I just realized that we're only two weeks away from our neighborhood pool opening this season and I panicked with fear just thinking about getting into my swimsuit! #SuburbanPeopleProblems.

So, today, I met with my friend, John Casto of Action Fitness. With a spinach shake in hand, John talked me into actually committing to a goal. I took the plunge and signed up for personal training and his Women's Only Fitness Bootcamp starting on Monday (OH NO!). I figure by posting here that you, my lovely/supportive/encouraging readers, will keep me accountable for at least the first month. My goal is to lose 5lbs in one month - totally doable, right?

I was thinking - since I'm going to be doing this challenge, wouldn't some of you like to do it with me?! Please! We can even go for margaritas after bootcamp :) I threw this idea at John and he said he'd extend ALL OF MY READERS a FREE ONE MONTH TRIAL for the Women's Only Fitness Bootcamp in Fairfax! WOO HOO!
Plus, FIVE WINNERS will receive a FREE personal training session to get you started. How fantastic is that? It will be way more fun if we do it together!

I am so excited to be hosting the Summer Block Party at South Moon Under at the new Mosaic District store on May 16! We hosted a Summer Block Party last year at the Reston Town Center store and it was a BLAST! If you've never been - make sure you arrive early - South Moon Under will be giving away SWAG BAGS to the first 50 guests in line. Hope to see you all there! xo

With the warm weather making an appearance, I started wearing sandals last week (God bless anyone what has had to look at my toes up until today). I desperately needed a pedicure, but I don't have a salon that I can rely on.

I'm a sucker for a good deal, so when I was searching Yelp reviews for local nail places and read "$25 mani/pedi" I was instantly sold (Tuesdays and Wednesdays only). It was peer-reviewed at 4 out of 5 stars - but with a warning that you get what you pay for... so don't set your expectations too high. This place was not Red Door by any means.

I called ahead and made an appointment (which I suggest you do as well). I enjoyed my pedicure and brief massage while it lasted. Since the price was already pretty cheap, I decided to try a Shellac French Manicure for the first time and absolutely loved it! My nails looked great for just about 2 weeks until I started peeling them off myself.

I walked out of there spending $60 after tip: French on fingers and toes, plus Shellac manicure. I'm guessing that if you can avoid the luxuries and just snag a solid color and pass on the Shellac, you could get out of there for $25 + tip.

Originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Megan PodoIsky has over 15 years experience in retail management, buying, and merchandising.  Her love of children and fashion makes owning 529 Kids Consign her “dream come true”. Between her business partner, Pouneh, and herself, they have four growing boys to dress. “Shopping for and dressing these little guys is something that we both love. However, we were shocked at how quickly these wares are out-grown – and we decided that we were probably not alone.”  And so, 529 Kids Consign was born.

Megan realized that she was doing what she loved: Being a mom, starting her business venture from home with her kids at her side, and helping other moms save money. Her dream started as an online boutique and quickly grew into a well-known "pop-up" boutique. Now, you can find 529 Kids Consign with a brick and mortar storefront in historic Old Town, Alexandria.

“I always knew I would own my own store, I just didn't think it would happen 6 months after my second son was born.  I dragged that little guy in his car seat to Home Goods once a week to purchase furniture for the store. Late nights merchandising the store with both boys in tow were both tiring and rewarding…  Now I walk into the store every day and pinch myself!”

Describe yourself in three words:  
Enthusiastic, Motivated, Hard-Working

What do you consider your greatest professional achievement?  
Opening 529 Kids Consign. After spending 15 years in the retail industry, it was always my ultimate goal to own my own store – and kids' consignment makes so much sense nowadays!

What are your professional goals for the next six months?
To expand our business and our brand!

How does your company stay connected through social media?
We post pictures of new product on a daily basis to stay in touch with our customers.

What profession other than yours would you like to attempt?  
Possibly social media marketing- I have become pretty good at it!

How do you maintain a work/life balance?  
My husband is my rock. He, too, works for himself...so together we are raising our two boys and living the American Dream. He helps with everything from cooking to changing diapers!

What websites do you visit every day?  
Facebook, Twitter, Nordstrom

What is your favorite drink – and where can you find it in Northern Virginia?
Grey Hound with fresh squeezed grapefruit juice at Virtue Feed & Grain!

What are your top 3 favorite people/places/things in Northern Virginia?  
-Cameron Station: My Neighborhood in Alexandria where most of the amazingly supportive women in my life live.
-Restaurant Eve: A dinner at the bar with my husband is one of my favorite night's out!
-Hanging with my little boys at any of the wonderful parks in Alexandria. 

What is your goal for retirement?
To be comfortable enough to enjoy our kids/grandchildren and not have to worry. And travel, travel, travel!

Do you have any advice for women who would like to start their own company?
Do not be afraid.  Keep a positive attitude!

Ready to have your kids' pictures taken this spring?

DaniPress Photography is offering upcoming specials:
*Military children minis – April 27 ONLY 
   $85 - includes two 5x7 prints
*Sibling mini sessions ongoing through July 31 
   $120 ...- includes three 4x6 gallery blocks
*Birthday sessions ongoing through July 31 
   $100 – includes 8x10 gallery block

Contact www.facebook.com/danipressphoto, www.danipressphoto.com, or email danipressphoto@gmail.com for more details.

Slots are filling up - book your session soon! Dani also specializes in couples, pets, dancers, yoga, and small parties and events.

*sponsored content provided by DaniPress Photography.

After several years in the corporate world and "surviving" company-wide layoff after layoff, Jennifer Sharman realized that she didn't like the feeling of letting someone else control her future.  Jenn was determined to be a successful businesswoman.  “A lot of my friends say they would be too nervous to start their own companies, but I saw it very differently.  I was too nervous not to!”

Jenn faced many obstacles along the way. But with the right perspective, she saw the obstacles as challenges – and overcoming the challenges has made the end result that much sweeter.  

The first business Jenn started after graduating from college was a successful salon in Reston.  She ran the salon with her twin sister for several years until her sister decided to step down as owner to focus on her growing family.  They sold the salon, but Jenn was not yet ready to give up her dream of running a successful business that provided a valuable service to the community.  With two little ones at home, Jenn was certain the concept of Sport Bounce would be well received.  Thankfully, the community has graciously agreed!

Describe yourself in three words:
Independent, Funny, Happy

What do you consider your greatest professional achievement?  
Creating two successful businesses in a world where a significant number of new businesses fail.

What are your professional goals for the next six months?
My husband and I are currently exploring franchising options for Sport Bounce and we are also developing another company called Scribehead (www.scribehead.com).  

How does your company stay connected through social media? (please provide links!)  
LinkedIn, Constant Contact, Facebook, and Twitter.

What profession other than yours would you like to attempt?
As mentioned above, my husband and I are also busy working on a new company called Scribehead.  Right now, we're just beginning to find resources and opportunities. In the meantime, he's busy improving the concept every day. How do you maintain a work/life balance?  
I hire the best people in the world to help take care of our day-to-day operations!  The team at Sport Bounce is an amazing group of people.  When I'm not physically there, I am very confident that our customers are being very well taken care of.  Because we are a busy place, it can get crazy sometimes.  Laughter helps and my team and I really try to keep it light and fun.  Afterall, how can a kids' party place not be FUN?!  :-)  I'm glad that my daughters see me working hard and having fun at the same time.  I hope I am setting a good example for them.

What websites do you visit every day?  
I love staying "in the know" with Facebook.  I also love visiting fitness-centered sites that provide motivation and education for staying healthy and active.

What is your favorite drink – and where can you find it in Northern Virginia?
I'm not a big alcohol drinker, so I'm going to have to say Starbucks chai tea latte.  If they had almond milk, I'd be there every day!

What are your top 3 favorite people/places/things in Northern Virginia?  
My daughters and my husband.  They inspire me every day.

What is your goal for retirement?
To stay physically active and independent while helping those who cannot be.

Do you have any advice for women who would like to start their own company?
Seek advice and information from business owners who have succeeded in your field... but follow your own heart and trust your own instincts.  Create a business much like the place YOU would enjoy going to and surround yourself with people who make your life better and happier.

Connet with Jennifer Sharman @ Sport Bounce of Loudoun
www.sportbounce.com  
www.twitter.com/sportbounce
www.facebook.com/sportbounce
via email: sportbounceva@aol.com

If you're staying in town for Spring Break and looking for something to do with the kids - check out the extended hours at Sport Bounce of Loudoun! ENTER BELOW TO WIN FOUR OPEN BOUNCE PASSES!

Guest Post by: Thanh Buswell
Happy Spring! Last Saturday, we kissed winter and the “Snowquester” goodbye with our first March weekend in the 60s.  With the great weather came more outdoor projects in the neighborhood. 

While sipping my morning coffee at half past seven, my ears perked at the familiar sound of a pressure washer from Neighbor-Across-the-Street.  If you read my February guest post, you know I am married to the owner of Cascade  Services , therefore I may have specially-tuned ears for this kind of noise.  After a full day of errands and enjoying our Saturday with friends, we found Neighbor-Across-the-Street was still pressure washing his house 8 hours later. What a day - but he was on the right track!  

Pressure washing the exterior portion of your home is a great project to jump start your Spring Cleaning. You would be surprised at the amount of mold, dirt, and mildew build up on your home. Even homeowners that tell us their house siding is in pretty clean shape are taken aback when we point out the little black mold spots everywhere.  In addition, dirty siding is one of the top HOA violations and one of the simplest things you can do to instantly brighten your home. 

Luckily for you, we are holding a Spring Giveaway hosted by the Real Housewives of Northern Virginia!  This is the very first time Cascade Services has ever done a giveaway and we are pretty excited it’s for RHNOVA readers!

The Cascade Spring Giveaway is for One Single Family House or Townhouse Pressure Wash Service (up to four sides at a value of up to $260).  Be sure to enter -- not only do you get a professionally pressure washed house exterior; you’ll also get back hours of your weekend! (Just ask my neighbor.)

And just in case you aren’t the lucky winner, please check out our website to find out more about our services and a few coupons and “Like” us on www.facebook.com/cascademe to keep up-to-date with special deals throughout the year.

*sponsored content provided by Cascade Services, LLC

Metro Parent Relief is a childcare network that offers only the best talent throughout the Arlington, Alexandria, Capitol Hill, DC, and Bethesda areas.
Have you ever seen Millionaire Matchmaker? Just like Patti Stanger, Metro Parent Relief Founder, Stacie Smith, personally connects parents with care providers to provide the perfect match!

Metro Parent Relief is more than just a nanny agency, they are a childcare network of women helping other moms and dads get through the toughest job there is — parenting!