South Alexandria Source

Fort Washington: a best-kept secret

2009-04-20T07:33:00.000-07:00

Dh and I took the kids on an "adventure" on Sunday (parent-speak for "we have to get out of our house so prospective buyers can come see it") and in desperation, decided we would investigate the fort that we see across the Potomac every time we drive up and down the GW Parkway. To be completely honest, I should say that I wasn't so keen on this suggestion. A fort? How fun could that be? Still, even I had to admit that it was better than circling our block waiting for our house visitors to leave.

After a twenty-minute drive across the Woodrow Wilson Bridge and on 210, we arrived at Fort Washington. A haven for cyclists and runners, the park also impressed our kids, who loved to run up and down its rolling hills, exploring the underground storage areas, climbing the fort steps, looking at the cannons, and trying to spot our neck of the woods across the river. The views of the Potomac were beautiful. The visitor's center had a real bathroom (No port-a-potties in sight) and a water fountain. There was something to please everyone.

Next time we go, we'll bring a picnic and some frisbees. Maybe we'll see you there!

Au Pair Fair

2009-04-05T20:32:00.001-07:00

I just received this notice about an "Au Pair Fair" from an area mom in case anyone is considering this option for child care.

The Women’s Bar Association of the District of Columbia invites you to attend:
Date: Monday, April 20, 2009
Time: 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Place: Sterne Kessler Goldstein & Fox
Address: 1100 New York Avenue
Suite 800
Washington, DC 20005
Metro Stop: Metro Center
Cost: $10 members
$15 non members
RSVP: www.wbadc.org

Here's the official blurb:

"Ever think about getting an au pair but don’t know how to go about it? Don't miss the WPF’s Ultimate Au Pair Fair! Hear from an au pair agency about choosing and using an au pair. Also listen to some experienced host moms and au pairs about their experiences. In addition, several au pair agencies will be available to present their services and answer questions, including: Cultural Care Au Pair, Au Pair Foundation, Au Pair in America, Au Pair USA, CHI Au Pair USA, EurAupair, AuPairCare and goAUPAIR."

Free Events: March 28th

2009-03-23T04:52:00.000-07:00

The Lyceum in Old Town is inviting you and your kids to "Spring into Reading" at a children's book fair on Saturday, March 28th from 11 - 4. Activities include storytimes, crafts, Please Touch Artifacts, and a Family History Hunt. FREE. 201 S. Washington Street, 703-838-4994.

Also, don't forget the Community Clean-Up and Recycling Day at the South County Government Center at 8350 Richmond Highway. From 9 - 2 on Saturday, the 28th, you can get your documents shredded (limit of 5 "reasonably-sized" boxes per household), recycle those old computer monitors, televisions, electronics, and bicycles, and dispose of hazardous household waste. Also FREE.

A Mighty Oak

2009-03-23T04:36:00.000-07:00

One of the mighty oaks in our yard died this year at close to a hundred years old. Once Dh and I agreed it was dead -- (Him: Are you sure? How can you tell it's dead? Me: Um, because it has no leaves, is turning the weird color of decay, and really huge branches keep falling off?) -- we knew we had to get it cut down. Enter Big Steve's Tree Service. Recommended by our next-door neighbors, Big Steve's gave us an estimate that was lower than the next closest one by $1200. The crew came out dispatched with our poor (and yes, very dead!) tree safely, neatly, and in short order. If you need a tree service, get them out for an estimate: 703-499-3668.

Kids Eat Free (or Nearly)

2009-03-16T07:39:00.000-07:00

If you're in the mood to eat out with the kids, here are some area bargains to keep in mind:

Every Day: At the Denny's on Rt. 1, from 4 - 10 PM, kids 10 and under eat free with the purchase of an adult entree (2 kids per adult). 7214 Richmond Hwy 22306.

IHOP: From 4 - 8, kids under 12 eat free with the purchase of an adult entree. 7694 Richmond Highway.

Mondays: Domino's Pizza has a deal for a large, one-topping pizza for $5.99.

Tuesdays: Kids eat free all day at Chevy's Fresh Mex on Rt. 1.

Any others we forgot to add?

Cheap Date Ideas

2009-03-13T11:08:00.000-07:00

My husband and I have been in a date-night rut. Our typical date has us ending up at one of three Old Town restaurants, with perhaps a cup of coffee (for him) and a cup of tea (for me) at Starbucks as a chaser (1.75 hours). If we've thrown all caution to the wind, we go to a movie (add 1.9 hours, $25 for the tickets, and $30 extra bucks for the babysitter). I know, I know -- who can stand the excitement?!

But a few weeks ago we took a stand against humdrum dates. We headed to the Birchmere to hear Fountains of Wayn e. (They were great, by the way.) The trouble? We dropped almost $200 between babysitting, the concert tickets, and food.

If you're like us and want to move beyond the usual for your date nights (but don't want to spend a lot of money), here are some suggestions:

Second Thursday Art Nights at the Torpedo Factory. The galleries and studios are open from 6 - 9. Come stroll around, interact with artists, and enjoy refreshments. FREE.

Can't afford a romantic weekend in Paris? Celebrate all things French during the Le Festival de la Francophonie 2009. From now until April 3rd, enjoy French films, musicians, and performances, courtesy of the Smithsonian and the Francophonie Committee of Washington -- most for the price of a movie ticket.

Here's a list of the Smithsonian's "After Five" events; you'll have to cull the list for something free, but it's worth it.

Got any great date night ideas to share? Please, share them with us!

Helping Hands

2009-03-10T12:28:00.000-07:00

I am often telling my kids to “be happy for what you have, not sad for what you don’t.” I want to teach them gratitude and get the point across that many, many people are less fortunate than they are, without actually bringing up starving children in Africa like my mom did. Especially in these financially unstable times I want them to know how lucky they are. What better way to cultivate a sense of gratitude and appreciation than to have your child volunteer and give back to the community? Here’s a partial list of local organizations who are looking for help from kids:

American Red Cross of Alexandria
123 N. Alfred Street
Alexandria, VA 22314

JUNIOR RED CROSS MEMBER
Activities include holiday decorations and treats for the elderly in nursing homes, neighborhood clean-up projects and putting together disaster bags for local house fires.
Minimum Age: 6

BLOOD SERVICES VOLUNTEER
Greet donors at blood drives, serve refreshments and escort donors.

Minimum Age: 14
Contact Joan Moser, Volunteer Manager at 703-549-8300 ext. 88527

Horton's K ids

Each Sunday, Horton's Kids needs volunteers to make lunches for all the children attending their field trips. This involves picking up the necessary groceries, putting together sandwiches Sunday morning, and bringing everything to the Capitol South metro stop by noon on Sunday. This is a great opportunity to help at home with a younger child.

Minimum Age: None
Contact Brenda Kvernan at 202-262-2590

Mount Vernon Adult Day Health Center
8850 Richmond Highway
Alexandria, VA 22309

ACTIVITIES ASSISTANT
Meet and greet the seniors upon their arrival and walk and direct seniors to and from activities. Assist staff in leading activity programs, with meals, and with social events. Participate in crafts, cooking, dancing, singing and discussion groups with seniors.

Minimum Age: 13
Skills Needed: Friendly and interested in helping adults with disabilities.
Contact the Volunteer Coordinator at 703-799-8576

Paul Spring Retirement Community
7116 Fort Hunt Road
Alexandria, VA 22308

SENIOR VISITOR
Visit with residents and help write letters, make phone calls, take walks, read and otherwise assist as needed.

Minimum Age: 13; younger if accompanied by an adult
Contact Darnall Graham at 703-768-0234

Sherwood Hall Library
2501 Sherwood Hall Lane
Alexandria, VA 22306

STUDENT VOLUNTEER
Assists the Children's Services Staff with a variety of clerical tasks and program preparation. Shelves picture books, paperbacks, and board books. Straightens children's area. Prepares craft materials, flannel boards and posters for programs.

Minimum Age: 12
Contact David Hanlon, Volunteer Coordinator at 703-765-3645

While we’re on the subject of community service, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that United Community Ministries (UCM) is in need of more food donations than ever before. Here is a pantry wish list.

Looking for more ways to help? Check out Volunteer Alexandria or Volunteer Fairfax for a full list of local volunteer opportunities.

Best Area Gas Prices

2009-03-08T13:59:00.000-07:00

My response to the flagging economy has been to try and trim the family budget. That includes jumping ship from our usual gas station (whose prices for regular unleaded are hovering around $2 a gallon) and heading to the Exxon on the corner of Rt. 1 and Mount Vernon Highway (near Woodlawn). Given that my cost-cutting measures include strategic trips to Costco anyway -- with the strict instructions to myself to "Stick to the list!" -- this gas station isn't out of the way and at $1.85 a gallon, it's a bargain. Plus, they get into price wars with the gas station next door, which can only be a good thing for us consumers.

Can anyone top that? Let us all know about it.

Fined for Forgetfulness

2009-03-03T17:31:00.000-08:00

I took DD to the Sherwood Hall library the other day only to discover that I'd left my library card at home. No problem. The librarians can type my name into the computer and within seconds, pull up my account. Right? Except that this particular day the librarian decided to give me a lecture via my kid. Insert sickly sweet voice: "Tell your mommy that starting this summer we'll be charging a dollar if we have to look up her name. Remind her to keep her library card in a safe place, okay?" Grrrrr. I worked as a desk page at the library all through high school and college; trust me, it takes very little extra effort to look up a record on the computer. I felt like saying to my daughter, "Tell the library lady that a dollar for ten strokes on a keyboard is highway robbery." I know it's only a dollar but still...

FREE Recycling Event for County Residents

2009-03-01T18:35:00.000-08:00

Mark your calendars for Saturday, March 28th and head on over to the South County Government Center at 8350 Richmond Highway for a Community Clean-Up. From 9 - 2, you can get your documents shredded (limit of 5 "reasonably-sized" boxes per household), recyle those old computer monitors, televisions, electronics, and bicycles, and dispose of hazardous household waste. FREE. See the brochure for more details.

Another drugstore? You can't be serious.

2009-02-27T01:00:00.000-08:00

This is an old rant of mine that hit home full force as I was crawling in Richmond Highway traffic yesterday. Here it goes: I have nothing against Walgreens in particular but why, oh, why did we need not one, but two new drugstores on Route 1 this year? I have learned not to be too hopeful that we'll get something half-way fab (Wegmans, where are you?), but couldn't we at least ask for a little variety? We, the people of South Alexandria, have needs, too. Trader Joe's, Macaroni Grill, and (dare I dream big?) Barnes & Noble, please sit up and take notice. Or better yet, if we each send an email to the Fairfax County Revitalization Office, maybe we can get some taxpayer love from the grassroots up.

One to watch: With Keedo on its way out of Belle View shopping center, something wonderful has a chance to make its debut. We'll be keeping our eyes and ears open!

Take a Bite Out of Crime

2009-02-25T09:11:00.000-08:00

Our house was burglarized a few weeks ago. Nothing too serious…we have a broken window to deal with and the (clearly idiotic) thief only took a fireproof lock box that he obviously thought had lots of cash in it but which really only contained personal papers. Most were found and returned to us the next day by a good Samaritan. We were lucky. I should be clear that I live on a fairly busy street in an extremely safe neighborhood—Hollin Hills—and that the incident took place in the middle of a sunny day. On the other hand, the house backs on to woods, is set pretty far back from the street, and has 44 single pane windows about 3/16th of an inch thick. It took a rock the size of a golf ball to break in.

The detective assigned to our case suggested a home security survey. What is this, you might ask? It is a free service offered by Fairfax County and anyone who lives here can request one. A Fairfax County Police Officer will come to your home and identify potential security issues by inspecting locks, doors, windows, exterior lighting and landscaping. The officer will then make recommendations for ways to improve your home security and potentially deter a burglar. You can arrange for an inspection by contacting MPO Robbie Clift at 703-360-8400 ext 2259 or PFC Daryl Davis at 703-360-8400 ext 2263 at the Mount Vernon District Police Department.

Looking for crime statistics for your neighborhood? The Fairfax County website offers two ways to track crime reports:

Look up weekly incident summaries by district (our district is Mount Vernon).
Access the My Neighborhood internet and information mapping application to search for incidents by specific location. Simply enter any address and select view by "police incidents." You can also use this service to search for parks, polling places, libraries, and many other area features and facilities, as well as demographics, in the proximity of any address you enter in.

As for me, I'm anxiously awaiting the installation of my new double-pane tempered safety glass windows.

A Decent Cup of Joe

2009-02-19T14:56:00.001-08:00

I'm ready to break free of my dysfunctional relationship with Starbucks. Why? I often leave there dissatisfied (pick a reason: it's too costly, the service is too slow and definitely doesn't come with a smile, and it's overcrowded). Like a bad boyfriend, though, it just keeps drawing me back in.

In an effort to break the chains of convenience, I've compiled this list of coffeehouse alternatives. Down with the empire and up with local Mom and Pop's!

Buzz. Located at the north end of Old Town, go after a meal at Rustico or a shopping expedition to Potomac Yards. Stay for the funky decor and the feeling of being far from Mount Vernon w/o being that far.

Grounded. Located on Telegraph Road by The Little Gym, go for its proximity to Kingstowne. Stay for the warm decor, open space, and freshly-baked treats.

Misha's. Located in Old Town, go if you need a jolt of caffeine after yoga class at Pure Prana. Stay for the coffee (if you can find a table).

Spill the Beans. Located on Elkin in our neck of the woods, go for the proximity. Stay for the organic coffee, the friendly service, and to support a fellow Enterprising Mom.

St. Elmo's. Go because it's in Del Ray. Stay because it's in Del Ray.

Feel free to chime in with your favorite!

Straight Talk for Crooked Teeth

2009-02-19T13:11:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to give props to Hughes Orthodontics, where I took my two oldest today to get them evaluated for braces. DD, the middle child, is on the reserved side but the orthodontist had her smiling ear-to-ear with his magic tricks. The place is awash with gimmicks -- your child's name is up on a welcome board, they get a t-shirt on their 1st visit, every visit means a coupon in a drawing for movie tickets, the orthodontist performs a magic trick of the month, and more -- which is undoubtedly why my kids loved it so.

On the bright side for parents, it's close (right on Sherwood Hall above Sherwood Gourmet, the staff is efficient, the wait time is negligible, and I left with a "let's keep an eye on them," rather than an immediate pitch for braces.

So if you're in the market for an orthodontist, give Hughes Orthodontics a call. They'll have your kids asking to go again and again.

Fresh From The Farm

2009-02-10T09:31:00.000-08:00

Were you intrigued by Barbara Kingsolver’s book Animal Vegetable Miracle? Wondering how to become more of locavore without actually growing your own food or trekking to the Farmer’s Market every Tuesday? Consider joining a community supported agriculture program (CSA). Here’s how it works: purchase a share of the farm and you get a weekly box of the farm’s bounty either delivered to your house or to a pick up location.

Our family joined Great Country Farms’ CSA last year. Our membership included a weekly box delivered to our doorstep, a newsletter with recipe ideas for the week’s vegetables and fruits, free entry into the farm and festivals in Bluemont, and additional pick your own options at the farm.

I really enjoyed experimenting with new recipes utilizing the week's goods (collard pesto, anyone?) and my husband finally got his fill of heirloom tomatoes. There was enough to do at the farm itself to warrant taking the two-hour drive several times. Among other things, there are loads of farm animals and a petting zoo, fun mazes, a giant permanent moon bounce, and a stocked pond for fishing. The kids had a great time picking blackberries, tomatoes, herbs, flowers and pumpkins from the pumpkin patch.

Virginia Green Grocer/Virginia Organic Cooperative and Great Country Farms deliver to homes in the South Alexandria area. Graceland Farms delivers to River Farm. Farmstead of Charlotte Hall delivers to Old Town. Shares sell out fast so now is the time to sign up.

For more information on CSA programs throughout the region, check out The Post’s article, Where To Sign Up for a CSA.

Have a Train Enthusiast in the Family?

2009-02-08T11:49:00.000-08:00

Alexandria's History Museum -- The Lyceum -- is hosting Railroad Days on Saturday, February 28th from 11 - 5 PM and Sunday, March 1st from 1 - 5. Your train fan will love the display of working HO-Scale Model Trains. (Duck down to check out the Lyceum gift store, too; it's tiny but offers neat books and toys with a historical bent. Great to keep in mind for unusual birthday gifts or stocking stuffers.) Located at 201 S. Washington Street in Old Town.

Spring Break Camps

2009-02-06T10:31:00.000-08:00

Last week's warm weather got us thinking about spring and the long, long week that is Spring Break. You could plan a visit to the museums or host lots of playdates or see all the current G and PG movies to fill up your children's days...or just sign 'em up for a Spring Break Camp.

Mount Vernon Community Children’s Theatre is holding their Spring Break Drama Camp 4/6 - 4/10 from 9:00AM-5:00PM at Heritage Presbyterian Church for children in Kindergarten through 10th grade. Camp fees are $320 if registered by February 28; $345 after February 28.

The City of Alexandria is offering a full day Nature Day Camp at the Ford Nature Center from 9:00AM-3:30PM for kids ages 7-10 for the week of 4/6-4/10. The cost is $275 for city residents; $300 for nonresidents.

Little Burgundy Farm Stables has a Spring Horse Camp 3/23-3/30 and 4/6-4/10 from 8:00AM-1:00PM. Minimum age for enrollment is 7. The cost is $450.

The Fairfax County Park Authority offers a wide variety of camps for the week of 4/6-4/10. Kids as young as 3 can particpate in such camps as First Kicks Soccer while older kids can learn how to scuba dive or skateboard. Extended care is also available. Location, times and cost varies.

Learn to fence at the Virginia Academy of Fencing Spring Break Camp s,
4/6-4/10 in Springfield. Camp placement and times are determined by age (6-teens) and skill level (novice through advanced). Call for pricing.

Camps and Activities for Animal-Loving Kids

2009-02-06T05:04:00.000-08:00

I'm pretty sure if my middle child had the choice between me and a Panda, there'd be no contest. My husband would have to learn to love bamboo.

Rather than forcing a choice, I've been looking for ways to satisfy her passion for all things fuzzy and furry. Here's a sample of the camps and activities for animal lovers:

*Summer Camp at the National Zoo. It's not cheap and it's not close, but boy, are there some cool opportunities at the Summer Safari day camps for kids. There are camps for kids in grades K - 1, 2 - 3, and 4 - 5. After-care is available for kids in grades 2 and up. The cost is $210 for the K - 1 camp and $315 for kids in grades 2 - 5.

The National Zoo also sponsors an overnight camp for kids in grades 5 - 10 at the Conservation and Research Center in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. See here for more details.

*Closer to home and less expensive are camps at the areas animal shelters. As of this writing, the Alexandria Animal Shelter hasn't released its information for 2009, but here's a link to the information from last year so you can get an idea of what's involved. DD has to wait a few years: this camp is for kids ages 9 - 12.

The Animal Welfare League of Arlington has a camp for kids ages 10 - 13. The cost is $200 for a full week (Mon- Fri, 10 - 4) with the them: A Week in the Life of the Animal Welfare League.

They also have a three-day camp for kids ages 6 - 9. The theme is Dogs, Cats, and Critters and the cost is $120 for a Wed - Fri session from 10 - 3. Registration has already begun.

*A birthday party at the Animal Welfare League in Arlington where for $125 for up to 25 guests, your child can have a tour of the facility and do a quick activity (animal origami or decorating animal cupcakes; you provide supplies). We chose to ask the birthday guests to bring a gift for the animals in lieu of a traditional present. DD still has plenty from Christmas!

For everyday outings, animal lovers can visit Oxon Hill Farm, just over the Woodrow Wilson Bridge. Best when the weather is warmer, your kids can see a real farm in action, get a guided tour, and visit up close with farm animals. Travel south for ranger-led programs at Mason Neck State Park near Lorton; they sometimes offer short camp programs in summer, too, though those are not yet listed.

Have your own favorites? Please share!

Saving Money on Groceries

2009-02-03T07:17:00.000-08:00

A couple of weeks ago, I was standing behind a woman at Shopper's Food Warehouse, getting more and more annoyed at how long it was taking her to check out. That is, until I started paying attention. This woman (I'll call her The Amazing Coupon Lady) was using a stack of coupons and -- I kid you not -- brought an over two hundred dollar grocery bill down to under eighty dollars. Sure, I shop for Safeway house brands and pay attention to the sales, but I am a complete novice compared to The Amazing Coupon Lady.

I resolved to try and emulate her coupon-using habits and turned to the Sunday inserts in my Washington Post. I was certain all I'd have to do is get out the circulars and a pair of scissors and get snipping, but no -- something happened to all those ad circulars. Like the economy, they seem to have dried up.

Next stop: the Internet. I found this article on Yahoo! Finance that reviews the best online coupon-clipping sites. I plan to try out their top pick -- The Coupon Clippers -- over the next few weeks and see how much money I save. Amazing Coupon Lady, the competition is on! If you're lucky, you won't be behind me in the grocery store.

What are your top recs for saving money on groceries? If there were a Super Bowl between Safeway and Giant, who do you think would win? Let all of us know. In these tough times, we have to stick together.

Valentine's Day Gift Ideas

2009-01-29T09:12:00.000-08:00

Looking for a unique Valentine's gift that won't cost a fortune? Visit the Art League Gallery at the Torpedo Factory for artist-made Valentine cards and reasonably priced heart-themed original art. Etsy has a daily Valentine's Day Showcase highlighting everything from this cool From Russia With Love necklace to bonbon shaped handmade soaps. Jen Bekman's 20x200 is always a good source for unusual art and photographs, all starting at $20. Check out Marilyn Scott Waters' a.k.a. The Toymaker's website where you can download and print templates of whimsical cards and paper toys for all of the loved ones in your life.

Placing Moms in Part-Time Jobs

2009-01-25T13:33:00.000-08:00

Does the lousy economy have you thinking about going back to work part-time? Don't know where to start?

Enlist the services of Momentum Resources, a staffing company dedicated to helping moms like us to find part-time professional jobs. Founded by two moms, the company aims to help smart women find flexible work opportunities and to balance professional needs with family obligations.

Here's how to reach their Northern Virginia office:
Jennifer Folsom, Director
jennifer.folsom@mom-entum.com
703.879.1560

Good luck!

Beyond Route 1: Kids Toys, Clothes, and More

2009-01-25T13:04:00.000-08:00

I'm as grateful as the next person to have a Target close by, as well as Ikea just down the road. After all, you can't beat the prices and the designs aren't half-bad either. But there are times when I crave so much more out of a store than I can find on Route 1 or I95, especially when it comes to outfitting my kids, decorating their rooms, or stimulating their imaginations.

Join me on a virtual field trip to two of my favorite kid-design blogs and websites. The viewing is free, no gas is needed, and the inspiration is boundless!

Kidshaus
A source of great decorating ideas for your kids' rooms, as well as ideas for unique clothing items, cool toys, and marvelous gifts.

Moolka.com
A favorite for unique arts and crafts kits and amazing puzzles by Djeco like this one called "Invitation to Travel."

Soccer Registration Time Already?

2009-01-23T14:32:00.000-08:00

It's time to register your darlings for the Spring season of soccer (I know. Where did all the time go?).

For those of you in the Lee Mount Vernon Soccer Club, the registration deadline is February 12th. In-person registration is on February 7, 2009, 10:00 - 1:00 at the Kingstown, John Marshall and Sherwood Hall Libraries.

Those of you in the Gunston League can wait a little longer to pull out your checkbooks. The pre-registration deadline is February 28th ($55.50); the final registration deadline is a hard-and-fast March 23rd ($65.50). As of this writing, the registration page is not yet up and available. Keep checking www.playgunstonsoccer.org for more information.

Guilty Pleasures

2009-01-23T10:12:00.000-08:00

It's true that Mount Vernon Moms are well-educated, savvy, successful women, but even they have a dark side. Mine is watching Real Housewives of Orange County on Bravo. There's something about these Botoxed, unabashedly breast-enhanced, money-loving femme fatales (not your average Alexandria housewife, in other words) that is utterly fascinating. Give me a new episode, a glass of wine, and a comfy couch and I can unwind from even the most stressful of days.

How about you? What do you do to take the edge off of a hectic day in the Fort Hunt corridor?

(For those of you who share my secret passion, take this quiz and find out which Real Housewife's personality is most like yours.)

Service of the week: CVS Minute Clinic

2009-01-23T04:24:00.000-08:00

Last week our family was toppled with illness: two kids with a virus, the other sidelined by a tonsillectomy, and me with a sinus infection. I was able to get the kids to the doctor, but dreaded calling my primary care provider whose grouchy office staff invariably says (no matter what painful illness has befallen me), "We can see you in 4 days." Aaaagh!

Enter Belleview's CVS Minute Clinic. I walked in, signed in on the computer, was seen after a minute-long wait, spent 10 minutes answering questions about my health history, insurance, and symptoms, then, voila! The very friendly nurse-practitioner had electronically sent my prescription to the pharmacy to be filled right away. You can't get much more seamless than that. Plus, because they are on our insurance plan, I only had to pay a $15 co-pay, same as if I'd seen my regular doctor.

With service like that, I'll be a fan for life.

Inauguration Festivities with Kids

2009-01-18T09:41:00.000-08:00

As I, my kids, and my furnace can tell you -- it's cold! That makes finding something inaugural, inspiring, and kid-friendly even more challenging. Here are a couple of options close to home (as in, "I'm not willing to take my kids on the Metro into DC"):

Mount Vernon is hosting some inaugural activities including a special storytelling time "Once Upon a Time at Mount Vernon " for kids ages 3 - 8 at 2PM January 19 - 21, and on the weekends in January at 2PM. They also are featuring a special exhibition of presidential china, inaugural buttons from years past, and an area where kids can pretend to take the oath of office with a life-size model of George Washington. Tickets are $15 for adults (here's a coupon for 20% off adult ticket prices) and $7 for kids over 5. Kids under 5 are free.

The Torpedo Factory in Old Town is serving free hot chocolate and hot cider from 11 to 5 on Tuesday, January 20th in honor of the new president's big day. They'll also being projecting the Inaugural ceremony and parade on a big screen in their main hall.

You can't get much closer to home than by staying put and enjoying the view from your couch. If you want to add some more oomph to the day for your kids but without leaving home, check out Family Fun's 11 Top Patriotic Treats, Crafts, and Printables. (The "Edible Eagle" is sure to be a favorite.)

Tip of the Day: Leggings at the Gymboree Outlet

2009-01-18T09:07:00.000-08:00

Okay, so Potomac Mills isn't exactly in the Fort Hunt corridor. Trust us, you won't care when you see the cute leggings on sale at the Gymboree outlet. They range in price from 4.99 to 6.99, a hefty discount off of regular prices, and there are even some matching/contrasting cotton dresses for just 10.99. For those of you who have never been there before, it's in "Neighborhood 1" in the same section of the mall as Nordstrom Rack.

Welcome to South Alexandria Source

2009-01-18T08:56:00.000-08:00

A shout out to all the moms and dads in the Fort Hunt corridor! If you, like us, would love for our area to receive some of the recognition it deserves, stay tuned. South Alexandria Source is here to offer recommendations for our area's best services, parks, playspaces, and activities, to provide you with timely information regarding special events, and to just generally dish about things close to home.

We're tired of looking in DC parenting magazines only to find that a really cool place that's featured is in Chantilly or Wheaton. We're frustrated that the best way to find out about goods and services in our area is by chance. Help us harness the power of the mom-network and make this a must-check resource for Fort Hunt families. Start by telling us about yourself: Where do you live? How many kids do you have? How long have you lived in our area?

Welcome. We hope you'll stop back by often.