Amazon Prime Now One Hour Delivery Available in Clarendon & Northern Virginia

September 13, 2016 by Angelica Leave a Comment

Last month, Amazon announced that its Prime Now one-hour delivery service expanded to Northern Virginia including Arlington, Alexandria and Springfield.

I purchased back to school supplies for my kids as well as a few kids birthday gifts. Everything was delivered in one complete package within the time frame I selected. What’s more, Arlingtonians can order a pint of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream and get it delivered while it’s still frozen.

Prime Now allows Amazon Prime members (this link offers a 30-day free Prime trial offer) to order tens of thousands of everyday items, from groceries to school supplies to household essentials including pet supplies to electronics including laptops and get it delivered in 1-2 hours. In Northern Virginia, Prime Now is available from 8 a.m. to midnight seven days a week. One hour delivery costs $7.99, while two hour delivery is free.

Prime Now will also be available in Washington D.C. beginning in October.
Prime members can shop on www.primenow.com and can also download the Prime Now app, available on iOS and Android devices.

{Special Thanks to Amazon Prime Now for partnering on this post!}

Cookology Partners With Sehkraft in Arlington to Offer Kids Cooking Camps During Month of August

August 16, 2016 by Angelica Leave a Comment

From Basic Skills to International Flavors, Cookology & Sehkraft are excited to offer three weeks of kids culinary summer camps in Clarendon.

Cookology, the recreational cooking school located at the Dulles Town Center Mall, has partnered with Sehkraft Restaurant in Arlington to offer an impressive schedule of classes to keep kids of all ages busy and cooking for the family this summer!
The August cooking class schedule will run three weeks of August with classes August 8 – 12, August 15 – 19, and August 22 – 27. The young chefs will learn essential skills to prepare and execute delicious meals. They will also learn safety tips, knife and heat skills and a multitude of techniques they can use at home and beyond. Classes include Culinary Boot Camp, All American Cuisine, & Cuisine from Around the World.

Students ages 8 to 11 and 12 to 17 can attend camp Mon-Fri from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Pricing for the week long camps includes instruction and food at $330.00 per student.

“This is our favorite time of the year,” said owner Maria Kopsidas. “Our chefs love to work with the kids and see their amazing progress throughout the week. We love it when the kids and their parents come back to the store and tell us about how they are using their cooking skills at home. It is a wonderful life skill and we are so happy to inspire so many.”

For more information and the full class schedule on Cookology and their Summer Cooking Camps, visit www.cookologyonline.com or call (703) 433 – 1909.

Cookology is located at 21100 Dulles Town Circle, Sterling, VA 20166.

Sehkraft Restaurant is located at 925 N St. Suite A, Arlington, Virginia 22201.

{Thank-you to Cookology for partnering on this post!}

Four Hours of Free Babysitting from Chime & Neighborhood Restaurant Group

August 15, 2016 by Angelica Leave a Comment

What would you do if you had four hours to spend in DC without your kids in tow? Would you go for a romantic dinner with our partner or spend a night on the town with your best gal pals? If you’re a parent and can’t remember the last time you got the chance to dress up and go out without your kids, then the Neighborhood Restaurant Group (NRG) and Chime – the new on-demand babysitting service from Sittercity – have you covered.

From now through Labor Day (Monday September 5^th), NRG and Chime have partnered to offer DC area families the opportunity to enjoy a night out without their kids. With nearly 20 restaurants and bars throughout the DC and Northern Virginia area you can choose from an incredible array of dining experiences. And the best part? The babysitter is taken care of. Thanks to Chime, your children will be in good hands!

Visit www.hellochime.com and enter the code “NRG” to receive 4 hours of babysitting credits ($60 value). Don’t have any plans before Labor Day? Don’t worry, you can copy and paste this promo code: http://b.chme.io/idHd/6BY0JZy3Av to receive 3 Hours of free babysitting credits ($50 value). Feel free to share with your friends!

Chime, a new service by Sittercity, connects you with a handpicked group of amazing sitters who parents in your neighborhood already love. Parents in more than 30 neighborhoods throughout the DC area – including Alexandria, Arlington, Chevy Chase, Falls Church, Takoma Park, Bethesday and Silver Spring – are using Chime as their go-to source to find their next favorite babysitter.

“As a working mom of four year old twins, I can absolutely understand the importance of getting some adult time,” commented Genevieve Thiers, founder of Sittercity. “We are thrilled to be able to offer DC parents a respite with the help of Chime so they can reconnect with their partner, loved ones or friends.”

“Balancing parenting and work is never easy and those in the restaurant industry know this all too well,” says Michael Babin founder of the Neighborhood Restaurant Group. “In a world of late nights and long days, finding four hours to recharge and reconnect is critical and often rare, so we appreciate the gift that Chime is giving to our diners.”

Our Chime experience:

Finding a regular and reliable babysitter has been a huge challenge. One moved away to college, another married and began her own family and the other one was so popular that her rates were almost always on a surge and there were actual bidding wars amongst parents.

I learned about Chime when I was invited to a Blogger Dinner at Iron Gate Restaurant hosted by Chime where I met the founder of Sittercity/Chime, the lovely Genevieve Thiers, and learned more about the partnership with NRG. An app where you could “order a babysitter?” This sounded like “the Uber of babysitting services.” I was smitten! I was even more impressed at how easy it is to use the service.

I simply created a profile on the Chime app, entered the ages and names of my children, my address and credit card information.. I was able to select a date for service and watch a 1 minute video clip on each of the babysitters available for that day and time. It was so fun because I had Ella and Logan watch the videos with me and make a selection on which of the babysitters they wanted to babysit for that evening.

Chime babysitters go through a detailed vetting process that includes an in-person meeting with the Chime team. Chime sitters are handpicked from the top 1% of Sittercity’s talent pool. They all have glowing reviews from nearby families and undergo a rigorous screening process – including an in-person meeting with our team. Only one in five make the cut.

There are no subscriptions and no hidden fees! With Chime, you just pay your sitter a flat, friendly rate by credit card. No cash – or math – required! And if you’re like me and like to tip for great service–you can add the gratuity on the app. The rates are on par with what we pay in the Clarendon neighborhood of Arlington Virginia. Washington, DC’s hourly price is $15 per hour, and each additional child an extra $1 per hour. The rate is absolutely worth it: no transportation costs, no background check costs. I absolutely LOVE this service!

Our sitter emailed us a welcome greeting and asked if we had any particular requests or a schedule our family would like for her to follow. She arrived exactly at the time we requested with a complete understand of the schedule I planned for Ella and Logan.

I checked in with her a couple of times throughout the night and everything was absolutely perfect. The next day the kids said they had a “great time” with her and begged to have her return! I’m so happy with the service! Gone are the days when you have to ask around for a great babysitter, only to find out that they’re booked up on all the dates you need them. With Chime, you can book a babysitter in as little as 30 minutes! What are you waiting for? Make that reservation and book your sitter today!

For more information, visit www.hellochime.com.

{Thank-you to Chime & NGR for partnering on this post!}

WELL NEST: A New Home Cleaning Service That Will Improve Your Life + $25 OFF

August 10, 2016 by Angelica Leave a Comment

WELL NEST: A New House Cleaning Service That Will Improve Your Life (Photography by Yehudis Goldfarb)

Keeping germs and harmful bacteria away from your family doesn’t require using bleach and chemical laden disinfectants. WELL NEST is an amazing new company that cleans your home without any chemicals. The cleaning staff uses vinegar- based products that are honestly green and purely natural. The majority of WELL NEST’s cleaning products are made by Eco-Me and are comprised of entirely plant-based and food-grade ingredients. Eco-Me products received a Green Rating on the Whole Foods Market Eco-Scale™, are BPA-free, and Leaping Bunny certified™. These products are baby friendly and pet friendly.

Other cleaning companies may promise to use “green” or “natural” products, but those products still contain harmful chemicals. At WELL NEST, they take pride in really providing all natural items in their cleaning products epitomizing the “wellness” in WELL NEST. Their cleaning products can actually reduce germs, bacteria and allergens that can make you and your family sick. WELL NEST ensures the cleaning products they use are safe for everyone, including their employees. That is very important to me as we try to be as non-toxic as possible in our home. I appreciated the care they took in making sure our house was not only clean but also safe for my family, their crew members and the environment.

WELL NEST has a very user-friendly website making your booking as easy as a few clicks. The time of your appointment is followed up by a simple email confirming the window of time to expect the cleaners. The ease of being able to do everything on-line is so time-efficient and hassel-free.

The day of the service, the cleaners showed up right on time (at the top of the two-hour window of time I requested). I had done all of the usual “pre-cleaning”—picking up and putting things away, but our assigned housekeeper, Alma and her colleague had their work cut out for them!

As they began to clean I noticed they started at the top, dusting and then cleaning everything top to bottom. They wiped our windows, televisions, ceiling fans, cabinets, counters and even loaded the dishwasher—something no other maid service has ever provided in the past. My sink and faucets have never been so sparkly! I also requested the additional services of an oven cleaning and a refrigerator cleaning. And, let me tell you—this was worth everything to me! To say they did an awesome job is an understatement. They truly did the best job ever! The oven and the fridge look brand new! I was in heaven!

WELL NEST doesn’t use a “one for all” industrial strength commercial vacuum cleaner for every home. Instead, they use your own personal one. As a mother, I don’t want a company to bring a vacuum cleaner that has been used in a hundred other homes. Bacteria, pet dander, dirt and germs are actually transferrable from home to home and place to place by vacuum cleaners. “Even the best HEPA filters won’t prevent you from spreading other people’s dirt and bacteria into your home, no matter how slight,” says Phil Harper, the co-owner of WELL NEST. “We also use a microfiber mop that is Velcro-based, detachable and machine washable. Microfiber is known to be the most effective type of mop out there.” I certainly appreciated the simplicity of the cleaning as well as the lack of “ick factor” connected to communal vacuum cleaners and a mop used from house to house.

Upon entering our home following the cleaning, my husband and kids noticed that there was no strong odor of cleaning supplies. In fact, there was no odor at all. Our place absolutely sparkled, but the scent of our home was neutral. It was amazing! The fact that there was absolutely no after-scent really impressed my husband and has cemented our subsequent services!

Why YOU Should Hire WELL NEST:

Friendly, kind and caring staff – from booking to appointment to job completion.
Eco-friendly, non-toxic and non-abrasive cleaners to ensure the safety of their crew members, your family, your pets and the environment.
Thorough cleaning from top to bottom – no surface is left untouched.
Let’s face it, YOU’RE BUSY! You deserve a break from scrubbing the toilets, the stove so you can dedicate some more time to your family, your friends or even yourself.

WELL NEST is based in Arlington, Virginia and owned by a husband/wife team Phil and Nicole Harper.

Phil Harper is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer. Phil most recently served as the lead Associate on the founding team of Riveron Consulting’s Washington, DC office. He performed M&A buy-side and sell-side advisory engagements on behalf of private equity firms nationwide. He serves on the Junior Advisory Board of Compass, a pro bono strategic consultancy, and the Advisory Board and Finance Committee of Our Military Kids, a local non-profit. A Penn State alum, Phil enjoys spending time with Nicole and their son, exercise, hiking, and the Washington Nationals.

Nicole Harper is the Co-Founder and Chief Innovation Officer. Nicole is a CPA and Manager within Deloitte’s Market Development team in New York City. She was previously within Deloitte’s Financial Accounting and Reporting group, performing accounting advisory projects for real estate clients. Nicole is also a proud Penn State graduate. She is active with The Women’s Center and enjoys being a mompreneur, early morning boot camp classes, and anything involving warm weather and sunshine.

For more information about WELLNEST and to book your first cleaning, visit www.gowellnest.com and use the code: CLARENDONMOMS for $25 off your first cleaning!

Also, follow them on Social! Twitter, Facebook, Instagram.

{Thanks to WELL NEST for partnering on this post!}

Give Back With Share-A-Haircut at Hair Cuttery

July 31, 2016 by Angelica Leave a Comment

Before the end of summer, Hair Cuttery is aiming to donate tens of thousands of free haircut certificates in time for the new school year. Certificates will be distributed with the help of more than 100 local government and non-profit organizations in communities across the country.

Since 1999, the Share-A-Haircut program has donated more than 1.89 million free haircut certificates valued at nearly $30.35 million.

2016 marks the 17th year of Share-A-Haircut, with Hair Cuttery’s most recent campaign donating 55,000 haircuts to victims of domestic violence this past spring. The company has an established history of charitable giving and has supported a range of local and national causes, including St. Baldrick’s Foundation, American Red Cross, The National Network to End Domestic Violence, American Cancer Society and Girls on the Run.

My family and I have been patrons of Hair Cuttery as long as I can remember. Supporting businesses that stand behind a great cause means a lot to me and my family. The Share-A-Haircut program is something my kids ask about every year and is an event that they take pride in every back to school season.

While you’re out back-to-school shopping, consider stopping by a Hair Cuttery salon from August 1-15 to purchase your child’s haircut and they’ll donate a free haircut certificate to a child in need right in your community. Make sure to take a picture with the Share-A-Haircut photo frame and post it to Instagram or Twitter with #ShareAHaircut to be featured in the Hair Cuttery wall gallery! Even if you don’t have a child, you can still take part in donating a haircut by sharing the Share-A-Haircut Facebook post to your friends and family!

For locations and more information, visit www.haircuttery.com.

{This post is sponsored by Hair Cuttery. My family and are frequent customers of our local Hair Cuttery Salon and all opinions are my own.}

Tudor Explorers Summer History Week (Summer Camp) August 1-5th

July 27, 2016 by Angelica Leave a Comment

Exploration and authenticity are the hallmarks of camp at Tudor Place. The summertime History Explorers program engages hands, minds, and bodies of children aged 4 to 10, indoors and out. Through costumes, movement, and archaeology, campers explore the past. Activities include games, dance, exploration of the Tudor Place estate, and working with artifacts from the museums’ education collections.

August 1 – 5, 2016

Monday – Friday
9 a.m. – noon
Before- and after-care available.

Members, $175 | Non-Members, $190

Download the 2016 Summer Camp Registration Forms. Return registration forms to Tudor Place by fax, mail or in person.

For more information, visit www.tudorplace.org or contact Laura Brandt, ph: 202.965.0400 x108.

Massage Envy Review + Giveaway

July 26, 2016 by Angelica Leave a Comment

Could you imagine “more me time”? It almost seems impossible sometimes, right? Well, it doesn’t have to be. Health and wellness go beyond stress relief.
Having a Massage Envy membership means having easy access to massages, spa facials, Murad® products and more at hundreds of locations nationwide. Now you can enjoy less stress, more energy and improved wellness on your schedule. Best of all, the benefits of spa facial treatments and massages are cumulative. So the more you go, the healthier you feel.

Massage Envy Spas are a nationwide franchise offering an extensive range of therapeutic services including massages and facials. The Massage Envy Membership Package is really one of the best ways to make sure you schedule some monthly “me time.” The monthly membership dues are $69.99, which includes a choice of a customized monthly massage OR a Murad Healthy Skin Facial (for $10 extra), along with a myriad of other perks.

I was lucky to pay a visit to the Massage Envy in Clarendon last weekend for a relaxing, restorative deep tissue massage treatment with Yadira.

The moment I walked thru the door, the stress that I felt from the entire week slowly began to melt away. Every single detail of the treatment was ironed out and carefully considered including my preference of essential oils for the aromatherapy portion of the session. Everything about this Massage Envy was like being in a luxurious spa.

I was impressed with the cleanliness of the spa and the professionalism of the staff during my entire experience. Upon checking in, I was given a few forms to fill out, with questions that would assist my massage therapist as to what areas needed more attention and also inform her of any sensitivies, allergies or health problems I might have. I was also able to provide her with what type of pressure I wanted (soft, relaxing, or deep tissue).

From that point, I was seated in a more intimate wait area. The biggest difference between Massage Envy and more luxurious spas is that you’re not getting a fluffy robe, sauna, steam room or even a semi-private changing room. You’re expected to change in the same room that you get massaged in. The idea is to come here to keep on the path for personal wellness – take an hour or so out of your day, get recharged, and then, well – head home. I think this concept is awesome!

After getting situated in my massage room, and the lights and music were turned down, I was blissfully unaware of anything going on around me. My therapist, Yadira placed hot towels on my problem areas (my neck, shoulders and upper back) and began her magic. This was possibly the deepest tissue massage I’ve had to date! And although it was intense, I was in total bliss! This may sound cliché, but I felt healed from the inside out. I realized then that I needed to do this more often!

To get a true breather this summer, a trip your local Massage Envy is a must. Also, to give you an opportunity to get a true sense of Massage Envy is all about, I’m offering an Introductory One Hour Massage (Gift Card) to one lucky winner!

ENTER TO WIN

a Rafflecopter giveaway

To enter, Visit my Facebook Page at Facebook.com/likeclarendonmoms and leave a comment there letting me know why you’d like a massage this summer! This contest is open to the US and will close at 11:59 PM on Tuesday, August 2, 2016. I will draw the winner by Rafflecopter, and they will have 48 hours to respond to the email notification that they won.

{Thank-you to Massage Envy for partnering on this post!}

Encore Studio & Stage Presents Mary Poppins July 15-24

July 19, 2016 by Angelica 1 Comment

Mary Poppins is a practically perfect, spoonful of sugar nanny that unexpectedly arrives in the Banks household one blustery day. Using lessons disguised as games, she helps to teach the Banks children how to be their best selves. But, is Mary Poppins’ magic enough to save this family from drifting apart? Enjoy your favorite Disney melodies and watch Mary Poppins soar across stage in this Broadway adaptation that has won seven TONY awards, including Best Musical. We recommend this musical for ages 6 and older. This production runs July 15-24, 2016 at Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre (125 S. Old Glebe Road Arlington VA 22204).

While it may seem to some that playing an iconic character like Mary Poppins, made famous by the equally iconic film actress Julie Andrews, would be quite big shoes to fill—Ohio State University graduate student Kaely Clapper is absolutely superb. Ms. Clapper exudes the perfect amount of authority, energy and passion that the original. Her beautiful singing voice that is captivating. My children were absolutely mesmerized and inspired.

Brenna Kay and Aidan Pritchard play Jane and Michael Banks. These two are remarkably talented and pulled off a great performance during the entire show.

Breanna Kay is a ten year old who loves musical theatre. She is in her ninth production, but this is her first with Encore Stage and Studio. She is very passionate about acting and her delivery is nothing short of fantastic.

This is the second production with Encore Stage and Studio for Aidan Pritchard. He has performed in several shows with the Arlington Public Schools. The chemistry he and Kay have together as siblings is remarkably superb. Both of these young actors have incredible talent that will get them far.

The entire cast is energetic, colorful, fun and amazing to watch. The rendition of “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” was like watching a show in 3D. It made me and my kids want to jump out of our seats and be part of the show. It was so fun!

See the show as soon as you can!

Tickets: $15 Adults, $12 Children, Students, Military and Seniors. Performance Dates: July 15 – 24, 2016.

For tickets and more information, visit www.encorestage.org or call the box office at 703-548-1154.

{Thank-you Encore Stage & Studio for partnering on this post}.

Experience Applebee’s New Wood Fire Grill Menu: $30 Gift Card Giveaway

June 27, 2016 by Angelica Leave a Comment

Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill and Bar recently launched a new menu called The Wood Fire Grill, distinguishing themselves and taking back the neighborhood in a sea of restaurants. America’s largest casual dining chain has over 27 restaurants here in the Washington DC area and recently installed new wood-fired grills in each restaurant with a revamped menu including steaks that Applebee’s hand-cuts on the premises. Applebee’s upgrade to USDA Choice beef, along with the stacks of logs outside each restaurant and the aroma of wood smoke inside, will definitely pique your interest and your taste buds!

The Applebee’s Wood Fire Grill menu includes:

8 oz. and 6 oz. Hand-cut USDA Choice Top Sirloin Steaks
Hand-cut Bone-in Pork Chop with Honey Apple Chutney
Cedar-grilled Salmon with Maple Mustard Glaze Grilled chicken breast

My family and I were invited to sample the new Wood Fire Grill menu over the weekend. My husband and I both ordered the 8 oz. hand cut USDA Choice Top Sirloin Steak. Our steak was mildly seasoned (just like I enjoy it), cooked medium rare to perfection, and tasted exactly as if it had been cooked over an open flame on a high-end grill. It had been years since my husband and I’ve eaten at Applebee’s and this was the very first time our kids have ever been treated to the restaurant. The addition of wood-fired grills definitely imparts a sense of freshness and quality in the meals. Summer is the perfect season to get your “grill on” and we’re looking forward to our next time at Applebee’s!

I’d love for you to enjoy the Wood Fire Grill experience at Applebee’s!

Enter to Win a $30 Gift Card to Treat Yourself!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Follow Applebee’s on social!

Visit us: www.applebees.com

Become a fan: www.facebook.com/applebees

Share your photos: www.instagram.com/applebees

{Thank-you to Applebee’s for sponsoring this post! All opinions are my own.}

Get Smooth For the Summer at Cera Wax Studio in Bethesda

June 27, 2016 by Angelica Leave a Comment

It’s the season of short shorts, dresses, mini skirts and swimsuits! For the ladies who are into smooth and sleek, waxing is the way to go.

My friend Leila and I visited Cera Wax Studio in Bethesda for the first time to get Beach Ready. Upon entering Cera Wax Studio, we were greeted by a very bubbly front desk associate who offered us sparkling water and soda and invited us to peruse the amazing beauty products they offer. Within minutes, we met our aestheticians and were taken to our treatment rooms. The temperature of the wax was very comfortable and our aestheticians (Jasmin and Melissa) were very gentle and professional. The customer service is superb and there is enormous passion in the care of their clientele.

I had the pleasure of meeting Monica Gomez, co-owner of Cera Wax Studio. Monica is a licensed aesthetician, runs the day-to-day operations on the premises of the third floor studio suite on Cordell Avenue in Bethesda, Maryland. Anna Gomez-Akers is her sister, who runs the business, “behind the scenes” from sunny San Diego. The sisters have been in the beauty industry for over 20 years collectively–and it’s clearly demonstrated in their waxing studio.

Cera Wax Studio is the waxing-only studio specializing in Brazilian Waxing using hard wax! Cera Wax Studio is dedicated to providing customized full-service wax treatments for men and women in an environment that will make you feel confident, pampered and sexy. They offer consistent results, impeccable hygiene, and treatments at an affordable price!

Here’s a quick “Go-To Guide” to Prep for your next wax visit

The benefits of shaving over waxing
When a person shaves, the hair is cut at a blunt angle causing stubble. Shaving does not pull the hair out at the root so the hair begins to grow back within hours. Waxing removes hair at the root, and after consistent waxing the hair begins to grow in finer. When you first start waxing, you do have to remember that you have a few stages of hair growth. At times, when you come in for a wax, you may be between cycles and re-growth of hair may appear quicker until we get it all on the same cycle. Once this occurs, in most cases, you should have a period of 2 weeks before your hair starts to grow back.

Skip shaving for a while before your appointment

Let the hair on your bikini line to grow to about a quarter of an inch to a half inch (no more) before your appointment. This allows the wax to grasp the hair and completely remove it from its follicle, so the result is a super-smooth body—that is ultra soft to the touch.

Exfoliate before your appointment

You should exfoliate to reduce ingrown hair and unclog the pores.

Hydrate with plenty of water

For the silkiest-smooth results ever, stay hydrated—inside and out. Drink lots of water and you’ll ultimately moisturizing your body from the inside out, which can make for a better hair removal experience.

Know what you want before your appointment

Decide if you want a full Brazilian, partial or a landing strip. Decide just how much or how little you want your hair to be removed before the appointment so that you’re happy with the results when you leave.

Moisturize your skin post wax

Moisturizing with an emollient Sun protection lotion is always recommended when exposing your newly-bare skin to the sun, but it is especially important in the first 24-hours after waxing.

Special Offer: Clarendon Moms Readers receive a 10% Discount simply by mentioning this article when you call to schedule your appointment! Get Beach Ready today with Cera Wax Studio!

To learn more about Cera Wax Studio, visit www.cera-studio.com and be sure to follow Cera Wax Studio on Social Media!

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{Thank-you to Cera Wax Studio for partnering on this post! All opinions are my own.}