St. Patricks Day Events!

Have you checked out our events calendar on http://www.leesburgfanpage.com/ ?    Lots going on in and around town today!

This and every Thursday is $3 Thursday at Tally Ho where you can watch first run movies for only $3 per person. 

Since today is the 3rd Thursday of the month it's also "Girls Night Out" in downtown Leesburg.... so come on it and pick up a program at any one of the local businesses who will be open late night and offering all kinds of specials.

But, if you're looking for something "different", you're in luck, we have a long list of great events that come but once a year....here are just a few....

You can't think St. Patrick's Day in Leesburg without automatically thinking about Spanky's Shenanigans on Market Street, where they invite you to "get your shamrocks off" there and to endulge in green eggs and beer, along with a full Irish menu, live music and free beads all day long.  What more could you possibly want?

Other best bets for St. Pats?  If you like the green beer scene, and don't want to miss a minute of March Madness, here are you best bets:   Bunkers Sports Cafe, & Sals NY Pizza, both on Market Street in Leesburg and Nicks Corner Grill in Brambleton (Ashburn). 

In Reston, just over the line into Fairfax County, Clyde's is hosting "The Running of the Leprechauns" beginning at 3pm, followed by Irish fun for all.... face painters, balloon twisters, a moonbounce, Irish music, dance and food. 

If that's not your style, maybe Grandale Farm has what you're looking for... you'll find no Green Beer there. They'll be celebrating St. Patricks Day with dinner specials, deals on good Irish Brews and "The Way Changers". 

The annual St. Patricks Day Party at the Carver Senior Center is pleased to be bringing in The Polka Dots who will perform a set of jaunty traditional tunes, and the Celtic School of Rythm will perform traditional Irish dance while partiers endulge in corned beef and cabbage. 

Check out info on these and other great events.... http://www.leesburgfanpage.com/.

Order Your Girl Scout Cookies TODAY

My girls would LOVE to have your order!! 

• This year, the price is $4.00 per box.
• Expected delivery is in February for initial orders.
• Cookie Flavors are the same choices as last year (detailed below).
• All cookies are Kosher.

****

Lemon Chalet Cremes

Vanilla sandwhich cookie w/ hint of cinnamon-ginger spice and a refreshing zesty lemon creme filling

* I am told these are Vegan!

Trefoils

Shortbread cookies

CLICK HERE to see serving suggestions

and recipes using this classic GS cookie!

Check out the recipe for the original Trefoils

Do-Si-Dos

Oatmeal cookies w/ creamy peanut butter filling

Have You Tried Do-Si-Do Chicken, or Peanut Butter Sandwich and Jelly Pie?  Click here to see these recipes and more!

Samoas

Vanilla Cookies, covered w/ caramel, rolled in toasted coconut and striped with a rich, chocolaty coating

For Recipe Ideas Like Samoan Cheesecake and More, Click Here!

 

Dulce de leche (New 2009)

Inspired by confections of Latin America, these are bite sized cookies rich with milk caramel chips

Thank U Berry Munch: (New 2010)

Real cranberries provide a delightful tartness in these hearty cookies sweetened with creamy white fudge chips.  Yumm!

*  I am told these are Vegan.

CLICK HERE to get the recipe for a SALAD with these cookies, or trail mix or other recipe ideas. 

Tagalongs

Tasty cookies topped with creamy peanut butter and covered with a chocolaty coating.  (Vicky's favorite)

Find Scrumptious Tagalong Recipes by clicking HERE!

Thin Mints 

Thin wafer, covered in a smooth chocolaty coating,
made w/ natural peppermint.  For Thin Mint Recipe Ideas, Click Here!

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SUPPORTING OUR TROOPS

HELPING OUR NEIGHBORS

You may also purchase cookies to be donated or contribute to the troop's GIFT OF CARING
- our troop will be sending the donated cookies to soliders in Afghanistan/Iraq (if possible).  Alternatively, the cookies will be donated to our local food bank - Interfaith Relief.  Please specify if you'd like to donate to one of these causes. 

===================================================

With your help, the Girl Scouts are building the leaders of tomorrow,

 changing the world for the better.... one cookie at a time. 

Learn more about the HISTORY OF GIRL SCOUT COOKIES by clicking HERE.

In Loudoun and Dulles, contact vchrisner@verizon.net
to find out how to place your order.

Outside Loudoun, visit http://www.girlscoutcookies.org/ to find a troop near you!
*  Dietary Information for Girl Scout Cookies can be found here: http://s3.amazonaws.com/www.littlebrownie.com/downloads/NLIs_All.pdf

Keller Williams Ranks #1 in Customer Satisfaction

Keller Williams Realty takes it again:  "Highest in Overall Satisfaction for Home Buyers Among National Full Service Real Estate Firms"... THREE years in a row!

Thanks, JD Power and Associates!


Thinking of buying a home?  If you'd like the right balance of competency, professionalism, integrity and personalized service, Keller Williams has an associate in your area!

Moving to the Dulles area (Northern Virginia...Fairfax/Loudoun counties)?  I'd love to help!

Vicky Chrisner

703-669-3142

VChrisner@KW.com

Search for homes for free:

http://www.vickychrisner.com/

Loudoun is Celebrating America's 234th Birthday!

America turns 234 this year.  I think we look pretty good for our 234th Birthday, don't you?  Here in Loudoun, we're gettin' all fancied up in our dress red white and blues, because we're serious about celebrating our indepedence!  There's so much do to here we have to spread it over three days!

Friday:  Leesburg is the place to be!

As a kickoff to their "Hometown Friday" segments, Fox 5 is broadcasting LIVE from the courthouse lawn and Dodona Manor, Friday morning between 6am and 10am.  There will be cooking demonstrations, wine pairing, tastings from Mom's Apple Pie, a historian, a representative from the Redskins, live music and MORE.  We hope you'll join us... and maybe even get your 15 minutes of fame!

Then, around Happy Hour "First Friday" starts downtown.  We do this the first Friday of every month...so if you miss this weekend, catch us in August.  Most of the shops are open late and hosting  a special event.  There are art exhibits and auctions, several live concerts, a luau, some special Independence Day parties, a live comedy show, give aways and more.  Check out http://www.firstfridayleesburg.com/ for more information.

ONLINE:  If you can't be with us physically, be with us VIRTUALLY!  All day we'll be doing fun contests with fans and giving away prizes via social media - check out www.facebook.com/leesburgva for more info!

Saturday

Hillsboro has an authentic hometown feel to their celebrations, where festivities start at 6pm. Boy and Girl Scouts will support the Hillsboro Community Association, pulling together to provide patriotic presentations, music, facepainting, sack races, and good old fashioned fun. The Ruritan club will have meals available for sale (think hot dogs and BBQ), and there will be free ice cream for all! Local businesses and citizens contribute many goodies for raffles and bake sales with proceeds going to preserve the Old Stone School. Aerial and ground fireworks begin after dark. The event (except for fundraisers) is free, but donations are tax deductible and welcomed.

http://www.hillsborova.org/events.htm

Lansdowne (Eastern Leesburg) Resort is celebrating from 7pm to 10pm...enjoy live music and fireworks from outdoor terraces or bring a blanket and find a comfy place on the lawn. Concert and Fireworks are free, refreshments and picnic baskets are available for purchase.

http://www.lansdownesensations.com/

Lovettsville is hosting a celebration starting at 530 with a parade, ending with the fireworks display that starts at 915.  Sandwiched in between will be fun family activities, live music, and refreshments!  (Free)

http://www.lovettsvilleva.gov/

In Sterling, the Sterling Golf Club invites us all to join them at the pool at 1, and then to enjoy food and festivities with them until the fireworks display, which start at 915.  (Free)

http://www.sterlinggolfclub.com/

Sunday

Ashburn Village gets its party started at Fincastle Field where neighbors decorate bikes, wagons, and strollers and show off their spirited garb in a great old fashioned parade (starting at 1030)! Then, on to other fun, like enjoying the live DJ, dunk tank, inflatibles and more!  The pool party is 11 to 4, and there's live music and fireworks which start after dusk.

http://avsp.squarespace.com/

Leesburg's festivities begin at 10am with a downtown parade.  Dodona Manor will be open from 2:30 to 5:00 for free tours and an ice cream social with live music.  There's a little time to do some browsing in our downtown shops before or after the ice cream social.  Then, festivities continue at Ida Lee Park at 6pm, with live music starting at 7, and then fireworks (timed with the music) starting at 930.  ($1 donation for ice cream; all other activities are Free)

http://www.idalee.org/

Middleburg's party starts at the pool at 11am....then they add games, music, contests and food and and fun is had by all.  The pool closes at 6pm.  Middleburg Fireworks begin at 9.  (Free)

http://www.loudoun.gov/middleburgcc

Purcellville has activities EVERYWHERE!  Starting at noon is the Firemans Parade (from Emerick Elementary to Loudoun Valley High).  At 1:30 other festivities begin with childrens rides, food, crafts and live music (nominal fee for childrens rides).  Then, at 6pm, head on over to Franklin Park where you'll enjoy more live music and great food until fireworks start soon after dark.  (Suggested donation is $5 at Franklin Park, Town activities are free)

http://www.loudoun.gov/Default.aspx?tabid=914

Sterling has an event on the 4th, too!  This one is at Claude Moore Park (Lanesville Heritage Area)... an Ol'Time Celebration! A pie eating contest, wagon and pony rides, crafts, live music and more!   It's all going on 10:30am to 3:00pm. 

http://www.loudoun.gov/claudemoorepark

No matter what corner of our county you're in, there's sure to be fun nearby!   I think John Adams would be proud!  Did you know that he predicted we'd celebrate our Indepedence in just such a manner?  Wherever you are, whatever you do, stop for a minute this weekend to reflect upon the courage it took our forefathers to create this great nation... and the courage and sacrifice made every day by our leaders and soldiers and fellow countrymen to maintain America~ Land of the free, and Home of the Brave!

PS One more tip - try out fireworks 3d glasses - they make fireworks (and just about any light) look like this:

* * * * * *

Thinking of buying or selling a house in Loudoun? 

Check with a local expert:

Vicky Chrisner

Keller Williams Leesburg

703-669-3142

Loudoun Is Alive With Music!

Loudoun is alive with music! 

This summer's gonna be "hot-hot-hot"!  But wherever you are in Loudoun, there's sure to be cool music playing. Check out this list of outdoor music series offered throughout the county.

Thursdays

BRAMBLETON'S SUMMER SIZZLIN CONCERTS
Location: Brambleton
Live concerts bi-weekly on Thursdays, Jul 1- Aug 26
Cost: FREE
http://www.brambleton.com/towncenter/

Fridays

LANSDOWNE SOUNDS OF SUMMER SERIES
Location: Lansdowne Resort, Leesburg, VA
Live evening concerts every Friday starting June 18th
Cost: FREE
http://www.lansdownesensations.com/sounds-of-summer/


Saturdays

SUMMER MUSIC SERIES BY COCA-COLA
Location: Leesburg Premium Outlet Mall, Leesburg, VA
Live concerts 6 different Saturday afternoons (check schedule), June 12 to Aug 28
Cost: FREE
http://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlets/sales.asp?id=14


ACOUSTIC ON THE GREEN
Location: Town Green, Historic Leesburg (25 West Market Street)
Live concerts Saturday evenings June 12-August 28
Cost: FREE
http://www.acousticonthegreen.com/

BLUEMONT CONCERT SERIES (Middleburg)
Location: Middleburg Community Center, Ballfield (300 W Washington St)
Live concerts Saturday evenings in July (check schedule)
Cost: $2-5
http://www.bluemont.org/Concerts/Middleburg.html

Sundays

BLUEMONT SUMMER CONCERTS AT DADONA MANOR
(previously located at the Courthouse Lawn)
Location: Historic Leesburg
Live concerts Sunday evenings June 28-August 30
Cost: Admission $2 for kids; $5 for adults
http://www.bluemont.org/Concerts/Leesburg.html

LOUDOUN SUMMER MUSIC FEST
(Previously the Belmont Concert Series)
Location: Belmont area, Ashburn, VA
Live evening concerts begin in May: Mostly Sunday evenings, but some Saturdays, too.
Cost: Season passes from $150; Prices for individual concerts start at $12.50
http://loudounsummermusicfest.com/

* * * * * *
And more!

'Happenings!' is a list of upcoming art shows, theatrical and musical exhibitions, show and performances in and around Loudoun ~ Check there often for new updates!
http://www.loudounarts.org/happenings.html

New Laws About Alternative Septic Systems

There are new laws - "Emergency Laws" - in effect now in the state of Virginia which regulate the maintenance and legal operation of so called "alternative septic systems". 

Alternative septic systems are anything that are not "conventional" systems.  Some common types include: Advantex, Delta Whitewater, Puraflo, Eco-flow and Sandfilter.  If you have one of these types of system (available only for the past 20 years), then these laws DO apply to you. 

Under these new regulations, HOMEOWNERS:

• 
  
  Must maintain an Operations and Maintenance Manual.
• 
  
  Must maintain a relationship with a licensed operator.  In most cases this means that you have to have a service contract, unless you are or you directly employ a licensed operator.
• 
  
  Assure that the licensed operator visits, collects samples and makes adjustments as needed for proper maintenance of system and to be in compliance with the regulations.
• 
  
  Make these records available to anyone who purchases the property.

In addition, if you have an "alternative" system in Loudoun County, you are required to have have an annual "1067" inspection.  The inspector must be approved by Loudoun County to conduct such an inspection (see link below of approved inspectors). 

The costs of a maintenance contract and the various inspections vary depending on your system, but shouldn't be more than a few hundred dollars a year. In most cases it will still be less expensive than paying a public utility for sewage services.

A note about contractors:

Please note that all contractors are not equal.  In Virginia, there are separate licenses issued for installers and operators.  Although one may carry both licenses, not all do.  Further, Loudoun has specifically provided a list of approved inspectors to be in compliance with their law... approved inspectors may or may not also be licensed operators or installers.  Personally, I suggest one stop shopping... hire someone that is a licensed 1067 inspector, a licensed operator and even a licensed installer, in case you need a new tank or drainage lines.  In my opinion, this will usually offer more seamless service and overall better maintenance.  Companies that can offer you all relevant services may even offer you discounts on larger repairs that fall outside of the normal maintenance realm.  On local company that offers this "one stop shopping" with licensed operators and installers and are approved to conduct 1067 inspections for Loudoun, is http://www.ses-company.com/.

Additional References:

Virginia Health Department

List of Licensed Operators in Virginia

Loudoun's list of "approved" 1067 Inspectors

View your Septic Records Online (Loudoun Co only)

Youth Sports Opportunities in Loudoun

If you're moving to Loudoun, you may wonder what there is for kids to do... well, the list is so plentiful, we have to break it down into segments.  Here's a list we compiled on the Leesburg, Va Facebook fan page of area sports opportunity for kids.  If you're moving here, you might just want to "fan" that page on Facebook... you'll get a real feel for the heart of the community there. 

In the meantime, enjoy this list of places where your kids can get involved in local sports! 

(And remember, if you're looking to move here... as a local REALTOR, I'd love to help you~Click HERE to go to my web page!)

BASKETBALL

Loudoun Co Parks & Rec: http://www.loudoun.gov/Default.aspx?tabid=700

Loudoun Freedom (travel, girls): http://www.loudounfreedom.com/

Town of Leesburg/Parks and Rec: http://www.idalee.org/index.aspx?page=491  
Upwards Basketball-LCC/Dominion Academy: http://leesburgcc.org/pages/page.asp?page_id=21429
Upwards Basketball-CFC: http://www.cfellowshipc.org/pages/page.asp?page_id=8980

CHEERLEADING

Loudoun Co Parks & Rec: http://www.loudoun.gov/Default.aspx?tabid=700
Upwards Cheerleading-LCC/Dominion Academy: http://leesburgcc.org/pages/page.asp?page_id=21429  
Town of Leesburg/Parks and Rec: http://www.idalee.org/index.aspx?page=491

DANCE

Dance Academy of Loudoun: http://danceloudoun.com/
Creative Dance Center: http://www.cdcdance.com/

LACROSSE

Dulles Sportsplex: http://dullessportsplex.com/main/Youth_Futsal.htm  
Loudoun Co Parks and Rec: http://www.loudoun.gov/Default.aspx?tabid=700
Town of Leesburg/Parks and Rec: http://www.idalee.org/index.aspx?page=491

FOOTBALL

i9 Youth Football League: http://www.i9sports.com/HomePage.aspx
Loudoun Co Parks & Rec: http://www.loudoun.gov/Default.aspx?tabid=700
Town of Leesburg/Parks and Rec: http://www.idalee.org/index.aspx?page=491  

FUTSAL

Dulles Sportsplex: http://dullessportsplex.com/main/default.asp

GOLF

Loudoun Co Parks & Rec: http://www.loudoun.gov/Default.aspx?tabid=700
Town of Leesburg/Parks and Rec: http://www.idalee.org/index.aspx?page=491

GYMNASTICS

Loudoun Co Parks & Rec: http://www.loudoun.gov/Default.aspx?tabid=700

HOCKEY

(Ice) Ashburn Ice House: http://ashburnice.com/hockeyprograms.php
(Roller Hockey) Dulles Sportsplex: http://dullessportsplex.com/main/default.asp

SOCCER

Dulles Sportsplex: http://dullessportsplex.com/main/default.asp
Loudoun Youth Soccer Association: http://www.lysa.net/
Town of Leesburg/Parks and Rec: http://www.idalee.org/index.aspx?page=491
Loudoun Co Parks & Rec: http://www.loudoun.gov/Default.aspx?tabid=700

SKATING/SKATEBOARDING

Town of Leesburg/Parks and Rec: http://www.idalee.org/index.aspx?page=491

SWIMMING

Town of Leesburg/Parks and Rec: http://www.idalee.org/index.aspx?page=491
Loudoun Co Parks & Rec: http://www.loudoun.gov/Default.aspx?tabid=700

TENNIS

Town of Leesburg/Parks and Rec: http://www.idalee.org/index.aspx?page=491
Loudoun Co Parks & Rec: http://www.loudoun.gov/Default.aspx?tabid=700

VOLLEYBALL

Dulles Sportsplex: http://dullessportsplex.com/main/default.asp
Loudoun Co Parks & Rec: http://www.loudoun.gov/Default.aspx?tabid=700

OTHER

Town of Leesburg/Parks and Rec: http://www.idalee.org/index.aspx?page=491
Loudoun Co Parks & Rec: http://www.loudoun.gov/Default.aspx?tabid=700
General Family Fitness/For Kids Sake: http://fitforkidssake.com/

National Open House Weekend!

Celebrate the first ever National Open House Weekend ~

Coordinated by the National Association of REALTORS!

Courtesy of "The Real Estate Whisperer", check out this list of fabulous OPEN HOUSES IN LOUDOUN this weekend!

Saturday (14 houses open):

http://matrix.mris.com/Matrix/Public/Portal.aspx?ID=36207027601

Sunday (30 houses open):

http://matrix.mris.com/Matrix/Public/Portal.aspx?ID=36207034318

Thinking of moving in the near future? Fan "The Real Estate Whisperer" to get this list every weekend!

Or, for a personal list of homes that are open each weekend, email your selection criteria to vchrisner@kw.com!

This Weekends Events!

And so it begins... Here in Loudoun, next week is Spring Break, which means no school. 

Many people will be on vacation, others will perhaps be on a "Staycation" looking for local stuff to get into.  Still others will have extended family or friends staying with them during the week..and perhaps trying to figure out what to do with them.  Then there are the poor shleps that will be breezing to work with barely a hint of rush hour next week. 

Which one is you?

If you're staying local, and especially if you'll have visitors, you'll want to check out the Events Page of the Leesburg VA Fanpage.  There are TONS of Leesburg/Loudoun events listed...and many will be ongoing through the upcoming week.

This weekend a few seasonal highlights are:

While the fan page mostly focuses on Leesburg and Loudoun events, who can ignore DC's famous Cherry Blossom Festival, less than an hour away?

The last weekend of the Big Apple Circus!

http://livinginloco.blogspot.com/2010/03/rainy-afternoon-dulles-town-center-mall.html

Instrument Petting Zoo by Loudoun Symphony @ Rust Library

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=109684822382077&index=1

Ida Lee's Easter Egg Hunt

Marshmallow Harvest and Egg Hunt (Great Country Farms)

as well as other local egg hunts, festivals, "open plays" at kids gyms, performances, Treasure Quest at Tally Ho, and a myriad of other great events. 

It's true, we do focus on the kid friendly and family oriented events (because children require constant entertainment), but trust me, DC's Wine Country offers plenty for adults. 

How about about antiquing, meandering and window shopping in our many downtown areas?  Check out are wonderful trails and parks where you can picnic, boat, fish, hike, and explore.  This weekend wraps up Virginia's first ever Wine Week (Click here for a coupon to our own Leesburg Vintner, and find out more), and there are many local restaurants, stores, and vineyards participating in the "Love By The Glass" promotion.

Whatever you're up to, there's something for everyone.  From now on, don't miss a thing!  Become a FAN today! www.facebook.com/leesburgva

$3 Thursdays @ Tally Ho

I've posted on this before, but I want to give a quick holler out to my friends at Tally Ho Theatre, where they continue to offer "$3 THURSDAYS"!

It's Simple:

All Seats

All Showings

$3

Currently, Alice in Wonderland is playing.  I am hoping to wrap up my work day early and head over!  It will be a great treat for the kids, and for less than $10 for all 3 of us, a great treat for me, too.

Sorry, no 3D:  Tally Ho does not have 3D technology.  So, okay, some people will want to go to a more expensive theatre where they can see the movie in 3D.  Although, I've been told that for "little ones" the 3D version of Alice in Wonderland may be "too much".  I admit there are some movies (usually action) where seeing it in 3D is the only way to do it - but at least when you're paying $9 to see a movie, you know what you're paying the extra $6 for.

On a budget? Last time I went, kids drinks were only 99 cents, and I buy them snacks either before or after the movie.... not during (even though the smell of that popcorn is intoxicating). I am trying to teach them that eating doesn't automatically go along with watching a movie.

In this economy I just can not afford to pay the fees - even matinee costs - at most theatres. For more great fun, check out Tally Ho's other offerings - like family comedy nights!

http://www.tallyholeesburg.com/

Looking for other things to see and do in and around Leesburg/Loudoun?  Check out this blog, or join our Facebook Fan Page: www.facebook.com/leesburgva - and check out the EVENTS tab!   Got any other great options for entertaining yourself and your family.... especially for free or really inexpensively? Please, add your comments.

Thank U Berry Munch! (Salad with COOKIES!)

Our Newest Girl Scout Cookie, THANK U BERRY MUNCH, is scrumptious.  It is a light cookie, with cranberries. 

When I tasted it, I imagined a hot summer day that I'd been playing outside with the kids, getting parched and my blood sugar running low.... and being treated to this cookie!  It would be delightful to have coupled with some rasberry tea, lemonade or a mix of gingerale and cranberry juice (a favorite "spritzer" of mine)... ahhh.... simply refreshing. 

It bet it would also be fantastic with a hot fruit flavored tea and a touch of honey on a chilly spring or fall day.

With it being new this year, I've not had time to really experiment or day dream about experimenting with recipes with this cookie... but some bakers have.  They have some great ideas!!!  And, if we use them we can have cookies in our salad.  I love this diet plan!  It's one even I might be able to stick to in 2010.

Try out some....

Berry Munch Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

For the kiddos, maybe

Thank U Berry Munch Granola

Or maybe some

Thank U Berry Munch Bread Pudding

I also suspect you could crush it up and make it into a pie crust which would be wonderful with a cheesecake filling or vanilla pudding filling with cranberries mixed in.

These are really interesting recipes, admit it.  You know you need a box, even if it is just to try out these recipes.  So, just click here to find out how to order Girl Scout Cookies in Loudoun/Dulles or elsewhere!

And, stay tuned to http://www.livinginloco.blogspot.com/.  I have a few more recipes I will be posting soon!

GS Cookies, Not Just For Dessert Anymore! Check Out These Great Recipes - including DINNER recipes - with Do-Si-Dos

The GS Cookie "What's Your Favorite" online poll suggests that only 5% of us rate Do-Si-Dos (AKA Peanut Butter Sandwich) as our favorite.... but some how, the Girl Scouts report that 11% of cookie sales are for Do-Si-Dos.  I guess the people who like those cookies best buy twice as many boxes.

Well, Do-Si-Do fans, we're taking orders!!!!  Order plenty for "now" and later, and order enough that you can try out one (or more) of these interesting recipes:

What's For Dinner? 
Peanut Thai Chicken made with Do-Si-Dos!
Do-Si-Do Chicken

Then, for Dessert try out one of these:
Peanut Butter and Jelly Ice Cream Sunday Pie.
Do-Si-Do Cheesecake

Be sure and check out our other posts, including recipes with other GS Cookies!! For a list of all GS cookies being offered in our region, and to find out how to place an order, click here!

And, be sure to stay tuned to learn more about GS cookies, and sales in Loudoun County!

****

Stay tuned for more information about LIVING IN LOUDOUN COUNTY.

For information on our local real estate market, please tap into the resources at http://www.therealestatewhisperer.blogspot.com/

To search for homes for sale, check out the HOME SEARCH option at

http://www.vickychrisner.com/

Curious what the value of your home is?

Just click here for a free market snapshot.

All I Want For Christmas Is To Save Landfill Space

All I want for Christmas is to Save Landfill Space.  Can you help?

Yes, Trash and the Holidays go together.  Think of what the streets and dumpsters in your neighborhood look like on "trash days" for the days and weeks after Christmas.  It's been said that between Thanksgiving and New Years, Americans throw away an extra MILLION TONS of garbage EACH WEEK.  Really?  Ya gotta be kidding me.

But, then again, think of the wrapping paper we purchase just to wrap presents and then unwrap them and throw it away.  What about all the boxes we ask for from retailers - again, just to make wrapping easier, and then we throw away the boxes.  And, with all the new toys, and the ebay and internet shopping, mailing gifts to far away family members, the packaging is all just for TEMPORARY use.  Then, we throw it all away.  But, together we can make a difference!

Give it some thought. 

What ways can we save landfill space?

REDUCE:

• 
  
  Boxes:  Instead of asking for boxes at the retailers, can you wrap your gifts without the boxes?  If you must use a box, can it be a box that can be used again - like a storage box that the recipient needs anyway? 
  
• Replacing the need for boxes AND wrapping paper, a friend of mine buys Space Bags and "shrink wraps" gifts like blankets, clothes, etc., and then wraps a big bow around it!  She says when everything's smooshed you can't really tell what it is anyway! And the bags are treasured parts of the gift and are her extended family... sometimes to pack hand-me-down clothes to give back to her! (Win-win-win again!)
• Check out the many ideas here: http://chickiedee.com/blog/2009/12/its-a-wrap/
• 
  
  Wrapping Paper:  Is it really necessary?   What about hiding gifts and creating a treasure map that goes into the stocking, allowing older kids to follow clues to find their gifts?  They might not need to be wrapped at all!
  
• 
  
  Packaging Materials:  Do you really need styrofoam peanuts?  Why not reuse something already on hand?  Think old grocery bags and newspaper or shredded paper from the office.
  
• 
  
  Holiday Cards: Must you?  Consider sending an E-card or calling with your holiday wishes.  But, if you must send cards, check out our idea under "Reuse".
  

REUSE:

Wrapping Paper:  

• What about re-using gift bags from last year?
• Remember in the 70's?  We used to wrap presents in the comic section from the Washington Post, or in brown paper bags. I don't know if we did it because we were poor, or what - but we did.  And, it is sounding like a great idea to me!  Plus, instead of "trashing" that paper, we can use it in our wood burning fireplaces and stoves to start fires.  So, after we've read the paper, we can wrap in the paper and then burn it for heat, thus reducing the electric or natural gas we'll need to use to heat our home.  Other examples of things you can wrap gifts in - kids school work (maybe only the ones with good grades) art projects, calendar pages, interesting newspaper or magazine articles with relevent parts highlighted, old wallpaper and more!  Be creative.

Boxes:

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  Forgoe the need for boxes by using ordinary "trash" as containers - like placing gifts in toilet paper or paper towel rolls, or into a plastic 2 liter bottle, egg cartons... just about anything - check out the ideas in this blog, which include instructions on how to use old greeting cards to make gift boxes:  http://familycrafts.about.com/od/giftwrap/a/CreativeGiftWrapIdeas.htm
  
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  If you really need a box in which to wrap something, can you use a box you have around the house, or one destined for the trash?  Richard Mielke (A REALTOR in Gettysburg, PA) has a stash of gift boxes that his family keeps and reuses year to year.  Fellow Twit CSSharp7 says her family has pre-wrapped boxes they reuse each year!  In our family, one of our best "gags" is wrapping a "new" stereo in the box of an old stereo (or a variation of this gag) - the kids buy into the gag every time and it is hysterical. 
  
• 
  
  Use gift bags whenever possible instead of boxes, as they are more likely to be reused in the future, and specifically tell the recipient that is why you chose to use a bag - so you'd create less trash and they'd have something reuseable.
  

Bags:

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  When shopping, don't forget to bring along your own bags - the ones you use at the grocery store or extra plastic or paper ones you have at the house are great. 
  
• 
  
  Likely, you will still end up with new extra bags after your shopping endeavors.  Reuse these as packaging materials, perhaps to make your own gift bags (SEE LINK), and to carry packages when you're delivering them.  Then, when they are torn and good for nothing, move on to Recycling.
  

Christmas Cards:

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  Remove the fronts of Christmas Cards and attach a new back - presto magic - an inexpensive and "green" holiday card.
  
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  Too much work for you?  Send your cards to St. Judes and they'll gladly do it.  They are accepting cards (for ANY occaision) through February.  For more details, go to their site: http://stjudesranch.org/help_card.php  Special thanks to Lisa Rodgers (via her blog, "cactusandivy.blogspot.com") for this great idea!
  

Gifts:

• Re-gifting and shopping at thrift/second hand stores is all the rage this year!  It's thrifty AND green - two things our society needs more of right now! 
• Check out these ideas: (Recycled Holidays) http://www.thelovealliance.net/action/

Christmas Trees:

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  If you usually get a live tree, does it make sense for you to purchase one that can be replanted?  No space in your yard?  I bet a local school, park or other landowner would be more than willing to allow you to plant it on their property.
  
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  Does it make sense for you to consider an artificial one?  Make sure, of course, that you do reuse it.  Better yet, use an "extra" one someone else is no longer using.
  

RECYCLE:

When all else fails, at least recycle.  If you generally don't recycle, could you at least commit to recycling during the next 30 days? It counts as your Christmas gift to me, and to all your neighbors.... and to yourself.  Plus, it likely won't cost you a thing.  How many holiday gifts are free, really?

Replacing your old lights?  Check out this recycling (and money saving) opportunity!: http://www.holidayleds.com/holidayledscom_christmas_light_recycling_program
I found this great blog on what the "recycling numbers" mean.  It's a good general guide to the types of products that are usually recylcable, check it out: http://ecovillagegreen.com/2009/04/what-do-the-plastic-recycling-numbers-mean/

And, look for special opportunities to throw away live trees - they are recycled into mulch.  At least in Loudoun, the mulch is available at the Loudoun County Landfill for pick up anytime - free of charge (you haul).  Check out this blog for other examples of how trees are being recycled, and links to where you can get information on recycling trees in your area: http://ow.ly/I1zs

Also keep in mind that the plastic store bags are recyclable - but you usually have to return them to a grocery store to find the right place to leave them.  And, to find recycling drop off centers for those styrofoam peanuts check out this site: http://loosefillpackaging.com/   (Thanks to Avery Products for sharing this site!)

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What other ideas do you have to keep our landfills from getting

"dumped on" this holiday season?  Please share!

And, when you see Christmas Decorations of red and green, think of THIS picture, and think how great you'd look if YOU were green. 

Then, make it happen!  REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE.

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Thank you for doing your part!

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