fine, too.

[KaliLily]

I agree that lunch is good. I've never driven anywhere near Baltimore yet, but I do know how to take Metro to DC, so I'd be game for that. :) Just tell me which station is closest to the restuarant.

[gizzyntaz]

I figure that Emily (emschwar) & I will probably both bring our sons, heck, we may even carpool, so the restaurant should be fairly kid-friendly (aka, LOUD), though not too loud, so that we can all chat! :)

- Alison

[jimmysgirl424]

Hi Ladies! Don't want to steal the thread but wanted to let everyone know that I have some discount passes for Kings Dominion (Richmond, VA) These are coupons for 2 single day admissions for $59.99 total, which is a huge savings. Up to 6 people can use one coupon. If anyone would like one, please PM me with your address. :D

[Jane&Andy]

I really don't know this area all that well still so if anyone has specific suggestions for places to meet that would be great. :)

[KaliLily]

Jane - I'll be going into DC next week when my best friend (Sazoo) is here. We'll keep a look-out for fun, family-friendly places. I'll also check the Entertainment book she bought me as a going away/housewarming present, and get back to you all on what we find.

[Jane&Andy]

thanks KaliLily. :)

[PG-rated]

It looks like I'm going to be out of town on the 28th, but I know downtown DC pretty well, so if you guys tell me what area you want to meet in, I can recommend some good spots. For those of you who will be taking Metro, what line are you on?

[Jane&Andy]

Orange Line

Thanks PG!

[KaliLily]

I'm Orange, too!

[Jane&Andy]

cool, we must be at opposite ends since you are in VA. :)

[KaliLily]

The opposite end and about a 1 1/2 hour drive. :rolleyes: I really hope they expand to Dulles airport. That would be at least a little closer to me. My other option is to go up to Harpers Ferry, WV and take MARC to Union Station. I love my house and neighborhood, but sometimes I wish we lived farther east.

[wine4me]

Hi guys! I'm a newbie to CC. I am amazed at how many women are in the nearby area.

I am married, full-time working mother of 2 and I live in MD, about 25-30 miles outside of DC and NOVA. I also work in DC, S.W. to be exact and boy...my commute is a lot of fun! *sarcasm* LOL!

Anyway, it's nice to meet all of you. Hope to chat with you guys. :)

[twainny]

I'm on the Orange Line too!

I am up for lunch. I don't really venture out of VA all too often. I have a 4 month old son, who I might bring, but maybe DH will stay with him. I have found that the Silver Diner is very family friendly, but don't know where any locations are outside of VA.

I wouldn't mind Harper's Ferry, I have always wanted to go there, but it might be too far for most.

[PG-rated]

Well, if you're feeling adventurous, you could eat at Market Hall at Eastern Market, and check out the Farmer's Market while you're there. If you want something quieter, I suggest Teaism at 8th and D Streets NW (right by the Archives/Navy Memorial stop, but only about four blocks from the Federal Triangle stop). I've never been with kids, but it's a lovely place, and I think it would be family-friendly. Go to www.teaism.com for menus.

[ezl247]

There is a Silver Diner in Rockville MD, right on 355.

[KaliLily]

I wouldn't mind Harper's Ferry, I have always wanted to go there, but it might be too far for most.

Anytime you want to head over to Harper's Ferry, let me know. I'd be happy to meet up with you there. It's only 20-30 minutes from me.

[KaliLily]

I looked through my Entertainment book last night and found Johnny Rockets in Georgetown. Anyone been there? It's 50's themed and is marked in the book as family-friendly.

[Jane&Andy]

I've been to Johnny Rockets before - yummy shakes and good burgers. But they don't have big tables so we wouldn't be able to sit together as a big group. But it is kid friendly.

[KaliLily]

I found more options in Arlington and Alexandria. Anyone up for that area?

[Jane&Andy]

that would be fine with me.

[twainny]

Too funny, I just ate at a Johnny Rockets on Monday! Only it was in Seattle. The food was good, but they really only have burgers (and shakes!)

Jane- do you know if you are having a boy or a girl (oh, I guess it is too early to tell!!!)

[Jane&Andy]

twainny - way too early to tell! I have my first OB appt next week. :)

[twainny]

Jane- well congradulations!!! :) Good luck in the coming months!!! :) I hope you are feeling well. Having a child is the best thing ever!!!

[Jane&Andy]

thanks. I'm feeling good so far. :)

[jeeplover]

My name is Holly and my Dh and I will be moving to NOVA this fall. October 1st to be exact, except we have no place to live yet! DH's job promoted him which requires us to move to NoVa. I am nervous and excited all the same.

We have looked at several houses and fell in love with a new development in Gainesville. We have been told by several of DH's VA coworkers that the commute is a nightmare, his office is currently in Herndon. So I will be in Leesburg this weekend househunting with DH. Anyone have any other recommendations of areas to live, we would like to build a new house. Any suggestions or comments are appreciated! Thanks!

[twainny]

Hbeshore- first of all, welcome!!! We also looked at building a house in Gainesville. We didn't... one day on the news, they said there was a 2+ hour back up from HAYMARKET to like 123 or something. I would suggest living in Ashburn or Sterling or somewhere up there. The commute to Leesburg and Herndon wouldn't be so bad.

Good Luck and Happy House Hunting!! (oh, by the way, you need to move very fast around here, houses sell in a day if they are nice. In a week if they aren't!!)

[twainny]

i obviously don't have much to do today, since I am answering other posts within 5 minutes!! I need to get a life... or at least back to work!

[jeeplover]

Hbeshore- first of all, welcome!!! We also looked at building a house in Gainesville. We didn't... one day on the news, they said there was a 2+ hour back up from HAYMARKET to like 123 or something. I would suggest living in Ashburn or Sterling or somewhere up there. The commute to Leesburg and Herndon wouldn't be so bad.

Good Luck and Happy House Hunting!! (oh, by the way, you need to move very fast around here, houses sell in a day if they are nice. In a week if they aren't!!)


Augh a 2+ hour back up-not good! We would love to live in Lansdowne but only we hit the lottery sometime real soon! LOL!

We haven't looked too much in Sterling but did look at some places in Ashburn. I really like the Leesburg area but DH has his heart set on building a new house.

Do you mind if I ask where you live?

[twainny]

hbeshore- we live in Falls Church, right near Tysons Mall (it is like 3 miles from out house). I LOVE where we live. I am soooo glad we live inside the beltway. I would have HATED the commute to Gainesville. Only thing that is bad, is that all our friends live waaay out (centreville, South Riding, Ashburn) we never see anyone during the week. And seldom on weekends, since we just want to get caught up at home with stuff.
So you are looking for a house and not a townhouse or condo?

If you need a place to rent while you are waiting for a house to be built, my SIL is moving out of her 2 BR condo. She lives in the city of fairfax.

(oh man... see here I am again... replying too quickly!!)

[octoberkate]

Count me in for the 28th too! I think someone mentioned Johnny Rockets - there's one of those in the Pentagon City Mall, right outside DC in Arlington (it's pay parking, but not expensive and usually plentiful, plus it's right on the metro).

Also if you're interested, the mall has a Ruby Tuesday and another sit down restaurant (America maybe?) plus a food court. Other than mall-walking, I'm not sure how much activity there would be for everyone to do (there's no play place for people with kids) but there are a decent amount of stores if people are in a shopping mood.

Also I second the recommendation for Teaism at 8th and D, there's a large eating area in the basement that doesn't get too full (especially on the weekend I'd think) but I've seen book clubs and knitting clubs meet down there and chat loudly so I don't think noise is a problem.

Lastly, Wine4Me, I work in SW too - small world!

[octoberkate]

hbeshore - I worked in the Sterling/Ashburn area for 2 years. (Unfortunately I commuted out from Arlington which is a PITA.) If you don't have a bad commute to your work, that's a great place to live. Good schools, good standard of living, homes still not too insane, lots of conveniently located shopping etc. Good luck!

Twainny - I'm in your neck of the woods all the time! One of my best friends lives in (well, she's about to move) an apartment complex on Rt 7 right across from the library - near that Exxon that's next to the Fresh Fields shopping area.

[jeeplover]

hbeshore- we live in Falls Church, right near Tysons Mall (it is like 3 miles from out house). I LOVE where we live. I am soooo glad we live inside the beltway. I would have HATED the commute to Gainesville. Only thing that is bad, is that all our friends live waaay out (centreville, South Riding, Ashburn) we never see anyone during the week. And seldom on weekends, since we just want to get caught up at home with stuff.
So you are looking for a house and not a townhouse or condo?

If you need a place to rent while you are waiting for a house to be built, my SIL is moving out of her 2 BR condo. She lives in the city of fairfax.

(oh man... see here I am again... replying too quickly!!)

We had looked in South Riding but weren't too impressed with the townhouses out there and then we fell in love the the place in Gainesville. I am fine with living in a townhouse for a little while especially since I found a bunch that I liked in the Leesburg area, which would be ideal since DH is working on the Loudoun Hospital and I am looking for a job there.

Do you know if Winchester is a horrible commute or is it better than the one from Gainesville?

[KaliLily]

Do you know if Winchester is a horrible commute or is it better than the one from Gainesville?

If you're going from Winchester to Leesburg, it's a piece of cake. DH commutes from Berryville (10 mi. east of Winchester) to Dulles for work says the portion from home to Leesburg is the easy part. It's Leesburg to Dulles that is the slower part. Of course, even with the Leesburg to Dulles traffic, it only takes him 45 minutes total to get to work.

[jeeplover]

If you're going from Winchester to Leesburg, it's a piece of cake. DH commutes from Berryville (10 mi. east of Winchester) to Dulles for work says the portion from home to Leesburg is the easy part. It's Leesburg to Dulles that is the slower part. Of course, even with the Leesburg to Dulles traffic, it only takes him 45 minutes total to get to work.

Do you know how many miles it is? We did find a new development in Winchester that we like but mileage wise it looks kind of far. DH will be happy to hear that it does not take that long! Thanks for the information!

[KaliLily]

My name is Holly and my Dh and I will be moving to NOVA this fall. October 1st to be exact

Anyone have any other recommendations of areas to live, we would like to build a new house. Any suggestions or comments are appreciated! Thanks!

Welcome, Holly! My DH and I just moved to NOVA November 30th. (Well, technically he moved here Nov 1st and lived in a hotel near work while I sold our house in Seattle and packed up our things)

We looked at houses in Leesburg and Lovettsville, and townhouses all over Loudoun County. Our saint of a realtor took us to 18 properties in one day since I was only in town for a long weekend to house hunt. After the first day, we were pretty discouraged by our options. We didn't really want a townhouse, but weren't thrilled with the houses we had seen. Later that evening, though, our realtor called and asked if we'd be willing to look at Clarke County, the town of Berryville specifically. DH works in Dulles and she said the commute would be about 45 minutes. We went out the next day and fell in love with the house. It's bigger than I could have hope for, and we have almost a 1/2 acre of land!

Our house is 7 years old, and there are new ones popping up all over our little town. When we moved in there were 2 developments of newer houses. Now there are 4! Here's a picture of my house during a snowfall in February.
http://images.snapfish.com/3446352%3B23232%7Ffp58%3Dot%3E2329%3D%3A%3B9%3D493 %3DXROQDF%3E23239%3A%3A325%3A3%3Aot1lsi

Good luck with your move, and if you need a realtor referral, let me know.

[KaliLily]

Do you know how many miles it is? We did find a new development in Winchester that we like but mileage wise it looks kind of far. DH will be happy to hear that it does not take that long! Thanks for the information!

From Berryville to Leesburg it's about 25 miles. Depending on where you are in Winchester you'd add at least 10 more miles to that. I've gone out during "rush hour" a few times and the traffic on Route 7 from Berryville to Leesburg is really light. Of course, I moved here from the Seattle area where it took 45 minutes to drive the 17 miles to work!

You might want to take a look at the new houses in Berryville. It'll get you closer and they aren't too much higher in price than comparable houses in Winchester. My development has new houses going up now, and there are 2 new developments that have popped up since I moved in last winter. Check out real estate in Battlefield Estates (mine) and Hermitage Estates (a new one). I don't know the name of the 4th development currently under construction.

[KaliLily]

I really like the Leesburg area but DH has his heart set on building a new house.

I just adore Leesburg. I'm always looking for excuses to go there - I love the Super Target. It's my most favorite store.

When you do settle in, you have to check out Mom's Apple Pie Bakery on Business 7. Our realtor pointed it out to us, and we picked a pie up for Christmas last year. Now whenever we have guests we go back for more - and we've had a LOT of guests. :D

[KaliLily]

Too funny, I just ate at a Johnny Rockets on Monday! Only it was in Seattle.

How funny! I lived in the Seattle area for over 20 years and had never heard of the place.

[twainny]

octoberkate - too funny, I live right by the library! We walk there all the time! It is a small world.

hbshore - i second Kalilily... Winchester might be a good option. I told DH last night of your work locations and that you were thinking of Gainesville... he said "that's nuts!" He said why not Winchester??? (I know someone in Winchester, her cousin lives with them, he drives from freaking Winchester alllll the way to BETHESDA!!!!! Every freaking day!! Now THAT is a CRAZY commute!)

KaliLily- carefull what you offer, I might take you up on it. I really hope DH and I (and DS) can see some of VA/WV this year. I have heard of nice things about Harpers Ferry. I also really want to see Luary (I have said that for 3 years now!!!!).

[jeeplover]

I just adore Leesburg. I'm always looking for excuses to go there - I love the Super Target. It's my most favorite store.

When you do settle in, you have to check out Mom's Apple Pie Bakery on Business 7. Our realtor pointed it out to us, and we picked a pie up for Christmas last year. Now whenever we have guests we go back for more - and we've had a LOT of guests. :D


I think I know where that pie place is! I also love Super Target, each time I am down there I always come up with some excuse to go there! We actually looked at a townhouse right behind there!

Thank you all for the information! I found a house in Winchester that is brand new for sale and DH is calling today to see if we can look at it on Saturday. It is in a development called Mountain Falls, I don't know if anyone has ever heard of it.

[Myra]

Hey ladies,

Have any of you taken a cooking class in the DC area that you would recommend? Prefer Montgomery County, but open to other locations.

Thanks!

[jeeplover]

I want to thank you all for your help! I am flying down tonight to join my husband and we will be househunting this weekend! Wish me luck!

[Alicia]

Hey ladies,

Have any of you taken a cooking class in the DC area that you would recommend? Prefer Montgomery County, but open to other locations.

Thanks!

This is probably the best known cooking school in the DC area. It's located in Bethesda and offers professional and non-professional classes: L'Academie de Cuisine (http://www.lacademie.com/intro.html)

[Applebee]

I'm checking in from MD! I'm doing a quick post, then hopping off b/c there are thunderstorms starting the lightening is crazy! Don't want it wiping out my computer again :(

[KaliLily]

Good luck with the house hunting, Holly!

[KaliLily]

KaliLily- carefull what you offer, I might take you up on it. I really hope DH and I (and DS) can see some of VA/WV this year. I have heard of nice things about Harpers Ferry. I also really want to see Luary (I have said that for 3 years now!!!!).

Since I got my Toyota Highlander in January, I love driving! I haven't been on many road trips around the area, with DH working all week and me keeping busy with the house and yard, but I hope to see more of VA soon. We also want to have eventually driven up and down the east coast. Spending 99% of my life on the west coast, I was always envious of the east coast having so many little states to visit.

Next week while my best friend (Sazoo) is here, we're going to Charles Town, WV to check out the casino there. YAY! We're also driving up to Hershey, PA - which I took my parents to in April. While we're there Monday we're going to the Kelly Clarkson concert. WOO HOO! :D If anyone has ideas on good places to take her, please let me know.

[jeeplover]

Well I would like to say Thank you to everyone for all your help! We just got back from VA last night. We spent the entire (almost) weekend looking at houses both new and previously owned. We spent alot of time in Berryville and Winchester but I think that since this will be the first time for us living in this area we have decided that Leesburg is the area for us.

We found 2 previously owned townhouses that we loved. Also in one of the areas they are building new ones as well. I don't want to live in an apartment for a little while though because we own 2 cats and what we would have to pay a month to keep the 2 cats is CRAZY! I think I convinced DH that we need to buy a place that is previously owned. We would have made an offer yesterday but we haven't been pre-approved for a 2nd mortgage yet so hopefully we will get that done this week and make an offer!

[Lolly]

hbeshore, that's great! I love going to Leesburg, especially at Christmas time. It's fun to go into all the great antique shops in town, plus there's always the outlets. But my favorite by far is taking to ferry to Leesburg from Whites Ferry, MD. I haven't gone in a few years though.

[jeeplover]

Laura- That is definitely one of the things that DH and I will be doing is taking that ferry! Let's just keep our fingers crossed that we get approved for a 2nd mortgage as well as it being in time for us to put an offer letter in!

[MsPeachy]

Whoa - I'm late on this one. I wanted to say welcome to hbeshore & good luck on the home-buying process. I hope Leesburg works out for you. Just be prepared, that story about a 2 hour backup on 66, well that happens on the Greenway and Rte 7 too. FWIW, I live near Gainesville and I know it takes only about 45 min to get up to the Herndon/Reston area. In this area, any commute under an hour is considered good.

PS - twainny - Where in FC do you live? Sorta my old stomping grounds in that area ;)

[KaliLily]

Well I would like to say Thank you to everyone for all your help! We just got back from VA last night. We spent the entire (almost) weekend looking at houses both new and previously owned.

I think I convinced DH that we need to buy a place that is previously owned. We would have made an offer yesterday but we haven't been pre-approved for a 2nd mortgage yet so hopefully we will get that done this week and make an offer!

Househunting is exhausting, isn't it? Especially when you have a timeframe for moving. Good luck on the mortgage approval. Hope you are able to get the place you want.

[jeeplover]

Kalililly-Thanks! We were both very exhausted after the weekend! I really hope the mortgage approval process goes smoothly for us! I will keep you all updated! Also we loved Berryville, what a nice town!

[KaliLily]

Thanks, we like it here. We wish there were more conveniences nearby (more than one grocery store, a Super Target ;), etc. ), but Winchester isn't really that far and Leesburg is only 30 minutes away. We love how peaceful and quiet our little town is, and the people I've met on my street are very friendly. My first week in the house, one of the ladies came by with a plate of brownies for us to welcome us to the neighborhood. I also like that I can walk to the grocery store 5 blocks down the street at night and feel safe. I've never felt like that in other places I've lived.

[twainny]

msPeachy- we live near Tyson's Corner Mall. It is about 3 miles from our house.

Have we decided on a place where we are meeting? Just wondering. Tomorrow is my last day at this job (I start a new job on Monday). I won't have internet at my new job (dammit!) And we haven't gotten internet at home yet either (dammit again!) Hopefully soon. I will have to CC from the library :(

[camberne]

I was at Tyson's Corner this past weekend! Who knew that there were TWO Residence Inns there!!?? We were running late for a wedding and went to the wrong one, so missed the charter bus that was taking everyone from the hotel to the wedding to the reception. Ugh! But, the drive from Tyson's into DC where the church was was quite lovely!! And the restaurant was FANTASTIC. Anyone been to Alpine Ristorante in Arlington? Yummy!

[emschwar]

For any of you crafty women, I'm having a Close to My Heart party (as Mom's Night Out for our playgroup) at my house (Columbia, MD) on September 9, 8:00 pm. Anyone is welcome! PM me if you're interested, and I'll get you details.

[twainny]

what is Close to my Heart?

[KaliLily]

Unfortunately, I didn't have any luck finding a restaurant in DC when we were there Thursday. The heat was pretty bad so we didn't get to wander around much. I saw some family friendly restaurants in Alexandria and Arlington in my Entertainment Book, but I don't know anything about them except they put a coupon in the book. :rolleyes:

[Applebee]

I may be able to attend the 28th GTG. I'll know for sure that week. I saw someone mention taking the MARC train - just so you know, that does not run on the weekends.

I work in DC, right at Metro Center. I live in Baltimore and take the MARC everyday from BWI Rail Station.

There is an ESPN Zone at 555 12th Street (this is what the website says, but I seriously think it's 11th street).

[Allegra]

Well although no one actually lives anywhere near me in Virginia (I'm almost 4 hours south of DC), I figured I would subscribe over here anyway. We just moved from Charlottesville (both DH and I are UVA grads) to Lynchburg.

Lynchburg?? Allegra waves. Hi!! I'm here too!!! :cool: Being new to the area, you might want to think about joining the local Junior League - it's a great volunteer organization lots of fun ladies and they are not snotty at all! They have a great party in the spring called Mardi Gras (ehemm, Marisol was conceived after that last year ;) ) . Are you working down here? My studio is at the Riverviews Artspace building downtown across from Amazement Square (but I'm only in it when I have a client meeting or portrait session) If you get a chance, email me - info@allegrasstudio.com. I live right in town.

Allegra

[pride&prejudice]

I'm not going to be able to make the get together. After months of debate, my mother finally set a date for the crab feast. :D

[gizzyntaz]

I think I am going to end up flaking on the GTG on the 28th :( I got free passes to the MD State Fair, but they are only good for that day! I'm really dying to see how DS does at the fair - I think it would be really good for him... Sorry!

Allegra - I didn't know you were in Charlottesville. I would like to take a day trip over there sometime to check things out. Maybe we could set up a photo session? That would be awesome!

[jh124]

Just joining the thread. I live in Alexandria, work in downtown DC (Metro Center).

[KaliLily]

I recently realized that I've lived in NOVA for 8-1/2 months now, have been to DC twice and have yet to tour any of the Smithsonian Museums. I was thinking of planning special "Smithsonian" treks into the city, and wondered if anyone would want to join me.

I was thinking of going once or twice a month and spending the afternoon in one of the Museums, then moving on to another museum the next trip - unless a day isn't long enough to get through one. In that case, I'd just pick up where I left off the next time. :D

Anyone interested? I currently don't work so I was planning to go on weekdays.

[emschwar]

what is Close to my Heart?
Sorry, missed this before, since I went out of town for a week.
CTMH is a company that does home-based sales (I think that's the right term) of scrapbooking and rubber stamping products. My local consultant is coming to my house that night and some ladies from my playgroup and some other friends will be coming over to learn about their products, do a make-and-take and have some fun!

[Jane&Andy]

It looks like I probably can't make it to the GTG Sunday. My SIL just had a baby so we have to go visit her.

[KaliLily]

Did we ever decide on a place for the GTG? Is it still on?

[Jane&Andy]

as far as I know, a place has not been decided on yet.

[babylove]

Sorry gals, but it looks like I won't make it to the GTG this weekend. I'll catch you all at the next one!

[dian_love]

Another NOVA girl. I am in Gainesville.

When is the GTG and Where?

[PeanutButter]

Hi - I'm Parker.

I live, work and go to school in DC... I live on the Hill, work at Metro Center and go to school at Foggy Bottom.

I am looking for a good doctor - my only gynecologist is moving away and I am distraught. None of my IRL girlfriends have doctors they like that ALSO take my insurance...

Anyone have any recs?? Preferably in DC, but I could do Arlington, too.

[twainny]

i take it there is no GTG tomorrow? I just came to the library to check where it is being held... but I don't see anywhere... That is too bad, I was looking forward to it. Maybe we can reschedule for sometime in Sept.

[Myra]

Parker, I go to Mona Milberg in DC. She's either an NP or a PA, and she's great. I have also heard good things about Dr. Paula Radecki in the same practice. They're near Farragut, and the # is 202-331-1740.

[PeanutButter]

Thanks, Myra! They take my insurance, too! Yippee!

[jeeplover]

Hi girls! Just thought I would stop in here and say hi again! Our move to NoVA is still on. We still don't have a house though! DH is going down tomorrow for work and he will look at some houses tomorrow night and I will be down there next weekend and hopefully if we find something we will put an offer down!

Does anyone know of any job openings in area hospitals specifically in the Leesburg area? I still haven't found a job and I am kind of worried!

[KaliLily]

Does anyone know of any job openings in area hospitals specifically in the Leesburg area? I still haven't found a job and I am kind of worried!

Have you checked the Loundoun Hospital's website? Here's the link to their employment page: http://www.loudounhospital.org/employment/employment.cfm

[jeeplover]

Have you checked the Loundoun Hospital's website? Here's the link to their employment page: http://www.loudounhospital.org/employment/employment.cfm


That is funny that you should mention them. That is actually the hospital my husband is currently working on with all their new construction and the whole reason behind us moving down there. I actually have some job leads there but I was wondering if there were any other hospitals in the area?

[KaliLily]

I was wondering if there were any other hospitals in the area?

This website gives information on Leesburg, including hospitals/medical centers in and near the town. http://www.city-data.com/city/Leesburg-Virginia.html

There are also a few hospitals west of Leesburg in the Winchester/Berryville area:

* WINCHESTER MEDICAL CENTER INC (WINCHESTER, VA)
* WARREN MEMORIAL HOSP (FRONT ROYAL, VA)

[jeeplover]

Kim,
Thanks for that website. It is great, gives a lot of good information!

[KaliLily]

My pleasure. Glad it's useful. :)

[newyorkgirl]

Hi, subscribing to this thread. Any new moms in the area who want to meet up? I'm in NoVa, but am willing to pop into DC. :)

[KaliLily]

Hi Everyone. One of my best friends is coming to visit me the week of Thanksgiving, and she would like to go on a tour of the White House. I contacted my Representative to arrange it, and a member of his staff called this morning. We're on the waiting list, but they said we're more likely to get a tour if we have at least 10 people. So I'm in search of at least 8 people to join us. We have asked to do the tour on November 22nd.

Anyone interested/available? If you are, please PM me with your name so I can add it to the list for the Representative's office.

[Applebee]

I noticed a lot ppl saying they work at Metro Center. Is anyone at the Columbia Square bldg or close to it?

[jeeplover]

Well as of September 30th I will be a resident of Virginia! We bought a townhouse in Leesburg yesterday and we close at the end of the month!

[Lolly]

Congratulations Jeeplover!

[jeeplover]

Thanks Laura!

[KaliLily]

Well as of September 30th I will be a resident of Virginia! We bought a townhouse in Leesburg yesterday and we close at the end of the month!

Congratulations! I hope your move goes smoothly.

[jeeplover]

Thanks! I hope it goes smoothly as well!

[andrew&shannah]

Would any of you Loudoun County/Western Suburbs ladies be interested in starting a supper club?

I used to be a part of one when I lived in Arlington but now it is just too far to drive. I'd love to find one or start one closer to home!

[jeeplover]

I would love to especially since I am just moving to the area and don't really know anyone, I will be living in Leesburg as of September 30th!

[KaliLily]

What's a supper club?

[andrew&shannah]

What's a supper club?

They can take on many forms but it is a really meant to be a social gathering centered around cooking a food. My last one was more like a monthly potluck meeting where everyone brought something centered around a theme. Then, we all ate, chatted and shared recipes.
Some supper clubs actually cook during the "meeting" and everyone is responsible for bringing certain items from the mutually agreed upon menu.
It's usually a monthly thing. I got a ton of recipes from my last one and made a bunch of friends too. Oh, not to mention tried a lot of great new wine too.

[KaliLily]

That sounds like fun.

[twainny]

newyorkgirl- I have a little babycakes! He is 6 months old now (oh how time FLYS!) I live in Falls Church.

I wish I lived closer to Loudon... I would love to join the supper club. Maybe I will ask my neighbors to start one. What a geat idea!!!

[PG-rated]

Ladies who work in the Farragut/Metro Center area: Anyone want to meet up for lunch one of these days? Mondays and Fridays are tough for me, but otherwise I wouldn't have a problem getting away.

[newyorkgirl]

twainny, we're really close! I live in Tysons Corner, right by the Tysons 2 mall.

[twainny]

newyorkgirl--- ummmm me too!!! we are two miles from the mall... going there today as a matter of fact, to get DS's pictures taken!!

[DelSol]

I'll be in MD for some training and I'm staying at the StudioPLUS Deluxe Studios Columbia - Gateway Drive. Does anyone know if this is a good hotel or not?

Can anyone recommends a good hotel, within a reasonable price? I love the Courtyard but they seem a bit high for one night.

Thanks!!!

[Alicia]

I'll be in MD for some training and I'm staying at the StudioPLUS Deluxe Studios Columbia - Gateway Drive. Does anyone know if this is a good hotel or not?

Can anyone recommends a good hotel, within a reasonable price? I love the Courtyard but they seem a bit high for one night.

Thanks!!!

i'm not famililar with the hotel, but i'm very familiar with gateway drive- it's a big business park, and the hotels in that area cater to the business traveler, so for one night, if you're training is on gateway drive, i think you'll be fine at that hotel. enjoy!

[octoberkate]

Twainy - did you got to the Picture People in Tyson's for your DC's pic? I went there once and wasn't thrilled (ironically, although I hate the Landmark Mall I've gotten the best pics at their PP). Any good recommendations for other local places for kids pics?

Local Photography? - we're thinking of doing some family candids to potentially use as Xmas card photos - does anybody know a local photographer that can do "photojournalism style" pics but DOESN'T cost an arm and a leg?

[emschwar]

I'll be in MD for some training and I'm staying at the StudioPLUS Deluxe Studios Columbia - Gateway Drive. Does anyone know if this is a good hotel or not?

Can anyone recommends a good hotel, within a reasonable price? I love the Courtyard but they seem a bit high for one night.

Thanks!!!
What kind of price range are you looking for? I live in columbia, so I might be able to help some. Though I don't stay in hotels here much. :)

[twainny]

octoberkate- yeah, I went to the one in TC. We had been there before, and I didn't like it. But we also HATE sears. ds cried the whole time (and it didn't help that we didn't get in until an HOUR after our appointment time). I LOVE the pictures of DS. I will have to upload them.

[bensgirl1222]

I need some help... I'm moving in with my boyfriend soon (in the next few months) and he is allergic to cats. I have a cat. My mom wants my cat gone when I leave home. She is almost 18 years old!!!

What should I do????

[kindermom]

Do you want to find a new home for your cat? How allergic is your BF? Can he take allergy medication? I have a good friend who found that is really alergic to her 2 cats and keeps the symptoms under control by taking either Claritin or Allegra (I forget which) and just keeps her carpets cleaned every other day.

Good luck!

[DelSol]

What kind of price range are you looking for? I live in columbia, so I might be able to help some. Though I don't stay in hotels here much. :)

I was looking for under $125/night, considering I am going to be getting there close to 10PM and leaving at 8:30AM for the training class and not going back to hotel. I did book at the StudioPLUS Deluxe Studios - Columbia but just wanted to know if anyone heard good things about the place.

Thanks!

[kindermom]

I believe that is the hotel that most of the clients for my DH company stay at. We have heard nothing either way so I assume people ar erather neutral about the place.

[emschwar]

I was looking for under $125/night, considering I am going to be getting there close to 10PM and leaving at 8:30AM for the training class and not going back to hotel. I did book at the StudioPLUS Deluxe Studios - Columbia but just wanted to know if anyone heard good things about the place.

Thanks!
I think you should be able to find a lot of places in that range. A few minutes down the road from Gateway Center is Wellesley Inn & Suites, which is nice. DH's work put us up there when we were searching for housing in the area, and we were very happy with it.

[KaliLily]

Are there any Clay Aiken fans in the area?

Clay is doing another holiday tour and will be performing at Constitution Hall in DC on Dec. 13 and Lyric Opera House in Baltimore on Dec. 14. Anyone interested?

[SingleWhiteFemale]

I can't believe I haven't noticed this thread! I live right outside of DC in PG county :)

I was wondering if anyone knew of any great bakeries in the PG/Montgomery/DC area? I'm looking for really good sandwich rolls. I went to Panera in Bowie Town Center Saturday, and while okay (and better than the grocery store), they weren't good enough or really what I was looking for :(

[Jane&Andy]

SingleWhiteFemale - I'm in your area. :) But I don't know of any good bakeries around here. If you find one let me know. :)

[Myra]

I love Firehook Bakery for pastries and such but don't know how they are for rolls. http://www.firehook.com/

[SingleWhiteFemale]

Myra, thanks for the rec! I'm gonna make a roll run Thursday, I'll let you know how they are.

Jane&Andy, hey fellow Bowie girl! Congrats on the little bun in the oven! I keep my eye out for Butter and you at the dog park :) Bernie and Butter would get along perfectly (he'd like to start seeing dogs bigger than 20 lbs!)!

[Jane&Andy]

SingleWhiteFemale - thanks. :) what kind of dog is Bernie? My DH is leaving town tomorrow so I think Butter and I are going to try to hit the dog park Thursday and Friday after work. If you're ever there and see more than 1 golden retriever, Butter is the one covered in mulch. He loves to roll in the mulch. :p Have you gone to Quiet Waters dog park in Annapolis? Butter loves it there. I need to take him a few more times before it gets too cold.

[SingleWhiteFemale]

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a53/lizwigandt/bernie2-2.jpg

Jane&Andy, Bernie's a St. Bernard. He's the one going from human to human trying to get attention, as if he never got any at home :rolleyes: Bernie and I should be there Friday and Saturday around 6pm. I'll keep my eye open for Mr. Butter in the mulch ;) He loves the park, to the point we have to spell p-a-r-k, or else he starts bouncing off of the walls. I never knew about the one in Annapolis until this past weekend, but I'm thinking of trying to take him up there sometime. I don't know how he'll do in the water (he came to me via rescue at age) or even if he'd want to swim, but he loves baths so hopefully he'll think of it as a giant tub :)

[Jane&Andy]

I don't think I've seen Bernie there before then. BTW, did you have a different name on WC, I do remember a local gal on WC with a St. Bernard. :)

I'm pretty sure Butter and I will be there around 6ish on Friday. Hope to see you there. :) (its a great way to tire him out when I'm home alone with him)

Butter LOVES the dog beach. But he's a water loving retriever. :)

[SingleWhiteFemale]

BTW, did you have a different name on WC, I do remember a local gal on WC with a St. Bernard. :)That's me :) I changed my username, I will be out of UM soon enough and I haven't danced in over a year, so I thought something else would be more fitting :)

[Jane&Andy]

I had no idea that was you til you mentioned the St. Bernard. :) tricky girl! :p

Butter is sick now but hopefully he will perk up by tomorrow and we can still make it to the dog park (he puked A LOT from feasting on pine cones and pine needles yesterday). He seems to be improving now though.

[SingleWhiteFemale]

Poor Butter! I hope his tummy feels better soon. I've never heard of a dog eating pine cones, but dogs do eat any and everything (Bernie ate paper towels, he's not the brightest pup on the block..).

[Jane&Andy]

he loves to munch on sticks and pine cones. I've never seen him eat pine needles before but he apparently ate quite a few of them. DH left to go out of town about 45min ago and apparently Butter turned his nose up at eating the boiled chicken he tried to feed him before leaving. I'll be home in just a few more hours and will try to get him to eat it. A few weeks ago he ate a dead bird. :eek: He got ahold of it before I could stop him and was perfectly fine. Now a few pine cones totally rough him up. :( He hasn't puked since 3am so now I just need to get some bland food and some water in his tummy.

[Alicia]

Hi all!

Does anyone know of any social-type organizations in DC for women (or it could be co-ed, but not necessarily "couples" and by the same token not necessarily a "singles" group either) who are in their late 20s/early 30s- maybe going up to 40? it can be connected with community service or a charity, and I'd prefer it not to have any religious affiliation or if it does it's focus isn't religion (i'm jewish, so it would have to be a jewish group if it were connected to religion.)

a friend on the boards (she may be reading, and if so, Hi!!!) told me about a group called "women and wine" or something like that, but it's based in baltimore right now (although it has plans to expand down to dc- woohoo!), and that's the kind of thing I'm looking for.

Sorry if this sounds so convaluted. Basically I'm looking to make new friends and discover new kinds of activities. (and while i love my friends to death, due to my newly single status, it's sometimes difficult to be around a lot of couples or friends with little ones, and if i'm going to meet that next someone, i think i need to look further than my current social circle) ;)

thanks.

p.s. yes- i've looked under "activites" on craigslist, and i'll continue looking.

[MsPeachy]

Alicia - Have you been to www.monthlybuzz.com ? You can get on their mailing list and they email you all sorts of local events for the month. Some of the events are bar/club parties but some are things like dinners at embassys, charity events, sport events, etc. Many of these events are held by the type of social groups/organizations you are describing.

(ETA: I just noticed the site is on temporary hiatus, but I'd keep checking back. I used to use this site & the newsletter all the time to find all sorts of things to do. )

There is also www.ontaponline.com - a similar site that sends e-newsletters about metro area events. Although theirs tends to be a bit more party-centred, you might still find stuff as they have an events calendar and message boards.

[Myra]

I know of a few coed social orgs.
There's Washington Wine Academy, formerly Wine Brats http://www.washingtonwineacademy.org/. And there's also Young Benefactors of the Smithsonian (http://youngbenefactors.org/), but I have heard not so good things about it, like it's just people trying to get dates.

I don't know where or if you went to college, but both my undergrad and grad schools have DC alum chapters with monthly outings, so you may want to look into that.

[emschwar]

You might also look for women's groups for politically motivated folks. Like Democratic Women or Republican Women, depending on which way you lean. There's also typically young dems and youg repubs, which are co-ed.

[Alicia]

Thank you MsPeachy, Myra, and emschwar for those ideas! I'll will definitely explore them further! :) And because I want to explore as much as I can, if anyone else has some suggestions, please continue to post! thanks :)

[andrew&shannah]

Next week is “Spa Week” in DC, and a number of spas and salons in the area offer everything from back massages to hair cuts, for $50. You get to choose the spa and the treatment.

Check it out: http://www.spaweek.org/Spas/October/DC

[PeanutButter]

Alicia Have you thought about Junior League? I have a couple of girlfriends who are active to varying degrees in JL, and I think they've found it a great way to meet other women.

good luck!

[jeeplover]

Well we are finally in NoVA at our new home! We actually had all our stuff delivered last week but we had to go back up to Boston to work on our other house and get it ready for renters. We arrived back last night and the unpacking is just scary-so many boxes!

Well I just thought I would update everyone and I am excited to find my way around this area!

[Lolly]

Glad you're here Jeeplover! Welcome to the area.

[andrew&shannah]

Welcome to the area! I hope your unpacking goes smoothly :)

[jeeplover]

Thank you both! Hopefully sometime soon we will be able to meet at a GTG!

[Jane&Andy]

Welcome. :)

[KaliLily]

We arrived back last night and the unpacking is just scary-so many boxes!

Well I just thought I would update everyone and I am excited to find my way around this area!

I know what you mean about the boxes. I couldn't believe how much I had to unpack when we got here last December. But it was kind of fun setting up a new house.

Welcome!

[Reebs]

Glad you finally made it Jeeplover!!

[jeeplover]

Thanks everyone for the welcome!

[zarabunny]

Hi ladies, I need your help and advice, my FH has started a new job in Manassas VA and we currently both live in DC, I work in DC, we were planning on buying our home soon, around December or January to be exact, the real estate in our area is something else, especially in Manassas, i was wondering if you ladies knew anywhere that was close to Manassas or Prince william county, but not as expensive, our budget is only 250k so we don't have a lot of options. Thanks for your help

[MsPeachy]

Zara - are you planning on keeping your job in DC? I live in Bristow which is right outside of Manassas and commute to DC everyday. It's rough I'll tell you that. Anyway, you asked for locations so towns/areas around Manassas would include Bristow, Gainesville, Haymarket, Manassas Park, Nokesville, Warrenton (slightly farther). These are all in range of the VRE if you can take the train. There's also the Dumfries area which is south along 95 in the lower portion of PW county. I also wouldn't necessarily rule out Fairfax/Chantilly/Centreville.

[Jane&Andy]

I don't know much about that area but I have in-laws in Manassas and Centreville and both of those towns are very expensive. I think you'd have trouble finding something for under $250K. My SIL in Centreville paid more than that for a small townhouse over a year ago.
:eek:

[KaliLily]

Zarabunny - A friend of mine just bought a house in Gainesville. (She and her BF have been renting an apartment in Reston.) I don't know what she paid, but it was my understanding from her that they chose Gainesville because it was less expensive than the rest of the surrounding area.

If you're interested, I can direct you to a fantastic realtor. She helped us find our home last year when we were relocating from Seattle, and was absolutely wonderful to work with. PM me if you'd like her info.

[zarabunny]

Thank you ladies so much for your help, I'm going to check out these areas now, and I do plan on keeping my job for at least a year, after that i'll try to move on to something else.

[jeeplover]

Zara-We looked in Gainesville when we were first trying to decide where to live and it is a nice area and the houses are gorgeous. You definitely should be able to find something in your price range there.

[PG-rated]

Anyone going to the High Heel Race (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/10/20/AR2005102002341.html?sub=AR) in Dupont Circle tonight? We love it, but DH has to work tonight, so it would be hard to get there in time to get a good spot, plus with the crappy weather we don't really feel like it. But if any of you haven't seen it before, I absolutely recommend it; it's a total trip. If you can't make it this year, put it on your schedule for next year. It's the Tuesday before Halloween every year, on 17th Street.

[KaliLily]

Does anyone in the Loudoun County or Shenandoah Valley areas have a heating/cooling company they swear by? I need an annual systems check/service and could use a referral. I've worked with two companies sent over by my home warranty provider for repair work to my heat pump, but I don't care to use either of them.

Thanks!

[ausi2b]

Joining in late ... I'm trying to do some research on daycares in Montgomery Co. before we start to TTC. We live in Gaithersburg, but I work in Bethesda, DH in Silver Spring. So we could probably include Potomac, Darnestown, Rockville in there as well. Do you know of any good ones? What would you think is an average price?

Basically - we're trying to figure out how the heck we can afford daycare in this area :) But we'd like to try! Thanks in advance!

[kindermom]

ausi2b - We were looking in the Columbia area where day care starts at about $320 a week. After taking a hiatus on looking, I discovered that family day care centers ran about $150 to $200 a week and nannies stared at about $8 an hour (or $320 a week). A friend also suggested trying to do a nanny share. Her son and another toddler share a nanny for about $200 a week. She ended up saving alot over day care.

If you look at the family day care route, are you aware of Maryland LOCATE (http://www.mdchildcare.org/mdcfc/childcare/choose.html)? The Maryland Committee for Children will help you locate licensed facilities in your area. ETA: They will also give you the names of licensed centers.

[Lolly]

ausi2b I'm sort of doing this myself now. Though we're no longer TTC as I'm due in May. I'll be looking in the same areas as well. We live in Rockville, and I work in Germantown. There is a daycare center a stoplight away from my office but my husband would like something a little more in between my work and home. Or even the Olney, Rockville, Bethesda area.

I was trying to look into a few places online yesterday. Most don't have prices listed though so you would have to call a few places (I haven't called anywhere yet). Here's a link I found that may be helpful, but I think its best if I stop by and pick up a list as the search will only show you 10 daycare listings. http://www.mdchildcare.org/mdcfc/childcare/choose.html

And here's a few more links I've saved:
http://www.washingtonparent.com/guides/guide-childcare.html
http://www.knowledgelearning.com/#


Good luck in TTC!!!

Oh and I grew up in Gaithersburg. cool!

[Myra]

Who loves her hair stylist? I'm looking for a new one, preferably in DC or Bethesda. Just need cut and style, I don't get colored. Thanks!

[andrew&shannah]

I have one in Arlington!

Cindy B at Elizabeth Arden in Pentagon Row. LOVE HER! :D

[KaliLily]

Who loves her hair stylist? I'm looking for a new one, preferably in DC or Bethesda. Just need cut and style, I don't get colored. Thanks!

I love mine, but she's in Winchester. Just wanted to share. :p

[PG-rated]

I got a gift certificate for a free cut and blowdry at Piaf (on 15th btwn K and L Streets, NW) a few months ago, and I thought they did a great job. It's too expensive for my super-low-maintenance hair, but I would definitely recommend them to someone more picky than me.

[nettie]

PG-rated I walk by Piaf on my way to work! Just how much are they? Did you have a particular stylist that you liked?

[LeighW]

I live in Arlington and work downtown. :)

I have a variation on the hairdresser question:

Can anyone recommend a stylist or salon in Arlington, Falls Church, or NW DC where I can get a haircut for $50 or less? (I assume that Piaf and Elizabeth Arden are more expensive.)

Also, I'm interested in getting natural color--no chemicals. (I realize this will be expensive.)

Thanks!

[andrew&shannah]

I live in Arlington and work downtown. :)

I have a variation on the hairdresser question:

Can anyone recommend a stylist or salon in Arlington, Falls Church, or NW DC where I can get a haircut for $50 or less? (I assume that Piaf and Elizabeth Arden are more expensive.)

Also, I'm interested in getting natural color--no chemicals. (I realize this will be expensive.)

Thanks!

Yeah, EA is $85 plus tip. I have a wonderful girl in Tyson's that is $35...my best friend has gone to her for 3+ years and I just saw her last week because I couldn't get in to see my normal lady.
Her name is Gina and she works at Bubbles in Tysons.

I can't be of any help on the color though.

[Myra]

Leigh, haircuts at Bang! on U Street start at $35.

[Jill1228]

I used to live there! I grew up in Virginia Beach and was living in Alexandria, VA before moving out west. I so miss the Northern VA/DC area :(

[kindermom]

Portrait Questions.

1. For people in the Baltimore/Columbia area, do you have any recommendations for portrait studios (ie., Sears versus Picture People versus JC Pennys). We are looking to get some standard portraits taken of our DD.

2. For everyone in the MD/DC/VA area, do you have any recommendations for photographers that are relatively inexpensive? We would like to get some photojournalistic photos taken of our family. We are looking for people in the area who can provide pictures for less than $400.

TIA

[emschwar]

I'm in Columbia. We've always taken Noah to sears at the columbia mall. Picture People at the columbia mall is AWFUL. Penney's there is ok, but I liked sears better.

[Lisam618]

Hello all my fello VA, DC, & MD members!! I too live in MD have my whole life live in the Annapolis area!!

Just wanted to say hi!

[Alicia]

joining in late in the Piaf discussion- but I used to get my hair done all the time when i worked in that area ... Lisette who was the owner (i'm not sure if she still runs it or not) used to do my hair and she was wonderful - i think i paid $60 but that was probably between 1996 and 2000 - so prices could have gone up. She was great on my lunch break- always got me in and out within the hour!

[MsPeachy]

For those of you who have been to Bubbles - were you happy with it? They opened a new one near me and I'm thinking about trying them out. I'm tired of paying the high prices at Alexandre de Paris. TIA!

[jeeplover]

For those of you who have been to Bubbles - were you happy with it?

Has anyone been to the one in Dulles Town Center, if so any recommendations on which stylist to go to? I am so afraid to go to a new salon because what if I don't like the way my hair turned out-AUGH!

[Jane&Andy]

I go to a Bubbles in Bowie and I've been happy with it. I found someone I like there and I've been going to him for a few months now.

[andrew&shannah]

For those of you who have been to Bubbles - were you happy with it? They opened a new one near me and I'm thinking about trying them out. I'm tired of paying the high prices at Alexandre de Paris. TIA!

I have been to the Tyson's one once and had a good experience. My two closest friends go to Tysons and Pentagon and rave about both.

[PG-rated]

joining in late in the Piaf discussion- but I used to get my hair done all the time when i worked in that area ... Lisette who was the owner (i'm not sure if she still runs it or not) used to do my hair and she was wonderful - i think i paid $60 but that was probably between 1996 and 2000 - so prices could have gone up. She was great on my lunch break- always got me in and out within the hour!
Actually, they told me when I went in May that the cut was worth $60, so I guess they haven't gone up. Lisette did my cut, and I really liked her work.

[nettie]

Thanks for the Piaf feedback, I might have to check it out for myself.

As for Bubbles, I agree with all the PPs. I got my haircut there for years. The stylist was good at the one cut she gave me, but I wanted something different and couldn't communicate it to her. I can't cheat on her with another stylist at the same salon, but I have thought of going to a different Bubbles.

[Alicia]

Actually, they told me when I went in May that the cut was worth $60, so I guess they haven't gone up. Lisette did my cut, and I really liked her work.

oh yay! I'm glad to hear that lisette is still there - word was circulating that she sold it to her brother or something like that - but i could be completely wrong.

[LeighW]

Thanks for all the haircut info. :)

Noel~I love, love, love Tsara Photography in Old Town (Alexandria). Not inexpensive, though. They did my wedding and we do all our family portraits there. You can schedule a sitting at their studio, or they will travel to the location of your choice. We don't get professional portraits very often, so I don't mind spending the money.

[MsPeachy]

A friend and I had lunch this weekend at at restaurant called Brio Tuscan Grille in the new Tysons Corner I wing and it was absolutely fabulous. The atmosphere, food presentation, everything was so nice. We forgot we were even in a mall. If anyone in the area is looking for a nice new restaurant to try out, I really recommend this place.

BTW - Thanks for the comments on Bubbles. I guess it's like any other salon where it really all depends on the stylist you get.