Indoor Winter Fun with Children
Ideas for entertainment when Jack Frost appears.
Winter weather often means limited open air playtime for some children. “It is very important for children to get as much outdoor activity as possible, but there are times when it is not safe for them to be outside for an extended length of time, or any time at all, because it is too cold. ” said Shannon Melideo, chair of the Education Department at Marymount University in Arlington. “There are many other things that children can do besides sledding and ice skating.”
Winter Fun with Food
Easy and tasty ideas for winter meals.
The stove is fired-up, a sauté pan is sizzling and the thud of a steel knife blade hitting a wooden chopping block fills the air along with the woodsy aroma of fresh thyme. The temperature outside is frigid, but the kitchen feels like an inferno as Chef Kristen Robinson drives a knife though a fennel bulb, kale leaves and a tough-skinned butternut squash with staccato succession.
Residents Attend 57th Presidential Inauguration
Many brave crowds to witness history.
Local residents were among the hundreds of thousands who left their homes on a cold winter holiday, Jan. 21, to brave packed Metro trains and slow-moving security check points for a chance to celebrate and witness President Barack Obama’s second inauguration.
Churchill Competes in National Robotics Tournament
Students create robots that travel aboard the International Space Station
Potomac students were in Boston earlier this month competing in the ZERO Robotics Challenge, a competition sponsored by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
Area Residents Attend 57th Inauguration
Many brave crowds to witness history.
Local residents were among the hundreds of thousands who left their homes on a cold winter holiday, Jan. 21, to brave packed Metro trains and slow-moving security check points for a chance to celebrate and witness President Barack Obama’s second inauguration.
Queen of Household Hints to Share Five Essentials Every Home Should Have
Heloise to headline 2013 Home and Remodeling Show at the Dulles Expo Center.
The high priestess of household hints will share her domestic wisdom this weekend at the 2013 Home and Remodeling Show at the Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly, Va. A nationally syndicated columnist, Heloise is one of the presenters scheduled to headline the weekend’s show.
Importance of Recess
Pediatric researchers say unstructured play can help a child’s cognitive, physical, emotional and social development.
Can climbing on monkey bars help a child’s cognitive development? Can a game of tag boost preschooler’s social skills? The nation’s top pediatricians say “yes” and some local educators agree.
Off to the Movies
Mason professor has unconventional method of teaching complex concepts.
An Arlington resident and George Mason University professor has an unconventional way of helping her students master complex concepts and evaluating their proficiency: She requires them to watch movies.
Preparing for a Spring Wonderland
Experts offer advice on what to do now to create a pleasurable outdoor space in spring.
Chilly January temperatures can make spring seem far away. However, it’s closer than you think. A recent Residential Landscape Architecture Trends survey from the American Society of Landscape Architects showed that as the weather gets warmer, many want an undemanding, outdoor space.
Home and Remodeling Show Comes to D.C. Area
Nationally Syndicated Columnist Heloise and local contractors will educate homeowners.
Whether you’re planning to renovate an entire house, update an antiquated bathroom, create a more functional kitchen or simply add more color to your home, there will be inspiration and ideas aplenty at the 2013 Home and Remodeling Show.
Unforgettable Spaces
Local designers share their favorite home designs from 2012.
Local interior designers spend their days mixing colors, accessories and furnishings to create chic and stylish rooms. As the new year begins, some local tastemakers look back on some of their most memorable accomplishments.
Advice for Seniors on Fitness in the New Year
Suggestions for making and keeping exercise resolutions.
Mary Garner’s New Year’s resolution is to increase the intensity of her workout routine. The 69-year-old retiree plans to seek the advice of a fitness trainer to create a plan to achieve her goal.
Living Up to New Year Resolutions
Benefit of cardio workout plan includes weight loss and decreased heart disease risk.
During Martin McKay’s annual physical examination shortly before the holidays, his doctor suggested that he consider intensifying his cardiovascular exercise routine.
The Truth About Hypnosis
Local hypnotherapists use World Hypnotism Day as a time to debunk myths and emphasize health benefits
After several failed attempts to stop smoking and an emphysema diagnosis, Margaret Cahill turned to hypnosis for help quitting.
Contractors Call Holidays Ideal Time to Ponder Remodeling Projects
Local contractors say that the holidays offer an opportunity to consider home renovations.
While the holidays can bring glad tidings and cheer, they can also spark an interest in remodeling, say some local contractors.
Decking the Halls
Local designers share holiday decorating suggestions.
Looking for inspiration for decking the halls this season? Three local home design experts offer doable tips for capturing the magic of the holidays.
Avoiding Jet Lag
Medical experts offer suggestions for those traveling across multiple time zones during the holidays.
Every December, Linda McDonald travels from her Oak Hill home to Stockton, Calif., to visit her family for Christmas. She tries to head west a few days before the holiday, but often leaves on Christmas Eve, and arrives feeling hazy and sluggish.
Quick Relief for Holiday Stress
Simple strategies for bringing down anxiety levels in a hurry.
“Listen to your favorite relaxation music on your iPod as you shop. It can help reduce anxiety in overcrowded shops. Reserve time to relax or meditate at peak times of stress.” — Michelle Walters-Edwards, Marymount University
Cosmetic Dentistry for Children
Whether it’s to replace a tooth that was lost or broken during a hockey game or to create a Hollywood-smile before taking the stage for a school play, pediatric dentists say an increasing number of children are undergoing cosmetic dental procedures.
Norwood Raises Money After Hurricane Sandy
Participants raise more than $4,000 to help purchase books, rugs, easels and bookcases.
More than 200 Norwood School students, parents, teachers and staff members walked the grounds of the school’s Potomac campus earlier this month to raise money for schools devastated by Hurricane Sandy in New York City.
Norwood School Raises Money for Those Affected by Hurricane Sandy
Participants raise more than $4,000 to help purchase books, rugs, easels and bookcases.
More than 200 Norwood School students, parents, teachers and staff members walked the grounds of the school’s Potomac campus earlier this month to raise money for schools devastated by Hurricane Sandy.
Teaching Health and Holiday Culinary Traditions
Nutrition experts say moderation, not deprivation, is the key
The holidays start with a saucepan of mushrooms — usually portabella, crimini or oyster — sautéing in olive oil. Next, sliced onions sizzle in a bath of bubbling butter and wine until they’re caramelized.
Understanding Yoga
Local yogis explain popular styles of yoga.
Joanna Mosely says she can’t tell a downward facing dog from a baby cobra. She belts out a perplexed “huh?” when asked if she knew the difference between Ashtanga and Bikram.
Preventing Holiday Weight Gain
Nutritionists say merriment doesn’t have to lead to bulge.
Festive holidays are filled with sweet treats from eggnog and cider to fruitcake and chocolate bonbons.
Keys to Staying Healthy During the Holiday Season
Finding balance can preserve one’s well-being.
Food, festivities and friends are synonymous with the holidays. However, celebrations can take a toll on your health.
Designers Decorate Christmas Trees to Raise Funds
A few local designers are using their talent to bring holiday cheer to some local pediatric cancer patients.
Building a Savings Stockpile on Shoestring Budget
Money experts say it is possible to save, even on a limited income.
Even though Mary Beth Lanvin is employed full-time with a company that offers generous retirement benefits, she can’t afford to contribute to a 401(k).
Avoiding Holiday Debt
Plan now to prevent post-holiday bills.
Festive store displays mean the holiday shopping season is in full swing.
Tips for Year-End Charitable Giving
Financial experts offer suggestions for ensuring one’s donations are well spent.
’Tis the season for giving, and that includes donations to charities.
Teaching Children to Help Prepare Thanksgiving Dinner
Local chefs share tips and culinary traditions.
Susan Limb recalls spending the Thanksgiving days of her childhood in the kitchen with her grandmother, mother and two sisters. The family’s holiday ritual and the smell of a thyme- and butter-dressed turkey roasting in the oven are ingrained in her memory.
Thanksgiving Centerpiece Ideas: Flowers Not Required
Floral design pros share secrets to creating swoon-worthy centerpieces.
While the turkey is often the star of a Thanksgiving dinner table, a nonedible focal point can play a leading role in creating an elegant dinner table aesthetic. From lush floral arrangements to designs without blooms, three local floral design pros offer ideas for spectacular centerpieces that can be replicated easily at home.
Getting Organized for Thanksgiving
Local experts offer a survival guide.
Jill Mahon is hosting her family for Thanksgiving next week, which is, of course, the kick-off of the holiday season. But for Mahon, the holidays herald an organizational nightmare.
Woodpecker Attack
When Diane Smith moved into her Reston home in 2004, the house, which was built with cedar siding, was in good repair. The siding, she says, “appeared intact and heavily stained.”
An Oasis in Potomac
Home’s addition offers views of expansive backyard.
When the owners of a Potomac home decided that they wanted to expand their living space, their goal was to build a haven for family and friends to gather and enjoy spectacular views of their woodsy backyard.
Gearing Up for Turkey Trots
Fitness experts offer tips for getting in shape.
Before the bird is carved on Turkey Day, Arlington resident Nina Elliot will be hitting the pavement. The mother of two is running in the 7th Annual Arlington Turkey Trot.
Cutting a Rug
Researchers say dancing can improve balance and mental ability in seniors.
Springfield resident Fred Griffin enjoys a good hoe down and takes pleasure in doing a do-si-do. In fact, he has been square dancing since high school.
Racing for Superheroes
Event benefits local nonprofit organizations.
From children wearing superhero capes to costume-clad adults to tots in strollers, participants took to the streets of Arlington last month to raise money for charity as part of the fourth annual Acumen Solutions Race for a Cause 8K and One-Mile Fun Run.
Locals Join All-Star Line-up at Metro Cooking Show
Area specialty food entrepreneurs among the attractions at the 2012 Metropolitan Cooking and Entertaining Show.
When celebrity chefs and Food Network stars were in Washington last weekend for what has become a Super Bowl for foodies (Giada De Laurentiis, Jacques Pepin, Tom Colicchio and Gail Simmons and The Chew’s Michael Symon and Carla Hall were just some of the famous faces), some area culinary enthusiasts joined them as well.
Thank You, Thank You, Thank You
Mental Health professionals highlight potential health benefits of gratitude.
For many, November ushers in a season of giving thanks, an opportunity to express gratitude, but it can mean even more: some researchers say that Thanksgiving might actually be good for your health.
Using Smart Phone To Get Better Healthcare
New apps and websites designed to make medical visits more efficient.
When Susan Gallagher’s 5-year-old son had an allergic reaction to something he ate at a birthday party, the Reston mother knew she had to get him to an emergency room immediately.
Ghoulish Halloween Cooking
Spooktacular ideas for making halloween treats with children.
Looking to add a bit of sugary fright to Halloween? From swamp juice and mummy pizza to haunted gingerbread houses and spider cupcakes, local culinary experts say ideas for frightful treats abound.
St. Andrew’s Praised for Innovative Educational Approach
National education writer and researcher highlight school’s Center for Transformative Teaching and Learning.
Author, researcher and education blogger Grant Lichtman visited St. Andrew's Episcopal School’s Center for Transformative Teaching and Learning (CTTL) earlier this month as part of a national tour of schools in search of cutting-edge approaches to education.
Local Pastor Celebrates 61 Years in the Ministry
Potomac Presbyterian Church honors its Parish Advisor Emeritus.
Earlier this month, Potomac Presbyterian Church in Potomac, celebrated Miles’ 61 years in the ministry. Miles marked the occasion by giving a sermon titled, “Finding the Elusive Life.”
Joining Celebrity Chefs At Metro Cooking Show
She created sauces using late husband’s recipe to raise money for Lou Gehrig’s Disease research.
Connie Griffith, president and chief executive officer of Gator Ron's Zesty Sauces & Mixes, will showcase the products created by her husband Ron.
Halloween Merriment for Local Children
Marymount's 16th annual HalloweenFest offers an afternoon of trick-or-treating, games and crafts.
Some local children got Halloween treats a few days early thanks to the generosity of students at Marymount University.
Selected for Honors Choir
Group of 131 chosen from more than 600 students from around the state.
An Arlington student was recently selected to join a group of esteemed Virginia vocalists.
Beware: Halloween Can Frighten Small Children
Experts offer suggestions for helping small children who fear Halloween
On Halloween, when many don their scariest attire and head out for an evening of frightful fun, not everyone experiences merriment. Experts say some festivities can overwhelm tiny revelers.
Going Pink During October: Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Marymount University hosts "Pink Out" to educate young women about breast cancer.
A corner of Arlington turned pink last week in observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Marymount University held the first ever "Pink Out MU" day to promote breast cancer awareness and share information on the disease. The Student Health Center encouraged the community to wear pink to show their support for the fight against breast cancer. "A large number of people joined in the sprit and were wearing pink attire or pink ribbons," said Marymount spokeswoman Laurie Callahan.
Learning To Walk in Others’ Shoes
Special Needs Awareness Week at Wayside teaches acceptance and empathy.
“I went into someone's shoes,” said Yoon. “I would feel really frustrated. I'm thankful that I don't have a disability." Yoon’s activities were part of a weeklong Wayside initiative called SNAP (Special Needs Awareness Program), which is aimed at fostering empathy and sensitivity to others in the students.