It's New Years Eve! Here's how to open your champagne the RIGHT way.

Watch this video for help on opening a bottle of champagne without losing it's natural effervescence - or hitting someone with the cork!

http://www.dailycandy.com/online/video/food-drink/82167/How-to-Open-Champagne

New in town

The National Pinball Museum at the Shops at Georgetown Park opened December 4^th and includes a game room with 40 machines to play.  Nationalpinballmuseum.org.

No Plans for New Years? Here are some fun ideas...

First Night

First Night Annapolis (newyear.annapolis.gov), First Night Leesburg (www.bluemont.org) and First Night Alexandria (all family friendly events with multiple performance sites and hands on games and crafts) firstnightalexandria.org

 

Newseum Party

New Year’s Eve 8 pm to 2 am, the Headliner’s Ball with cocktails and food by Wolfgang Puck, live music plus dj, access to all the museum’s exhibits and countdown to midnight on 40x22 foot high high def video screen.  www.Visitnewseum.org.

 

Dancing in the New Year

U Street Music Hall (www.ustreetmusichall.com), Ibiza (www.ibizadc.com), rock and roll hotel (www.rockandrollhoteldc.com) and Glen Echo Spanish Ballroom (www.glenechopark.org)

 

Fine or Funky

Fine:  Rooftop bar at the W Hotel with splendid views, open bar, hors d’oeuvres, dj, hip hop performances and midnight champagne toast. www.whotels.com  

 

 Funky:  Arlington Cinema and Draft House with an ‘80’s themed party and live broadcast of the celebration in Times Square.  www.arlingtondrafthouse.com

Consider Painting Your Front Door Red... Here's Why!

The Goodhart Group loves the decorating tips on Houzz (although a word of caution... some of the posts are great for decorating for your personal taste and living in the home, NOT for preparing it for staging).

This Houzz ideabook on painting your door red is great because red is the most common color we encourage our clients to paint their doors (depending on the style of the house). Take a look at this ideabook to see some reasoning behind choosing a bright and cheery red for your door color:

http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/167685/list/Your-Entry--Mad-About-Red

<div></div><div style='color:#444;'><small>traditional entry design by atlanta media and blogs Between Naps on the Porch</small></div>

Football

The Military Bowl on Wednesday, December 29^th at RFK Stadium at 2:30 pm, Maryland vs. East Carolina.    Last chance to see Coach Friedgen.  www.militarybowl.org

The Birch

Plenty of opportunity to enjoy class acts at Alexandria’s Birchmere – 12/28 – Beatles Tribute,  12/31 – The Seldom Scene and Ricky Skaggs – 1/7-8.  www.birchmere.com

The Roots

December 27 and 28^th, at the 9:30 Club for the Late Night with Jimmy Fallon house band. www.930.com 8

Fun on Christmas Eve

Santa water skis in at National Harbor near the Wilson Bridge  with kneeboarding reindeer and flying elves.  The Grinch will be on a jet ski at 1 pm!  www.waterskiingsanta.com

Downtown Holiday Market

Stalls stocked with handmade crafts and goods from noon to 8 pm at 8^th and F NW.  www.downtownholidaymarket.com through December 23^rd.

Holiday party tricks

Want to fit into that special New Year’s Eve dress?  Don’t eat the end crust on your pizza and save 100 calories, eat two egg whites instead of two eggs, drink seltzer instead of soda, eat open face sandwiches, swap mayo for mustard and eat fresh rather than dried fruit. 

First Night Alexandria

Get your tickets now for this annual family friendly alcohol free event featuring more than 100 performances throughout Alexandria culminating with fireworks at midnight.  www.firstnightalexandria.org

Oatlands Christmas

You don't need to wait another year for Christmas!  Relive Christmas in the 1870’s at this Greek Revival mansion with Victorian décor, greenery and Christmas trees.  Tours on the half hour on weekends, on the hour weekdays. Leesburg.  www.oatlands.org.

Holiday Cabaret

Through December 23^rd, Signature Theatre’s annual show featuring the December Divas and the Swingin’ Santas at 8:30 pm.  www.signature-theatre.org

A Washington tradition

The Morman Temple’s annual holiday display of 500,000 lights, 16 Christmas trees and a life size nativity scene plus musical performances nightly at 7 and 8 pm through January 1^st.  www.dctemplelights.lds.org

Just in time!

1saleaday.com is a site offering bargain merchandise from electronics to kitchenware.

Choo-choo!

Through January 3^rd, spend some time at Union Station to see the absolutely amazing model train display and do some shopping and noshing!

Signature Theatre

Another revival at Signature Theatre in Shirlington (Arlington) is “Sunset Boulevard” by Andrew Lloyd Webber through February 13^th.  www.signature-theatre.org

What to give your favorite aunt

Tickets to “South Pacific” at the Kennedy Center through January 16^th. It’s the very best Broadway musical revival.  www.kennedy-center.org.

Warning

The farmers’ markets at Market Square in Old Town Alexandria and in Del Ray openings have changed – Old Town will be open December 24^th from 5-10:30 am and both will be closed Christmas Day, a Saturday.

Zoolights

Beginning December 3^rd , stroll through the National Zoo to see animated light displays and more. 

Satire

Chicago’s Second City theatre group performs at Wooly Mammoth December 8-January 9 with “A Girl’s Guide to Washington Politics” satirizing some of the most powerful women in Washington.  Woollymammoth.net.

Happy Hanukkah

Celebrate the first night of this festival of lights with latkes and sparkling wine! December, 1 at 6 pm at Cork Market.  www.corkdc.com

The Perennial Favorite

The Washington Ballet’s “Nutracker” for young and old at the Warner Theatre December 2-26.  livenation.com.  Or for the grown ups, “Men in Tights: A Pink Nutcracker at Lisner December 17-19.  gmcw.org.

A Real Treat

Rarely open to the public, The House of Sweden hosts a Christmas bazaar Saturday, December 4^th   A chance to see this newcomer to the embassy scene and to enjoy some glogg and Swedish arts and crafts.

Open House

The Torpedo Factory in Alexandria offers studio visits and galleries featuring mugs, jewelry. Scarves and paintings and prints for sale.  Bring donations for the Carpenter’s Shelter.  6-6 pm December 2^nd.  www.torpedofactory.org.

Glorious!

No better way to get into the holiday spirit than to listen to the “Messiah” at the National Cathedral December 3-5.  www.nationalcathedral.org.  Follow it up with the very popular “Messiah” Sing Along at the Kennedy Center December 23^rd.  kennedy-center.org.

Get out of town

Visit Hersheypark Christmas Candylane until the end of December for Breakfast with Santa packages – www.christmasinhershey.com.

 

Something different

Go to the US Botanic Gardens on Capitol Hill to see 2-3 foot scale replicas of Washington landmarks using only plant materials plus a miniature garden railway train  www.usbg.gov.

Scottish Walk events in Alexandria

December 3-4 the Goodhart Group is sponsoring annual Scottish Walk events that benefit the Campagna Center:  Friday, a Christmas Marketplace from 9-5, a children’s tea at 1, a taste of Scotland at 7-11 and a heather and greens sale.- all at the Masonic Memorial across from King Street Metro/Amtrak.  Saturday, the immensely popular parade starts at 11 and runs through Old Town with a massed band concert at Market Square at 1.  From 11-4, visit homes open to the public in Old Town  www.scottishchristmaswalk.com.

Hoops!

George Mason’s women’s basketball kicks off their home schedule today, November 23^rd at 7.  www.patriotcenter.com.

Black Friday

Head to Reston for their annual Holiday Parade at 11. www.restontowncenter.com

Holiday Lights

The annual Bull Run Festival of the Lights begins the 17th and runs through January 9th.  http://www.nvrpa.org/park/bull_run_festival_of_lights

Lee Center Annual Fall Sale

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One of a kind artwork made by the posters and printmakers of the Lee Arts Center.  Saturdays from 10-4 and Sundays from noon to 4  November 13-14. http://www.arlingtonarts.org/venues/lee-arts-center.aspx 

 

Spectacular!

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At the National Harbor, look for the lavishly decorated Gaylord National Resort where 40 ice artisans from Harbin China will work with 5000 blocks of ice to create sculptures.  Opens November 18^th.  Nationalharbor.com

Boyz II Men

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Back to the ‘90’s at the Birchmere the 16^th at 7:30.  www.birchmere.com

Save money

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The government’s energy efficiency tax credit expires December 31^st – not too early to install a wood stove, replace your furnace with a more efficient one, get new windows and add weatherstripping.  Energystar.gov.

Foodie Alert

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Paula Deen, Bobby Flay and Rachael Ray will be at the Metropolitan Cooking event at the DC Convention Center November 13-14.  Celebrity cook books and signings, cooking demos, beer, wine and spirits tastings and more.  Metrocooking.com.

Early shopping

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Museum shop around from Thursday, the 11^th of November through the 14^th at 10 at the Strathmore Mansion.  Grosvenor/Strathmore Metro.  Vendors from 16 area museums including Kennedy Center, Textile Museum, Shakespeare Theatre and US Capitol Society.  Herbs, plants, costumes, hand crafted home accessories and lots more.  www.strathmore.org

 

 

Brrrrr…..

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Winter’s coming so be sure to do the following:  if you didn’t check your smoke detector, do it now, be sure that your chimney is clean, caulk your windows temporarily for winter with removable weatherstripping, insulate pipes running through unheated spaces and put up your holiday lights now while it’s still relatively warm.

 

Cute idea!

Giving wine as a gift? Wrap it with one of these paper labels from Better Homes & Garden splashed with holiday colors and icons. All you have to do is download, print, cut, and wrap!

 

National Press Club Book Fair

33rd annual National Press Club Book Fair November 9th with more than 90 authors including Kitty Kelley.  http://press.org/bookfair

Buy one ticket, get one free at Newseum

Now through December 31st, buy one ticket, get one free between 9 and 11 am. http://newseum.org/#

via newseum.org

Houzz.com- Ideas for Home Design

This website, www.houzz.com is great for home design or renovation ideas. However, if you are getting ready to sell...remember to stay neutral! You can save ideas to an ideabook or find where to purchase items you like.

via houzz.com

Safety First!

Here are some helpful reminders to help you put safety first!

When shopping, leave packages hidden from view in the trunk of your car, park in well lit areas and lock your car.

Be aware of your surroundings when using an ATM.

Carry your purse close to you with the opening close to your body, don’t put your purse in the shopping cart, carry your wallet in a front pants or interior pocket, & only carry the credit cards you plan to use.

If you are traveling, stop the papers and mail or have a neighbor take them in.

Leave a store or mall in the company of other people so you are not a lone target.

Flicks

Alexandria Film Festival November 4-7 at the Torpedo Art Center and other locations – www.alexandriafilm.org, 703 746 5588.

Smithsonian Food

November 6th, noon to 6 an array of local food trucks at the American History Constitution Avenue entrance; 1:30-3:30, “Preparing food for tomorrow” at the American History Museum; 3:30-5:30, “What will we eat tomorrow” at American History and “Wine Tasting” from 6-8 at American History.

Antiques with a view!

November 5-7 visit the historic Alexandria Antiques Show at the George Washington Masonic Memorial across from the Amtrak/Metro Station at King Street. Friday 11-8 and Saturday 11-6, Thursday, the preview party from 6:30-9:30,. Furniture, Oriental rugs, textiles, silver, glassware, Quimper, Staffordshire, brassware and fine art, prints and maps. www.armacostantiquesshows.com,

Timeless!

Folk legend Judy Collins performs at Strathmore November 4th and Kris Kristofferson November 13th. Strathmore.org

Warner Theatre

The inspirational Maya Angelou appears at 7:30 pm November 11th. www.livenation.com

Get your car ready for winter

Be sure your car’s tires are marked M+S on the sidewall – this means they are rated for mud and snow. Increase tire pressure to upper limit. Topo off the windshield washer reservoir and replace your wiper blades with special winter blades. Clean the inside of your windows. Check levels of coolant, brake fluid and power steering fluid and clean battery terminals. Apply silicon spray to door rubber gaskets and aerosol lubricant into your door locks.

Rebates

Check the following for product rebates: colgate.com, crest.com, generalmills.com, kelloggs.com (jeans voucher), kraftfoodscompany.com, nestleusa.com, ragu.com, nabiscoworld.com, rightathome.com, 3m.com

Wizards’ Opener

November 2nd at Verizon Center at 7 for their home opener! www.nba.com/wizards

Oldie but real Goodie

Joan Baez at 8 pm at the Music Center at Strathmore on Tuckerman Lane in Bethesda(Grosvenor Metro) October 27th. www.strathmore.org

Reminder!

Install new energy efficient windows and not only will you stay warmer this winter and save money on utility bills, but you will get a tax credit of up to $1500. Go to energystar.gov to see what products qualify and what other projects might earn you a credit.

Remodeling hints

Hire a small outfit to do the work where the boss is the head laborer and overhead is low so the cost is lower. Save up smaller jobs since professionals usually charge at least an hour’s pay to come in the front door. Give your demo cast offs to Habitat for Humanity (Richmond Highway) and take a tax credit for the donation. And try to accomplish your project off season for a cost savings. Planning a pool? Get it done in February.

If you haven’t seen it yet……….

“Hair” at the Opera House at Kennedy Center from October 26th to November 21st.

Fun!

Tuesday, the 26th, go to the annual High Heel Race. Costumed participants practicing for Halloween sprint down 17th Street around 9 pm after gathering for a fashion show between six and nine at DuPont Circle.

Taking advantage

While mortgage rates are incredibly low and home prices down, maybe now is the time to buy that retirement/vacation home. Give us a call and we’ll let you know how the market is in your dream location. Same goes for that investment property whose rent will help with the retirement expenses.

Things are looking up

Northern Virginia, 52% of the homes for sale in August were on the market for 30 days or less. In Arlington, average sales prices were up 6%. Take a second look at what waiting to buy will cost you.

Signature Theatre

Kicking off the fall season is”A Fox on the Fairway” by popular local dramatist Ken Ludwig and “Walter Cronkite is Dead”starring Nancy Robinette and Sherry Edelin. For details, www.signature-theatre.org

Marine Corps Marathon Week End

Friday and Saturday October 29th and 30th, a Health and Fitness Fair at the Convention Center and the Marathon on Sunday with a 10K on thee Mall. www.marinemarathon.com

Spooky Fun!

The 14th annual Halloween Parade in Del Ray is October 24th beginning at Bellefonte and Mt. Vernon Avenues at 2 pm. Prizes, food and music! Delrayhalloweenparade@yahoo.com

Whoa!

The Washington International Horse Show is October 26-31 at the Verizon Center- www.verizoncenter.com or wihs.org

Enough wine festivals!

Go for the brew! Bull Run Regional Park Saturday and Sunday, October 23rd and 24th with more than 40 breweries, delicious food and a family fun area. Novabrewfest.com

Some familiar names!

At the Birchmere – from Broadway, Barbara Cook on the 29th, Don McLean on the 7th of November, Keiko Matsui on the 21st of November and the realtor’s favorite (“Condos in the Sky”) October 30th – Tom Paxton.

Halloween all day!

Air and Space’s Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly hosts a Halloween party Saturday, October 23rd from 2-8 pm. Arrive in costume for spooky science activities, a tot zone for tiny ones, flight simulators, face painting and a puppet show. http://airandspace.si.edu/fright.

Drafts

Don’t overlook insulating indoor outlets and switch covers. Turn off the circuit breaker, unscrew the cover, press a foam gasket in place and replace the cover. Stop drafts coming through unused outlets by inserting childproof shock guards.

Finally!

After three years of construction and temporary stages in Crystal City and at the Lincoln Theatre, Arena Stage (really three stages) opens Saturday, October 23rd from 11:30 to 6 for an Open House. Free tickets on line at arenastage.org. The first production will be “Oklahoma” and there will be sneak previews at the Open House.

Chores

Before wintertime arrives, shut off the outside faucets, begin raking and set up your compost pile for the leaves,. drain your pool if you have one, after the final leaves drift down, clean out the gutters, drain down the outdoor sprinkling system, stock up on firewood, service your snowblower and have your furnace serviced.

Baltimore Museum of Art

The long awaited Andy Warhol exhibit kicks off October 17th. Fifty large scale works done in his last decade will be exhibited. If you take the quick 35 minute trip on Amtrak, there’s a direct short bus to the museum from Penn Station. Just ask at the ticket counter. Baltimoremuseumofart.com

Funny Man

Jimmy Fallon in two shows at 7 and 10, Saturday, October 16th at GW. Ticketmaster.com

Good to know!

When the power goes out and you want to open your garage door, disconnect the automatic door opener by pulling on the release rope (usually has a red handle) hanging from the trolley. Now you can raise the door manually. To reconnect, push up on the trolley lever attached to the rope.

Brand New!

Rosslyn’s new repurposed (used to be the Newseum) arts center opens Sunday, October 11th with all day performances like Afrofunk band Chopteeth, Ibis Chamber Ensemble, Bowen McCauley Dance. 10 am to 11 pm, www.arlingtonarts.org

Fairfax Fall Festival

Saturday, October 10th, gourmet food vendors, artisans and entertainers plus a classic car show and amusement rides. Old Town Fairfax, 10-5, www.fairfaxva.gov

C-A-P-S, CAPS CAPS CAPS!

October 9th at 7 vs. the New Jersey Devils – new season kick off.

Block Party

At Rustico on Saturday, October 9 from noon to six for another epic day of rollicking autumnal revelry as we celebrate Oktoberfest in style with lots of good food, good beer, live music and fun for the whole family. Brews will be poured and barrels of wine against a backdrop of delish dishes prepared by Rustico, Buzz, the Evening Star Cafe, Vermilion, Tallula, EatBar, Columbia Firehouse, Birch & Barley and Star Catering. Rusticorestaurant.com

Fun in Alexandria on October 9th

Alexandria Boutique Week

Discounts and prizes at 62 stores from October 9th to 17th. Visitalexandria.com


Alexandria Arts Safari

October 9th from 12-4 at the Torpedo Factory. Meet the artists and get some holiday shopping done. Torpedofactory.org

Another Taste of…………….

This time, Georgetown on October 9th with more than 25 restaurants participating including Georgetown Cupcakes! Tasteofgeorgetown.com

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/THIS-WEEKEND-S-OPEN-HOUSES.html?soid=1102372299739&aid=OZ7J4Y_HMRI

Come visit us this weekend at our open houses!

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/THIS-WEEKEND-S-OPEN-HOUSES.html?soid=1102372299739&aid=OZ7J4Y_HMRI

Thespian Alert!

If you have not discovered Port City Playhouse yet, head to the Lee Center just off Washington Street in Old Town Alexandria. Free and easy parking, tons of restaurants nearby and excellent theater performances. Of local and political interest is their current play – “Farragut North” which follows a press secretary through a campaign. Evenings at 8 September 24/25, October 1 & 2 and 9/28 plus Sunday 9/26 and 10/3 at 2. Tickets are $18, $16 for seniors and students.

Check it out

If you have a leaky faucet or other repair you need to do, check out repairclinic.com for instructions, manufacturers with parts you may need and appliance recall info for the last 15 years. Helpful if you plan to purchase a used appliance.

Get out of town!

On the streets of Occoquan September 25th and 26th, Historic Occoquan’s Fall Art and Crafts Show from 10-6. Enjoy over 200 juried exhibits, 100’s of unique gifts, lots of food and a free shuttle area commuter lots. www.occoquancraftshow.com

Or head North!

Until October 17th, visit the 26th Annual Decorator Show House in Ellicott City (except Mondays). New decorating ideas, furniture and accessories for sale, boutique, garden shop, food and antiques. www.historicec.com

Hot Trends, Top Experts, Cool Colors, New Products

The Capital Home Show at Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly is September 24-26 from 10-9 Friday and Saturday and 10-6 on Sunday. Cooking demos, gardening hints and tips on decorating from Andrew Downward of HGTV. Capitalhomeshow.com

Reservations necessary

Old Town food tour with stops at Bilbo Baggins, the Virginia Shop, the Columbia Firehouse, the Union Street Public House and the Pita House plus a slice of Virginia Jelly Cake at Old Town Coffee Tea and Spice. Thursdays through Sundays at 1 pm. Along the same lines are food tours in Georgetown, Capitol Hill, Baltimore and Little Ethiopia in the District. www.dcmetrofoodtours.com

New Perspective on Washington

September 25-26th tour with the Cultural Landscape Foundation to look at parks, plazas and gardens at Dumbarton Oaks, Congressional Cemetery, Freedom Plaza, Tregaron and the National Cathedral. Great time to be out of doors! www.tclf.org.

Get the Blues!

Sunday, September 26th at the Prince George’s Community College, the 18th annual Bluebird Blues Festival featuring Clarence Carter – free admission – 12:30-6 – also classic car show. Pgcc.edu

House Envy

Annual very popular Kalorama House and Embassy tour with tickets in advance only – noon to 4 Saturday September 25th. www.woodrowwilsonhouse.org

Sounds like fun!

Grapes with the Apes on Thursday September 23rd at the Zoo with wines from Maryland and Virginia. 6-9 pm. www.nationalzoo.si.edu

It Gets Better Every Year

Saturday, September 25th, here’s a chance to see the insides of some Old Town Alexandria homes you have always admired. 10-3 pm. www.thetwig.org.

Get to know the District beyond the monuments

Cultural Tourism D.C will sponsor 100 walking and 11 biking tours 9/25 and 26th. (including an adults only tour of Washington’s old red light district). Culturaltourismdc.org

Remember Joel Gray?

See him Saturday, September 25th at 8 at the George Mason Center for the Arts. Cfa.gmu.edu A 20 piece orchestra and songs, dance and stories from a 50 year career.

Grapes, grapes and more grapes!

Virginia Wine Festival in Centreville with live music. 9/18 and 19, www.across-the-way.com. Sugarloaf Mountain Grape Stomp 9/25 and 26, www.smvwinery.com. Mt. Vernon 10/1-3, www.mountvernon.org. And Reggae Festival at Berryville Plantation, Mount Airy, 10/16-17, www.linganore-wine.com

Popular annual event for all ages

From 10 to 4:30 October 9th, the National Building Museum’s Festival of the Building Arts. Handss on activities including building your own mobile or mural to take home, drywalling, woodworking and live stage performances.

Gravity defying

At National Harbor through October 24th, Cirque du Soleil. www.cirquedusoleil.com.

Free admission!

September 25th is Museum Day and more than 1000 museums will offer free admission that day. Check it out at www.smithsonian.com/MuseumDay.com. While we enjoy most museums here at no cost, that isn’t the case in other cities.

Shakespeare anyone?

Marsha Mason stars in “All’s Well That Ends Well” at the Lansburgh Theatre. It started 9/7 but runs through 10/24.www.shakespearetheatre.org.

Spokes!

Sign up in advance for Arlington’s and the District’s Capital Bikeshare, a regional bike sharing network. 1000 bikes will be available at 100 locations in the District and Crystal City and Pentagon City for an annual fee of $75, a monthly fee of $25 and a daily fee of $5. www.capitalbikeshare.com or Facebook or Twitter.

Hail!

Now that the 'Skins have won their first game, here’s what you have to look forward to:

Away games – 9/26 vs St. Louis, 10/3 vs the Eagles, 10/24 vs The Bears, 10/31 vs Detroit, 11/21 vs Tennessee, 12/5 vs The Giants, 12/19 vs Dallas 12/26 vs Jacksonville.

Home games: 9/19 vs Houston, 10/10 vs The Pack, 10/17 vs The Colts, 11/15 vs The Eagles, 11/28 vs The Vikings, 12/12 vs Tampa and ½ vs The Giants.

For couch potatoes, the games are on Fox mostly , NBC (10/17), CBS (10/19) and ESPN (11/15).

Newseum

September is Seniors’ Month and admission is just $9 – 50% off! There’s also a 15% discount on food.

Sundays

Every Sunday from 10-6 the Torpedo Factory in Alexandria holds scavenger hunts throughout the galleries. A fun way to meet the artists and to see their work. www.torpedofactory.org.

Fun for the whole family!

Annual Kennedy Center Open House featuring more than 20 free performances September 11th. Kennedy-Center.org/openhouse.

More Wine!

Travel out to The Plains September 11-12 from 11-6 for a visit to more than 300 winery tents, polo matches, wine seminars and a gourmet food market. Winefestivalattheplains.com.

Get Organized!

September 11th is National Clean Out The Garage Day – that’s a good start to boxing up those items you wish to donate, those to recycle and those you want to put out for a yard sale

Art Festivals

Alexandria Art

September11th and 12th, downtown Alexandria is one big display of arts and crafts. There are more than 200 juried artists and it’s a great time for brunch in old town and then a hunt for early holiday gifts at the Alexandria Festival of the Arts with steel drummers, jazz musicians and pianists. Artfestivalalexandria.com


Bethany Beach Art

September 11th more than 100 artists from painters to glass blowers show their works at a juried show held along the boardwalk and downtown streets. Thequietresorts.com.

Rates!

Thirty-year fixed-rate mortgages dropped to 4.32 percent this week, according to Freddie Mac. That beats last week’s already-historic 4.36 percent, which was the lowest on record since Freddie Mac started keep tracking in 1971.

Two more Festivals

September 12th is Adams Morgan Day and the Takoma Park Folk Festival

Arts on Foot

This festival in Chinatown September 11th features an art market, food and wine tastings and lots of performances at the Harman Center for the Arts.

Fall Fashions, etc.

Try retailmenot.com, couponcabin.com, fatwallet.com, honesty.com, markdownalert.com or gasbuddy.com for discounts. Cellfire.com lets you load coupons on your cell phone and add them to a grocery store savings card. Never shop on line without first looking for the name of the retailer plus the words “coupon code”. Comparison shopping sites are at pronto.com, shopping.com and thefind.com.

The Crab Bowl Classic

Maryland vs. Navy at 4 Monday, September 6th at M&T Stadium in Baltimore. www.baltimoreravens.com

Wolf Trap

“The Sound of Music” on stage from August 31st through September 5th.

D.C. taxes

If you are purchasing a place in the District, be sure to check if you are eligible for any of these programs: D.C. homestead exemption which deducts money from your assessment and lowers your property taxes, D.C. Tax abatement program which exempts you from paying transfer and recordation taxes at settlement and the D.C. first time homebuyer credit.

For the puppies in your life

Saturday, August 28th from 11-4, bring the dogs for pet portraits, pet contests, exhibitors, live music and fun for children at The Village at Shirlington. Villageatshirlington.com.

Check it out

Try Washingtonian.com/topchefdc or /realhousewives for the latest in case you had to miss these two Bravo programs taking place in our city!

Go Nats!

The Cubbies are coming to town! And on August 25th, you can get $5 off tickets when you buy the Washington Post. Just tear off the masthead on the front page showing the name of the paper and the date and turn this in at the ticket office. Same deal applies for Nats vs. Mets September 8th, Nats vs. Astros September 22 and Nats vs. Phillies September 29th. Support the hometown team!!

Re-fi?

The ability to now obtain a 30 year fixed rate mortgage for less than 5% and a 15 year for less than 4% is pretty amazing, but this assumes a stellar credit score. And be sure to compare fees before committing to a lower rate. Switching from a 30 year 5% loan to a 3.92% 15 year loan of $200,000 would increase the monthly payment by $400 so if your goal is to lower your monthly payment, this doesn’t work for you even though it saves you interest in the long term.

Photos

Opening August 20th at the National Portrait Gallery: “Americans Now” – featuring portraits of iconic sports figures and entertainers. Npg.si.edu

County Fair!

August 20th – The Montgomery County Fair, one of the area’s largest agricultural fairs opens at 3. Midway of rides and carnival games plus lots of fried foods and a demolition derby! 10 to midnight through the 21st. www.mcagfair.com

Looking forward

After a two and one-half year building project, Arena Stage will open again October 22nd with “Oklahoma”! The Cradle has been added to the two existing stages. Check out their plans for the upcoming season.

Are you Irish?

Head down to Alexandria’s Market Square Saturday for pipe bands, bagpipers, traditional Irish food, plenty of Guinness and Irish dancing from noon to seven – www.ballyshaners.org

Day trip

Taste Lancaster County’s (Pennsylvania) famous food on their sweet and salty trail and visit the Julius Sturgis Pretzel Factory and the Wilbur Chocolate Co. among other sites. www.padutchcountry.com

Rock Opera

“Chess” is a fascinating musical and it will star Broadway actors at Signature Theatre in Shirlington – Arlington – through September 26th. Signature-theatre.org

Weekly Wine Night

Try Fridays at the Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse at 7 for the movie of the week and

Something Different

If you haven’t been to the Phillips Collection, here’s a fun way to get acquainted – for jazz music, gelato and a scavenger hunt through the museum - Phillips After Five Thursdays from 5 to 8:30 – www.phillipscollection.org.

Changes in the Market

An interesting takeaway from the stats in the chart below is the drastic drop in the average number of days that homes spent on the market. The stat not only speaks to the fact that the country was in the middle of the housing crisis last summer, but also is evidence of the high demand for quality homes when they hit the market these days.

2010
2009
% Change

Average Sold Price
$550,687
$483,477
13.9

Median Sold Price
$430,000
$386,000
11.4

Average Days on Market
62
88
-29.55

Average List Price
$582,959
$520,162
12.07

Rock Opera

“Chess” is a fascinating musical and it will star Broadway actors at Signature Theatre in Shirlington – Arlington – through September 26th. Signature-theatre.org

Carnival!

Through August 21st, visit the Montgomery County Fair and ride the Ferris Wheel, eat junk food and enjoy the pig races. www.ncagfair.com

Open Table

When making reservations for restaurants, go to www.opentable.com or download the Open Table app on your iphone.

If you have an account with open table, it tracks the restaurants you have been to and you can easily keep track of the places you love. For example, the restaurant we visited in NYC several years ago... none of us can remember where it was or the name of it, but it was one of our favorite dining experiences in New York. If we had made the reservation with open table, we would have had it in our database!

Also, each time you make a reservation you get rewards points (most restaurants are 100 points--but some featured restaurants are 1000). Once you get to 2000 points you get a $20 gift certificate to use with any Open Table restaurant (similarly, 5000 points is a $50 gift certificate and 10,000 points is a $100 gift certificate) . Its a great program! Let us know how you like it!

Straight from the cow!

This family run farmstead specializes in cow’s milk cheeses similar to Taleggio and Fontina. Meadow Creek Dairy in Galax, Va – meadowcreekdairy.com. Or visit a pick- your-own farm to grab some fruits and veggies – pickyourown.org

Blacksburg, Va. & Martinsville, Va.

Blacksburg, Va.
“Steppin’ Out”, More than 150 craft vendors sell handmade jewelry, stained glass, pottery, etc. plus musical performances August 6-7 – downtownblacksburg.com, 540 951 0454.

Martinsville, Va.
August 21st, see 400 classic cars in the historic district, martinsville.com

Multi tasking!

Shop for dinner while listening to concerts at the Rosslyyn Farmers’ Market (11:45-3:00) Thursdays, www.rosslynva.org/play/markets. Or at the Ballston Farmers’ Market, 3-7 pm, Wilson Blvd. and Taylor Street Thursdays.

Fun for the puppy!

First Thursday in Del Ray this month is devoted to the dogs in your life. Head for the Farmers' Market space at Mt. Vernon and Oxford 6-9 this Thursday (August 5th) and to such shops as Barkley Square for treats!

Alexandria Restaurant Week

August 20-29th!

Click here for more details:
http://visitalexandriava.com/restaurants-nightlife/restaurants/alexandria-restaurant-week/

Will the Redskins be back this year?

Check them out on Fan Appreciation Day Ashburn August 7th – redskins.com

Old Faithfuls at Wolf Trap

Willie Nelson August 3rd and home town gal Mary Chapin Carpenter August 19th.

Watching your pennies?

Follow the summer interns to Happy Hours at the Hawk and Dove (for free food starting at 5 until it’s gone),Union Pub (cheap beer specials); Capitol Lounge (25 cent wings on Tuesdays); My Brother’s Place ($1 tacos Tuesday and Saturday nights); McFadden’s (inexpensive beer) –all on the Hill. In Arlington, the Clarendon Ballroom for inexpensive drinks and appetizers on Wednesdays

Tennis, Anyone?

Robin Soderling and Andy Roddick among others play at the Legg Mason Tennis Classic July 31-August 8th, 16th and Kennedy Street NW. www.leggmasontennisclassic.com

Coming Soon!

To Merriweather Post Pavilion: August 29th, Snoop Dogg and Lauryn Hill plus others; Barenaked Ladies, August 8th- 1 877 4FLY TIX, www.merriweathermusic.com

Bethesda/Chevy Chase Restaurant Week

July 26th to August 1st. But check websites to see if lower prices will be extended: jaleo.com, redwoodbethesda.com, persimmonrestaurant.com, tragara.com etc

With and without cannons!

Free concerts by the United States Army Band at Washington-Lee High School Arlington, 7:30, July 29th, August 5th and 12th. 1812 Overture with cannons at the Sylvan Theatre August 17 at 8 pm..www.usarmyband.com

Planning your next vacation?

Did you know that Baltimore hosts year round cruise ships? Carnival (cruisemaryland.com) for 7 day Bahamas and Eastern Caribbean; Celebrity for Bahamas, Eastern and Western Caribbbean; Royal Caribbean for Bermuda, New England and Canada, Bahamas and Eastern Caribbean.

Foodie Alert

Check out washingtonian.com, dcpizzablog.com, dclst.com/food_and_drink or yelp.com/c/dc/restaurants to find out the latest!

Restaurant Week!

Restaurant week is finally approaching! Though about a month away, reservations for the area's hottest restaurants are already filling up fast. I went to make a reservation at a new hot spot in DC today to find it was already booked for restaurant week! For a listing of participating restaurants (or to make reservations) click on the following link:

http://washington.org/restaurantwk/

Don't forget Alexandria's own restaurant week as well! http://visitalexandriava.com/restaurants-nightlife/restaurants/alexandria-restaurant-week/

Let us know about any great new restaurant finds or restaurant week experiences!

Leaking Garden Hose?

Cut off the damaged end of the hose and take it with you to purchase the correct size hose repair kit at Lowe’s or Home Depot. At home, insert the replacement into the usable section of the hose and screw on the clamp

Need help with your yard or garden?

Master gardeners will diagnose problems at weekly plant clinics: Arlington Farmers’ Market from 8-11 Saturdays or Arlington Central Library from 6:30-9;30 A. M. www.ext.vt.edu

Summer Project

If you need a new roof , now is the time to do it. Materials used and their approximate life: Asphalt or composite shingles (15-20 years), Clay tiles (50-100 years), metal (100 years), synthetic – polymer products (too new to determine life), slate (50+), wood shakes (50 years). Or you can investigate green roofs with plant materials or solar panels.

Money for your cell phone

Recycle or go to Gazelle.com to find out how much they will pay you for your camera, cell phone, computer or similar (typically about $20-#150.

Save your run until it cools off!

Saturday, July 24th, 8 p.m. on a fast flat 5 K course through Crystal City. After party at 2121 Crystal Drive. Freshen up at Sport and Health with fee showers. Free underground parking every week end.

Free!

Hurry down to Whitlow’s on WWilson in Clarendon (Arlington) for a free beer mug celebrating the roll out of their new craft beer program. THURSDAY FROM 4-6.

Reliable Repairs

AngiesList.com, homestars.com, insiderpages.com, judysbook.com, servicemagic.com, local.yahoo.com, checkbook.org, homestars.com, judysbook.com,

Mortgage Rates

For several years now, we’ve been warned that mortgage rates would rise from the current historic lows. Take out a loan for $300,000 at 5% for $1610/month now. If house prices decline and you are able to purchase the same home for $15,00 less at a mortgage rate of 5.75%,your monthly payment will be $50 more and the interest you will pay will be $34,00 more.

Artscape in Baltimore

7/16-18, artscape.org. Many venues and all served by Baltimore’s light rail system. Take Marc or Amtrak and you won’t need to spend time hunting for a parking space. Also lots of food stands.

Food on the go!

Here are some new food trucks to try when you are in the District at lunchtime: The Fojol Brothers for Indian food. Find out where they’ll be at fojol.com. Also – for cupcakes, curbsidecupcakes. For pizza, find the truck location at dcslices.com. For something new, find a menu for Sauca at eatsauca.com. For yogurt, sweetgreen.com. You can follow these on twitter,too.

For Foodies

Check out the following websites for some great insites into DC area restaurants!

Chowhound.chow.com/boards/14, yelp.com/c/dc/restaurants, donrockwell.com, dcpizzablog.blogspot.com,dcist.com/food_and_drink, melissamccart.wordpress.com, amandamc.blogspot.com

Broadway comes to DC!

“Mary Poppins” at the Kennedy Center 7/1-8/22,kennedy center.org

”Mama Mia” at Wolf Trap 7/1-7/11; wolftrap.org

“Avenue Q” at the Lansburgh Theatre 7/15-8/15, shakespeartheatre.org

“Dreamgirls” at the Natrional Theatre, 7/28-8/8, telecharge.com

Save for your downpayment!

Below are several sites we recommend to help you save some $$$. The more you save, the more you will have for a downpayment on your dream home!

couponmountain.com,selectcouponprogram.com(groceries) efaucets.com,tirerack.comsmartrource.com,mambosprouts.com,(organic food),keycode.com, smartsource.com, tirerack.com,

Symphony & Fireworks!

Didn't get enough fireworks on July 4th? Head down to Old Town's Oronoco Bay Park this Sunday for a free performance from Alexandria Symphony Orchestra & some fireworks! Please see below (from The Alexandria Symphony Orchestra):



Bring your blankets and picnic lunches to Oronoco Bay Park on Saturday and make a day of it. Other performances will go on throughout the day and children's activities will be going on.

The symphony will be performing jazz and patriotic favorites starting at 8:30 p.m.

What: The City of Alexandria celebrates its 261st and the USA’s 234th birthday
When: on Saturday, July 10, 4 p.m.-10 p.m.
Where: at Oronoco Bay Park, 100 Madison St., located at the Potomac River between Fairfax, Pendleton, and Madison Streets.
Admission is free.
Info: http://alexandriava.gov/news_display.aspx?id=34690

Quick Beach Getaways!

Assateague Island National Seashore, Maryland
This quaint island is most famous for the more than 300 wild ponies who wander the beaches. This is a great place for bird watching, seashell collecting, clamming, swimming, surf fishing, & beach hiking.

Bethany Beach-Fenwick, Delaware
Bethany Beach and Fenwick, Delaware call themselves "the Quiet Resorts". They are family-oriented beach towns with lots of amenities and a relaxing atmosphere.

Lewes, Delaware
A small historic town with restaurants, shops, museums and bed and breakfasts with a public beach on the Delaware Bay with very little wave activity which makes it a good beach for young children.

Sandy Point State Park - Anne Arundel County, Maryland
Sandy Point State Park is the closest beach to the Washington, DC area. Located on the west side of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, it offers swimming, fishing, crabbing, boating and windsurfing.

Ocean City, Maryland and Virginia Beach, Virginia
Perhaps the most well-known of our close destinations, each offers a distinctly unique set of attractions, restaurants, activities & accommodations.

Senate approves home tax credit extension

Great News! Read on & as always, please let us know if you have any questions! Thank you to Cynthia Small from Union Mortgage Group for sending this article from Associated Press our way. You may contact her at csmall@union-mtg.com or contact us at sue@suegoodhart.com.

By ANDREW TAYLOR (AP) – 18 hours ago

WASHINGTON — The Senate on Wednesday approved a plan to give homebuyers an extra three months to finish qualifying for federal tax incentives that boosted home sales this spring.

The move by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid would give buyers until Sept. 30 to complete their purchases and qualify for tax credits of up to $8,000. Under the current terms, buyers had until April 30 to get a signed sales contract and until June 30 to complete the sale.

The proposal, approved by a 60-37 vote, would only allow people who already have signed contracts to finish at the later date. About 180,000 homebuyers who already signed purchase agreements would otherwise miss the deadline.

Reid, D-Nev., added the proposal to a bill extending jobless benefits through the end of November. Nevada has the nation's highest foreclosure rate, and Reid is facing a tough re-election campaign.

The Realtors group has been pushing hard in Congress for the extension. Mortgage lenders, the trade group says, have been swamped with borrowers trying to get approved by the end of the month. Many potential borrowers are unlikely to make the deadline.

"If Congress fails to act promptly, then prospective homebuyers might not get the benefit of the homebuyer tax credit, even though they have completed contracts," the Realtors said a a letter to lawmakers.

First-time buyers were eligible for a tax credit of up to $8,000. Current owners who bought and moved into another home could qualify for a credit of up to $6,500.

The $140 million cost of the measure would be financed by denying businesses the ability to deduct from their taxes punitive damages paid when losing lawsuits or judgments.

Copyright © 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Art & Fashion in Old Town, Alexandria

Click on the following link to see a video from washingtonpost.com on how art & fashion mix in Old Town, Alexandria!

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/special/artsandliving/scene-in/index.html

Dinner & Wine for $35

701 Restaurant has a great dinner special starting at 5:30 pm until closing, Monday through Friday and 5 pm until closing Saturday and Sunday, guests can choose any 2 courses off the Lounge tasting menu along with 2 wine pairings from the featured list for just $35 per person (tax and gratuity not included). Guests can select any appetizer and entrée or entrée and dessert from the tasting menu. Items include the seared scallops with cauliflower puree, pine nuts and a balsamic reduction and fried chicken with creamy grits, collard greens, scallions and gravy.

701 Restaurant
701 Pennsylvania Ave
Washington, DC 20004
www.701restaurant.com

Cheers to Simple Changes

Simple Changes, run by one of our clients, is a Therapeutic Riding Center focused on changing lives one step at a time. We are pleased to announce that they have been named as July's beneficiary of Prince Michel's "First Dollar Program." For every $5 wine tasting enjoyed at the Prince Michel Tasting Room (1309 King Street in Old Town Alexandria), $1 will be donated to Simple Changes.

For lovers of our horses and riders or just lovers of wine, this is a wonderful way to sample Prince Michel's award-winning wines!

The tasting room is open Sunday through Wednesday from noon until 6pm and Thursday through Saturday, noon until 8pm. This benefit will take place during the entire month of July. Bring your friends, have a glass of wine and help Simple Changes!

On Thursday, July 29, Simple Changes will be double honored at the tasting room. From 5pm to 8pm, $2.50 from every $5 wine tasting will be donated to Simple Changes.



So visit often during the month of July and tell your friends and family. Enjoy the wonderful wine and know that you are helping our fantastic riders!

For more information on Simple Changes, please visit their website.

DC Restaurant Week... For Kids!

Join in the family foodie fun of DC’s newest summer culinary tradition, Washington, DC Restaurant Week for Kids. From June 20-27, dozens of restaurants throughout DC will cater to families by serving special children’s menus during lunch and early dinner seatings (between 5 PM-6:30 PM). Kids 11 and under pay their age, with purchase of adult entrée.

Designed to promote healthy eating, culinary awareness and family connections, Restaurant Week for Kids is produced by Destination DC, the official convention and tourism corporation for Washington, DC. Reserve your tables now by visiting the DC Restaurant Week Website.

Too far to Wolf Trap?

Actually the Wolf Trap Express Bus offers roundtrip service from the West Falls Church Metro and the fare is only $3.10. The service begins 2 hours before show time and runs every 20 minutes. Enjoy!

Table to Table: The Week in Food Events

Sip free wine, celebrate ten years with chef Geoff Tracy, and put on your best attire for the Oscars of Washington restaurants. Read below from an article by Kyle Jameson, Washingtonian Magazine, Tuesday, June 1, 2010.

Tuesday, June 1

It’s been said many times that the best things in life are free. That includes free wine. Every Tuesday at the cozy upper-Georgetown French spot Bistrot Lepic, the sommelier offers guests complimentary sips of two French wines—one red, one white. The tasting runs from 6 to 8. For more information, call 202-333-0111.

Wednesday, June 2

It was a decade ago that chef Geoff Tracy opened his debut restaurant near American University. In celebration of its tenth year, Tracy is hosting a special anniversary dinner (the menu hasn’t been announced). The dinner begins at 6:30, and $50 of each $60 ticket goes to Children’s National Medical Center. For tickets and more information, call 202-237-7800 or click here.


Thursday, June 3

Robert Wiedmaier’s K Street beer haven, Brasserie Beck, is hosting a four-course dinner with Patrick Rue, founder of the Bruery. Rue is pairing some of his California-brewed beers—known for being unfiltered and unpasteurized and for having unconventional ingredients—with such dishes as pan-seared halibut with mushroom polenta; squab breast with garlic-potato purée; bison strip loin with horseradish cream; and a cheese plate. The dinner, $85 per person, begins at 7. For reservations and more, call 202-408-1717.

Friday, June 4

If you’ve missed out on tickets for Savor, the annual craft-beer festival Saturday, you can still head to ChurchKey to sip brews from Sierra Nevada with the brewery’s founder, Ken Grossman. He’ll pour barrel-aged beers and cask ales rarely seen outside Sierra Nevada’s hometown of Chico, California, and you might even score some free glassware. The happy hour begins at 4. For information and reservations, call 202-567-2576.

Saturday, June 5

There aren’t many good excuses to wear a Hawaiian shirt. But break one out for EatBar’s Beach Blanket Bash, where you can jam to surf music, knock around some beach balls, and taste your way through 25 wines. Chef Barry Koslow is cooking up such snacks as calamari ceviche with mango and chilies; caramelized-onion-and-olive focaccia; and crab fritters with rémoulade. The party, $25 per person, runs from 1 to 4. For information and reservations, call 703-778-9951.

Sunday, June 6

For local chefs, restaurateurs, and food lovers, one of the biggest nights of the year is the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington’s annual Rammy Awards. Tonight’s festivities at the Marriott Wardman Park kick off at 6 with a cocktail reception. The award ceremony is at 7, and dinner and dancing follow in the ballroom. For information and tickets, click here or call 202-331-5990.

Drink Up.

Do you know about the Frederick Wine Trail? Rolling hills, scenic views and vineyards! Cabernet Franc and Viogniers. Frederickwinetrail.com. And the Frederick Festival of the Arts is June 5th and 6th. Free admission and 120 artists And then there’s the York Wine Trail in Pennsylvania www.uncorkyork.com/PA.

Rehoboth Restaurant Week

Happy Memorial Day! Head back to Rehoboth Beach June 6th through 12th for restaurant week. 20 restaurants, $20 and $30 menus.

Go Nats!

Every Sunday home game kids ages 4 through 12 are invited to do a fun run of the bases.

Bargains!

Groupon, a free iPhone app service.. Or mommysavers.com. When shipping, aim your iPhone camera at what you want to buy and you’ll see the competing prices at other retailers (redlaser, $1.99), and Yowza (free) which tells you comparison prices for stores within 15 miles. Clerks can just scan the results – no need to print. Coupons.com, couponmom.com, thegrocerygame.com and commonkindness.com., flamingoworldm hotcouponworld.com, techbargains.com and about.com.

Headed for the beach?

Here's a new bus service. $39 one way, $70 round trip to Dewey and Rehoboth with pickups at Union Station and Dupont Circle. Reserve at 202 332 2691 or www.dc2ny.com

Taste of the Town!

Sample food from Old Town, Alexandria restaurants at Montgomery Park Thursday, May 27th. Please visit www.oldtownnorth.org to find out more...and don't forget to let us know how it goes! Enjoy your holiday weekends.

DC Walking & Biking Tours

This Saturday and Sunday beginning at 8:30 a.m.through late afternoon, 90 walking tours of various DC neighborhoods and 11 bike tours will take place. All the tours are free, but you must reserve a place for some of them: WalkingToursDC/com. Great chance to learn about neighborhoods you have never explored before.

Not so standard movie-date

I just came across this great article in the washingtonpost.com's going out guide. It details several movie screening locations each just as unique as the next--from museums to embassies to coffee houses, theaters and even the Library of Congress. Whether you are going with a date, a group of friends, or by yourself, you will be sure to have a good time watching a good movie in some of our city's most interesting sites.

Trendy & Unique Movie Screening Locations

Let me know how it goes!

Alexandria Restaurant Week

This week is Alexandria Restaurant Week! Please click here for more information. Please let us know how you enjoy the wonderful restaurants Alexandria has to offer. We love to hear your feedback!